Asynchronous USB 2 DACs

USB Audio class 1 is limited to 24 bits/ 96 kHz maximum.

This is what fits into USB Full Speed mode so 12 MHz (USB 1).

To play higher sample rates the High Speed mode (USB 2, 480 MHz) is needed.

 

From mid-2010 on both OSX and Linux supports USB audio class 2 natively.

If the DAC is USB audio class 2 compliant it will play up to 32/384 on these systems without the need to install additional drivers.

Microsoft doesn't have a native mode USB Audio class 2 driver. You need to install a third party Class 2 Audio driver at the PC side.

 

All DACs listed in this section requires USB 2 (High Speed).

The fact that they do need USB 2 (High Speed) does not necessarily imply they are also USB audio class 2 compliant.

Using High Speed might have an unexpected consequence.

Some audiophile USB cables are of such a low build quality that they will fail you the moment you switch to high speed mode.

The higher band width simply requires a digital cable build to close tolerances.

 

A lot of USB audio class 2 compliant DACs use the XMOS chipset.

Sagittarius has compiled an overview.

 

The information below is as supplied by the manufacturers website.

XMOS XS1-L1 USB Audio 2.0 US$ 149.00

  • USB endpoints use the asynchronous synchronization
  • 500 MIPS, 8 threads, XS1-L1 processor
  • 2 Channel analog input
  • 2 Channel analog output
  • USB 2.0 high speed interface - supports multiple 24 bit, 192kHz channels with extremely low latency (3ms round trip)
  • Plug-and-play with Audio Class 2.0 enabled computers (native Mac OSX support, Thesycon Windows drivers available)
  • Audio Class 1.0 compliant - native Mac OSX and Windows support
  • Asynchronous clocking - complete control of the audio master clock

Basically a USB to I2S converter. Optional support for SPDIF/ADAT/MIDI

 

DSD: XMOS supports the open DSD standard.

A beta is available.

Abbingdon Music Research - Digital Processor-777 €3.600

 

24/192kHz Asynchronous USB Audio Class 2.0 (XMOS)

Thermionic Electron Valves amplification stage:
2 x 6H1n-EV / 1 x 6H11P fitted
ECC88, E88CC, 7308, Cca, 6DJ8, 6922, 6H23n-EV optional
Total Harmonic Dist. + Noise (THD+N): <0.3%
Dynamic range:
>90 dB
Digital Audio Inputs: 2 x XLR/BNC with HD Valve Digital Input technology
2 x RCA/Toslink SPDIF Interface
1 x 24/192 Asynchronous USB

 

Aesthetix Pandora DAC USD 5,000.-

 

  • Card-based DAC with three digital input slots.
  • AES/EBU, RCA Coax, Toslink standard on digital input 1 slot.
  • USB standard on digital input 2 slot.
  • USB capable of class 1 audio (96KHz, 24bit) and class 2 audio (192KHz, 24bit).
  • 2nd USB input optional.
  • Asynchronous USB, (Streamlength ™)
  • DSP based digital section using Motorola DSP56362 for digital filters.
  • DAC section based on Burr-Brown PCM1792A.
  • Analog section featuring four vacuum tubes in differential configuration.
  • Zero global feedback.
  • Balanced and single-ended outputs.
  • Volume control optional, allows DAC to drive a power amplifier directly. Switched resistor design.
  • Remote control of all functions.
  • Multiple stainless steel faraday cages isolate critical digital, analog and power supply sections.
  • Two transformers, one for digital circuits and one for analog circuits.
  • All aluminum chassis construction.
  • RS232 control.
  • 12v trigger.
  • Unit Weight: 35 Lbs
  • Dimensions: 18" width x 4 3/8" height x 18" depth

Anedio D2 DAC US$1470

Pre-amp / DAC with various digital inputs and headphone out.

Asynchronous USB using the XMOS receiver, Thesycon driver for Win.

 

Inputs:

USB: 24 bits, 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192KHz
SPDIF 75-ohm BNC + RCA: 24 bits, 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192KHz
SPDIF 75-ohm RCA: 24 bits, 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192KHz
Tosllink Optical: 24 bits, 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96KHz

 

Outputs:

RCA and XLR

Headphone

 

April Music Eximus DP1 US$ 2,295

DAC/Pre/Headphone amp

 

 

Digital Input:

1 USB 2.0 + driver for Win

USB receiver: XMOS

1 I2S 100 Ohms TTL Level,

2 SPDIF coax 75 Ohms,

1 AES/EBU, 110 Ohms,

1 Toslink


Analog Input: 1 RCA, 1 MINI JACK

Analog Output: 1 RCA, 1 XLR, 1 Headphone

 

Receiver: Cirris Logic C58416

ASRC: TI SRC4192 (can be bypassed)

DAC: TI PCM1794A

Arcam D33

Analogue Audio Output

  • Conversion 2x Burr Brown 24-bit 192kHz Advanced Segment Delta-Sigma
  • Signal to noise ratio > 110dB CCIR (unweighted)
  • Harmonic distortion (1kHz) 0.0008% (20Hz — 20kHz, unweighted)
  • Frequency response (+0.1dB, -0.5dB) 10Hz–20kHz
  • Filtering User selectable, fast or slow roll-off
  • Output level (0dB) 2.2Vrms
  • Output impedance 47Ω
  • Minimum load 5kΩ

Digital interfaces

  • USB Class 1 electrically-isolated USB 1.1
  • Class 2 USB 2.0 High Speed (480 Mbit/s)
  • AES/EBU Up to 192kHz sample rate
  • Coaxial S/PDIF x 2 Up to 192kHz sample rate
  • Optical S/PDIF (TOSLINK) x 2 Up to 96kHz sample rate
  • Computer compatibility
  • PC Windows 7, Vista & XP (driver required for 24/192 material)
  • MAC OSX (no driver required)

Physical

  • Dimensions W433 x D370 x H110mm
  • Weight 6.2kg nett/10.0kg packed
  • Power consumption 30W maximum
  • Analogue output connection RCA Phono x 2, Balanced XLR x2

Remote control.

Price: £2000

ATOLL DAC200 €1500

Pre-amp with various digital inputs and headphone out

Inputs
  • 1 AES/EBU
  • 2 SPDIF coaxi
  • 3 SPDIF optical
  • 1 USB : 24bits/192kHz (XMOS, driver for Win)
  • 1 wireless dongle

Outputs:

  • 1 coax
  • 1 optical
  • 1 RCA
  • 1 XLR
  • 1 headphone

DAC: BURR BROWN PCM1792 (24 bits/192 kHz)

Ayre QB-9 USD 2750.-

  • Asynchronous USB (Streamlength ™)
  • 16/24 bit/192 kHz.
  • TheSycon USB Audio class 2 driver for Windows
  • XMOS USB audio class 2 converter
  • Minimum phase digital filter.
  • Single-pass 16x oversampling.
  • zero-feedback, fully-balanced discrete circuitry.
  • Equilock circuitry for active gain devices.
  • Ayre Conditioner (patent pending) power-line RFI filter.
  • AyreLink communication system.

Frequency Response: DC - 20 kHz, ± 0.25 dB

Signal/Noise: 110 dB (unweighted)

Output Level: 4 volts balanced, 2 volts single-ended

 

The USB receiver section is isolated from the
rest of the audio circuitry with high-speed opto-isolators. This means that the RFI generated by the multitude of clocks operating inside the PC and its noise-generating switching power supply is completely kept out of one’s music system.

Ayre White paper

Bladelius USB DAC

  • Accepts data up to 24 bit/192 kHz
  • USB powered
  • Asynchronous USB transfer, re-clocking with a fixed low jitter crystal clock
  • Galvanic isolation between USB and the analog circuits,
  • Super low noise power supply with multistage regulation and filtering
  • For low out of band noise we use low order modulator
  • Digital filter with minimum phase
  • The analog output stage is a high performance stage with high drive capability
  • Distortion < 0.001%
  • Thd Noise -126db
  • Output Level 2.5v @0db

 

B.M.C. DAC1 Pre HiRes USBII - € 3.248

DAC with preamp.

Asynchronous USB (24/192) with driver for Win.

 

Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus £349.95

 

Twin Wolfson WM8740 24bit DACs used in dual differential configuration
New Anagram Technologies ATF2™ 24-bit/384kHz audio up-sampling / jitter reduction
Optional Digital Preamp mode allowing connection directly to power amp or active speakers
24-bit/96kHz driverless USB Audio 1.0

24-bit/192kHz USB Audio 2.0 with ASIO or kernel streaming modes.

USB class 2 driver for Win

Asynchronous USB transfer
Selectable digital filters - linear phase, minimum phase and steep
Balanced XLR audio output and RCA phono output
Two 24 bit digital inputs (with optical or coaxial for each)
External input for optional BT100 Bluetooth receiver - allows audio to be streamed and up-sampled from any paired Bluetooth device

 

CYP AU-D160 £150.00

USB DAC with analogue out (RCA), headphone out and Toslink.

 

  • Supports standard sampling rates - 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz
  • Supports Bits : 16 Bits / 24Bits
  • Power supplied by USB BUS Power
  • The Headphone, R/L and Optical ports will simultaneously support audio output
  • ASIO driver supported
  • USB Audio Class 2.0 with asynchronus mode and driver for Win
  • 500 MIPS, 8 threads, XS1-L1 processor (XMOS)

Digital & Analog Calyx DAC 24/192 - 1500.00 USD

 

D/A Converter IC ESS Technology ES9018 Sabre Reference 32-bit DAC

THD+N 0.0005% @ 1KHz, 0dBFS
SNR 125 dB, A-weighted, 2.2 Vrms
Channel Separation 140 dB @ 1KHz, 130 dB @ 20KHz

Digital Input Resolution and Sample Rate
USB : 24 bits / 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192KHz
COAX : 32 bits / 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192KHz

Line Output
Unbalanced stereo, RCA jacks with gold-plated contacts
Balanced stereo, XLR jacks with gold-plated contacts

Output Level 2.2 Vrms (unbalanced), 6.8 Vrms(balanced)
Output Offset 2 mV max

 

Comes with a ASIO driver for Win

It claims to do 24/192 on OSX without a driver so probably USB class 2 audio.

XMOS USB audio class 2 converter

Reviews

http://www.digitalaudioblog.com/2011/02/review-calyx-dac-24192.html

http://www.digital-highend.de/start/wp-content/bildupload/EN111_S.64-67.pdf

ExaSound E18 $2000

DAC with volume control and headphone out.

  • ES9018 SABRE32 Reference DAC
  • 8 channels at up to 32bit/384kHz (USB only)
  • Asynchronous USB interface
  • Ultra low jitter
  • Galvanic isolation
  • Bit-perfect ASIO Driver Reference-class specifications
  • Automatic sampling rate switching
  • Plays DXD 352.8 kHz

 

Firestone ILoveTW 299,00 EUR

DAC supporting both adaptive and asynchronous mode

 

Amplifier Structure : Low pass filter with 2Vrms output
Power Structure : High frequency switching DC-DC regulator
USB Support Format :
16/24 Bit : 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz / 176.4kHz / 192kHz
Digital Interface : Direct I2S data format transmission (MAX support up to 192kHz-24bit over 1 meter CAT-5E cable)
Operation Mode : Support Adaptive and Asynchronous mode for audio stream transmission
DAC Chip : WOLFSON - WM8740
USB Chip : TENOR - TE8802
LPF OP : NS - LM4562
dB-Weighed Frequency response (From 40Hz to 15kHz) : 40Hz +0.02dB, 15kHz -0.12dB
Noise level (1kHz, A-Weighted) : -106.7dB
Dynamic range (1kHz, A-Weighted) : 106.7dB
THD% : 0.012%
Stereo crosstalk : -102.7dB
Housing dimensions : 117 x 80 x 50 mm (D x W x H). Housing only without parts 'sticking out' like connector parts, swithes, etc.
Weight : 286 gram (without the external power supply)

 

Grace Design m903 € 1.545

 

Headphone amplifier, DAC, monitor controller

  • Balanced and unbalanced analog inputs
  • 24bit/192kHz digital stereo inputs- AES3, S/PDIF, TOSLINK and USB
  • High speed asynchronous USB interface
  • Driverless operation on Windows & Mac up to 96kHz/24bit
  • Supports USB Class 2 audio specification for 192kHz/24bit operation on Windows & Mac (drivers needed for 192kHz operation under Windows)


iBasso D7 US$ 179

Portable USB DAC with volume control and headphone out.

- True 24Bit/192K USB-DAC, supports bit for bit decoding.
- Asynchronous USB transfer
- WM8740 DAC chip
- Up to 24Bit/192K coaxial output
- RCA output and Line out.
- Built-in +/- 5V class A headphone amplfier that run off of USB power
- Full aluminum case
- Measures 60W*93L*22H (mm), and weights 108g
- Comes with USB Cable, and Leather pouch

Lindemann USB-DAC 24/192 € 690,-

Lindemann

 

  • Asynchronous USB interface (USB audio class 2 compatible) based on an XMOS-DSP with 500 Mips. Resolution up to 24 bits and 192 kHz. Three separate clocks for USB, 44.1 kHz (and multiples) and 48 kHz (and multiples).
  • USB class 2 driver for Windows
  • Digital interface controller (WM8805WM8805
    with efficient jitter reduction due to buffer storage and adaptive PLL. Guaranteed jitter level < 50 ps.
  • High-precision master clock with < 2.5 ps timing jitter.
  • DAC WM8742WM8742
  • Minimum phase digital filter with apodizing behaviour.
  • Fully-balanced, analog output stage (ADA4927ADA4927

Linnenberg udc 1 €1260.-

USB 2.0 compatible input

- Jitter free asynchronous data transfer (udc1 as master)

- Bit transparent drivers for Mac and PC operating systems

- Precision master 3ps crystal oscillator

- 24bit/192kHz Burr Brown digital - to - analogue converter

- True class A, fully discrete analogue circuits with zero negative feedback

- Ultra short signal path

- Balanced analogue outputs with PCB-mounted gold-plated Neutrik XLR sockets

- High current output stage

 

Specifications:

Frequency response 1Hz - 24kHz +0.1dB -0.5dB

Distortion and noise <0.01% 10Hz - 20kHz at -10dB

Output level 4V rms balanced

Output impedance 150 Ohms

Mains voltage 115V, 230V factory set

Dimensions (H x W x D) 55 x 165 x 224 mm

Meitner Audio MA-1 DAC $7,000

Meitner
  • XMOS USB 2.0 High Speed ​​Interface: 16, 24 bit
    sampling rate up to 192kHz
    Thesycon USB audio class 2 driver for Win
  • Available Digital Inputs:
    • 1x USB
    • 1x AES/EBU (XLR)
    • 2x SPDIF (RCA)
    • 2x TOSLINK (Optical)
  • Word lengths up to 24bit, and sample frequencies up to 192kHz are
    supported on all digital inputs.
  • Analog Outputs:
    • Balanced (XLR)
    Output Line Level (0dBfs signal on AES/EBU input): 4.6Vrms
    Output Impedance: 300Ω
    • Un-Balanced (RCA)
    Output Line Level (0dBfs signal on AES/EBU input): 2.3Vrms
    Output Impedance: 150Ω

Musiland MD30 DAC/Headphone amp

  • USB 2.0 High Speed ​​Interface: 16, 24, 32Bit sampling rate up to 192kHz
  • Coaxial RCA, BNC coaxial, fiber optic, AES: 16, 24Bit sampling depth up to 192kHz. Support MMDI instruction
  • MULINK high-definition digital interface (proprietary i2s): 16, 24, 32Bit sampling depth up to 192kHz. Support MMDI instruction.
  • Clock jitter (44.1kHz): S/PDIF less than 30PS, USB, MULINK less than 20PS

Mytek Stereo192-DSD-DAC USD $1,695.00

 

  • Asynchronous USB2 with driver (Rigisystems )up to 192 kHz
  • Asynchronous Firewire 400/800 (TC Electronics)
  • Conversion: 32bit, PCM up to 192k, 64xDSD, 128xDSD.
  • Dynamic Range: 128dB (ESS Sabre chipset in 8 mono to 2 stereo config.) THD DAC: -110dB.
  • Digital Audio Inputs: SPDIF, AES/EBU, Toslink all up to 192k single wire.
    (64xDSD and 128XDSD SDIF DSD interface on Mastering Version).
  • Clock: Internal Clock Generator (10ps jitter), Wordclock In and Out, or sync to incoming digital audio input with low jitter JET (tm) PLL.
  • Internal Async Hardware Upsampling- 16bit 44.1k etc. can be optionally upsampled prior to conversion to 192k/24bit with clock jitter eliminated.
  • Transparent, 1dB stepped programmable analog attenuator, separate for main out and headphones.

Various models including one with headphone and pre-amp function.

A tread on a forum including Michal from Mytek.

Onkyo DAC-1000 £599.00

At the moment (January 2011) only available in Japan.

Frequency

2Hz-48kHz ±0.5dB

2Hz-48kHz ±0.5dB

Total harmonic distortion 0.003%
DAC PCM1795 - 32bit/192kHz
SN ratio 116dB(USB→LINE OUT IHF-A) 116dB
input

24 bit /96kHz Optical

24 bit / 192kHz AES/EBU - SPDIF

24 bit / 192kHz asynchronous USB

Unclear if USB is class 2 compliant

Digital output 24 bit /96kHz optical)
2ch PCM formats
Analog out XLR + RCA

 

Phase Tech HD-7D192

USB audio class 2 compliant DAC with USB receiver by XMOS.

Inputs: SPDIF (optical/coax) / asynchronous USB

Outputs: AES/EBU, ciax, I2S

Word sync out.

Price: Yen 249,900

Peachtree Audio Grand Pre control center US$2995

DAC/preamp/headphone amp with volume control and defeatable tubed output.

 

Manufacturers description:

  • Reference ESS Sabre32 DAC knocks jitter down to <1 picosecond for accurate sound reproduction
  • Galvanic Isolation eliminates noise generated by switching power supplies in source components
  • New asynchronous I2S 24/192 USB input provides the best connection between computer and DAC
  • VCA gain control for minimal noise and cross talk replaces the commonly used potentiometer
  • New Bascom King tube buffer rejuvenates poor recordings and compressed audio

Resonessence Labs Invicta $3.995 USD

  • ESS SABRE32 24/192kHz DAC chip
  • Digital filtering DSP and controls via Xilinx MicroBlaze FPGA soft processor cores
  • Ultra-low phase noise oscillator master clock
  • 1 x Toslink input and 1 x Toslink output
  • 2 x BNC digital input
  • 1 x AES/EBU input
  • USB - asynchronous mode, high speed so probably USB audio class 2 compliant but no drivers for Windows available. USB firmware by Cypres Semiconductor.
  • All digital inputs are transformer coupled, galvanically isolated
  • 2 x headphone outputs on front panel, simultaneous drive and levels can be independently set
  • SD card (WAV format only, up to 24/192)
  • Low noise OLED screen
  • Firmware upgradeable (FPGA)
  • High quality AD797 J-FET operational amplifier output stage

The manual contains a lot of measurements.

Each measurement is accompanied by a short explanation, very instructive.

This DAC is linear up to 130 dB. An excellent values allowing for minimal full 22 bits resolution.

 

Rasteme Rudd14 56,700- Yen

24/192 asynchronous USB DAC.

USB receiver XMOS.

Teac UD-H01 DAC £299.00

Main Features

  • USB Audio Class2 High-speed Input from PC/MAC (Tenor 8802)
  • 32-bit/192kHz Dual D/A Convertors (BurrBrown 1795 x 2)
  • Up-conversion to 32bit/192kHz
  • Supports Asynchronous Transfer Mode
  • Toroidal-core-Power Transformer
  • Detachable AC Socket
  • Headphone Out with Volume Control
  • Aluminium Front Panel

General Specifications:

  • USB Input: x 1 (USB2.0)
  • Digital Audio Inputs: x 2 (Coaxial, Optical)
  • Balanced Audio Output: x 1 (XLR, 1-GND, 2=Hot, 3=Cold)
  • Audio Output: x 1 (RCA)
  • Headphone Out: x 1 (6.3mm)
  • Input Signal Sampling Rate: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
  • Operation:230V AC, 50kHz
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 215mm x 55mm x 215mm

Wyred 4 Sound - DAC2 $1,499.00

  • ESS Reference audio (ES9018) 32 bit DAC
  • Automatic oversampling for precise output filtering
  • Fully balanced design with balanced and unbalanced outputs
  • Upgradable Digital, Output, and USB boards (designed for future improvements)
  • VFD display for input, sample rate, volume control, and configuration viewing
  • Remote control
  • Defeatable - 32 bit volume control
  • 2x Coax inputs
  • 2x Toslink inputs
  • 1x AES/EBU input
  • 1x Balanced I2S input via HDMI cable (not standard HDMI cable format)
  • 24-bit 192kHz Asynchronous USB input
  • Proprietary drivers for 32/64 bit Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac OS 10.4, 10.5 ,10.6