Protocol converters

You can't connect two devices if they don't have the same interface in common.

You need to convert.

USB to SPDIF (coax or Toslink)

If your PC has USB out and your amp S/PDIF in, you can try a USB to S/PDIF converter.

 

Audiophilleo 1 $895

  • Asynchronous USB
  • 192Khz 24bit sample rate capable
  • Ultra low jitter SPDIF output (<15ps rms)
  • Direct connection to DAC without expensive cable (BNC)
  • Fixed Frequency Clocks
  • Windows, OSX, and Linux compatibility with Dual Driver capability
  • Regenerative power supply which isolates the S/PDIF output stage from USB power
  • Fully differential ECL galvanically isolated transformer-less output stage
  • Upgradeable firmware
  • Machined cast aluminum case for best shielding
  • Complete immunity to audio vibration even with the loudest playback
  • The included USB and SPDIF cables/connectors are tested for optimal performance. No need to buy additional cables - they won't improve your sound.

Bel Canto USB Link 24/96 $495

  • Adaptive USB
  • 24 bits/ 96kHz (ASRC using Centrance software)
  • USB Link 24/96 disables system volume control
  • Low-jitter clock recovery features reference crystal oscillator
  • Self-powered via USB input benefiting from LC filters and low-noise local regulation
  • Galvanic isolation between computer and audio system prevents high-frequency noise from polluting signal

 

 

Blue Circle Audio $189,-

A PVC pipe filled with silicon and some unknown parts.

We are not going to tell anyone what IC we use for the conversion and DAC because we want you to judge the USB Thingee by its sonic performance and not by the numbers and specs.

 

CyroParts Sonicweld Diverter $1299

USB to SPDIF converter

  • Passes up to 24/96 data via USB
  • No special drivers or software needed
  • Unique internal power supply regulation for optimum performance using USB bus power - no external power supply needed!
  • Aggressive common and differential mode filtration circuit designed for optimum performance using USB bus power
  • All bypass caps are non-microphonic SMT film types
  • Active inrush current management protects USB controller
  • Custom silver-plated six layer circuit boards use of high speed digital design PCB layout techniques, with multiple ground and power planes
  • Custom machined enclosure milled from T-6061 solid billet aluminium alloy with stainless steel constrained layer damping plates
  • Ultra high quality, ruggedized, Amphenol USB "B" input
  • WBT RCA coaxial digital output

 

 

Halide Design - The Bridge $450

  • Asynchronous USB (Streamlength™ )
  • Supported rates - 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz (user selectable), at 24/16 bit resolution. (Note: 88.2 kHz currently not supported by Windows Vista / 7.)
  • Power - supplied from USB connection. LC filtered (two pole passive) and down regulated; separate power rails for digital circuitry and master clock.
  • Isolation - output is fully isolated using a high quality digital audio transformer.
  • Connection - 75 ohm, available in BNC (gold center pin) and RCA (Eichmann silver bullet) versions.

 

M2Tech hiFace $150.00

  • Input: USB 2.0 Format
  • Output: S/PDIF (RCA or BNC)
  • Sampling Frequency : 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4khZ, 192kHz
  • Resolution: 16 up to 24 bit
  • Dimensions: 10.2(d) x 2.2(h) x 2(w) cm
  • Power Supply: 5V DC from USB bus

Musiland Monitor 01 USD $73.95

 

  • Interface: USB 2.0
  • Maximum sampling rate: 24bit/192kHz
  • Digital output: Optical toslink, RCA and BNC coaxial
  • Digital S/N: 140dB (A-weighted)
  • Digital dynamic range: 140dB (A-weighted)
  • ASIO driver - support Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7

M audio Transit $99.95

Input:

24-bit/96kHz USB

stereo analogue/optical digital (1/8")

 

Output:

Stereo line/headphone output (1/8")

TOSlink optical digital output allows AC-3 and DTS pass-through

SOtM - dX-USB US $429.99

Digital Audio Input

  • USB Audio class 1.0
  • 44.1KHz, 48KHz, 88.2KHz, 96KHz sampling rate
  • Max 24bit PCM audio data
  • Sampling rate auto detect and display Bit-transparent operation

 

Digital audio output

  • Coaxial
  • Optical
  • I2S
  • AES/EBU(option)

 

Components

  • TUSB3200A for USB interface
  • AK4104ET for digital audio output
  • Ultra high speed RS422 driver for AES/EBU, Coaxial & I2S output
  • Flat chip audio grade resistor for PLL and power circuit
  • PPS film chip capacitor for PLL and power circuit OS-CON capacitor for power circuit
  • Ultra low jitter clock
  • Canare 75Ω impedance RCA bulkhead connector for coaxial output
  • Toshiba TOTX178A TOSLINK optical connector for optical output

Trends Audio UD-10.1 USB Audio Converter €179,-

Optical, Coax, BNC, and XLR digital connectors.

Sample rates: 32, 44.1, 48 kHz

Audio format: linear PCM, 16 bits per sample

Other

Behringer SRC 2496 $200,-

  • High-end 24-bit/96 kHz A/D and D/A converters for ultimate signal purity
  • Converts any sample rate between 31 and 100 kHz into 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz sample rates
  • Flexible format conversion between AES/EBU and S/PDIF (coaxial or optical)
  • Ultra high-quality signal output with 16-, 20- or 24-bit resolution
  • High-precision quartz clock generator removes jitter and corrects off-tune, incorrect sample rates
  • Extremely fast tracking supports varispeed applications
  • All three outputs (XLR, RCA, optical) simultaneously operational (splitter)
  • Inputs separately selectable (patchbay functionality)
  • All digital inputs/outputs balanced and galvanically isolated
  • All analog inputs/outputs servo-balanced

Murraypro SPDIF & TOS level to AES 3 £75

 

Converts SPDIF and Toslink to AES

M-Audio: CO2 - Coaxial/Optical Bi-Directional Converter USD 79.95

  • converts between optical and coax S/PDIF
  • servers as a repeater to extend cable runs
  • TOSlink optical and coaxial digital inputs
  • TOSlink optical and coaxial digital outputs always active
  • transformer-isolated RCA jacks prevent system ground loops
©Vincent Kars