[jdandy]

Originally Posted by chessman

As a representative of the technology impaired, I have to ask: wouldn't an asynchronous DAC obviate the need (or usefulness) of this device?

Randy.......That's a good question. Asynchronous is the most advanced USB data transmission method for music playback. It employs a feedback loop so that the amount of data in the frame can be controlled. Asynchronous USB uses a clock near the DAC that allows it to drive the DAC directly, effectively ignoring the typically unstable clock in a computer. Despite an asynchronous connection, timing errors remain present at the DAC's clock and even though the data in the frame rate is better controlled it is still not perfect. By more accurately timing the data before it arrives at a DAC's clock, pre-conditioning the USB signal is how W4S refers to it, even with the asynchronous transmission the DAC and it's clock have a simpler task of converting the digital voltage variations to a clean analog signal. At least that is my understanding. I am not a computer science engineer so there may be plenty of room for improvement to my explanation. Anyone who wishes, please feel free to grab the baton and carry it to the finish line.