USB/Firewire DACs with 24/192 USB

[kfr01]

cmalak: Risk that it won't be quality is likely reduced by the fact that Aesthetix is licensing the USB input approach from Wavelength. I agree, I'd like to see a little bit more about it.

Is the feedback re: the DAC8 generally positive?

[kfr01]

Northstar Design USB dac32 added. This looks like a real contender.

Digital Audio Blog: Northstar Design USB dac32

[Face]

Berkeley Audio Design Product

Welcome to Metric Halo

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by kfr01

cmalak: Risk that it won't be quality is likely reduced by the fact that Aesthetix is licensing the USB input approach from Wavelength. I agree, I'd like to see a little bit more about it.

Is the feedback re: the DAC8 generally positive?

It has generally been very favorable. The reviews you can get off of ARC's web site or a google search. There are a number of threads on Agon and Computer Audiophile you can check out. If you have notbeen to Computer Audiophile, you should check it out for all things PC audio oriented. Lot of reviews as well as user posts/questions on various equipment. Good luck.

[kfr01]

Face: Berkeley's DAC does not have a USB input. And, I'm not sure what those Metric devices are all about.

[kfr01]

Cyril: have you given any thought to the Northstar? The text sounds amazing, but it seems pretty new.

Northstar - USB dac32

[Face]

Originally Posted by kfr01

Face: Berkeley's DAC does not have a USB input. And, I'm not sure what those Metric devices are all about.

LIO-8: Premier Converter, Processor, Interface

Sorry, I didn't know you meant USB and Firewire support. Both the Berkeley and Metric Halo are FW only AFAIK.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by kfr01

Cyril: have you given any thought to the Northstar? The text sounds amazing, but it seems pretty new.

Northstar - USB dac32

kfr01...it's the first I read about it. Thx for the link. I will try find out more about it. If I hit upon any additional info, I will post back here.

[kfr01]

Face: Oh, wait... is the Berkeley Firewire? It does not mention Firewire on the Berkeley spec sheet you linked.

[cmalak]

kfr01...I just remembered I had exchanged emails with Jonathan Tinn of Bluelight Audio (distributors of Dartzeel amps, Evlution Acoustics speakers, and Playback Designs digital offerings), and he had informed me that their new MPS-3 (CD/DAC) and MPD-3 (DAC only) players are coming out in May and they are less expensive than the MPS-5 and MPD-5. The MPS-3 will have an MSRP of $8,500 and the MPD-3 will be $6,500. Both retain much of the sonic character of the MPS-5/MPD-5 but the MPS-3 will only read CDs as opposed to CD/SACD for the MPS-5. The digital inputs on both units will accept:

Up to 24/192 PCM through S/PDIF or AES/EBU
Up to 24/384 PCM through USB
Up to 6.1 MHz DSD through USB

Another set to keep track of

I believe they were either launched at RMAF or CES so if you go to Stereophile or Soundstage.com and you look for the show report comments on the Dartzeel/Evolution Acoustics room, there will be some descriptions of these new Playback Designs offering.