(yet another) USB to SPDIF converter

[Azazel]

This one, "Taralabs"...

Native 24bit 96k USB to Spdif I2S Converter for DAC - eBay (item 270517709517 end time Feb-17-10 17:30:38 PST)

... but I read "Teralabs". Whatever, it does use the Tenor chip, like the Prodigy Cube I am using now, but it is a simpler desing (no DAC inside so no line outs and no headphone out) with the option of off-board power supply.

I am happy with my unit (does native 24/96 and changes the sampling frequency on the fly with foobar) save for a problem with some 24/88'2 files (does not recognise the 88'2 fq). But "no drivers" makes me happy...

Anyone to test it? Padam were you not looking for something like that?

[padam]

I need to set up the Parasound first but it hasn't arrived yet, then decide whether this or the HiFace.

[Azazel]

Yups, remember the Parasound does not go higher than 48kHz: you can use a simpler adapter with it (even put inside the case to avoid one more connection), there are many around based on the 270X chips for around $30.

The beauty of this "Taralab" (sic) is going up to 96kHz with no drivers. The beauty of the HiFace looks to lie on its layout and clocks.

[padam]

Yes I know, but the asynchronous data transfer should provide an advantage on 16bit as well. Or maybe I am wrong

[Voltron]

The thing seems to be called "TeraLink X2" and the company is TeraDak Audio Electric Company. Tera Labs makes audio cables only as far as I know.

[cetoole]

Yes I know, but the asynchronous data transfer should provide an advantage on 16bit as well. Or maybe I am wrong

You aren't.

[digger945]

Yes I know, but the asynchronous data transfer should provide an advantage on 16bit as well. Or maybe I am wrong

You aren't.

Indeed. I have experienced much improvement using async usb to spdif from 16/44 to 24/96.

[padam]

The main problem with the HiFace is that one cannot use magic USB cables with it

[manaox2]

The main problem with the HiFace is that one cannot use magic USB cables with it

You just have to order it terminated to USB-A female; waiting for the someone that will do this and actually end up only lowering their bandwidth and getting farther from spec.

[rogue]

Good to see more cheap async USB SPDIF converters coming out. $900 for a wavelink is just nutso. FWIW, I'm very happy with my HiFace.

[Currawong]

From what I gather though, the Tenor chip is unreliable according to the maker of the chip themselves, something re-enforced by my Audiotrak Prodigy Cube (which uses one) dying on me soon after I bought it.

[rogue]

From what I gather though, the Tenor chip is unreliable according to the maker of the chip themselves, something re-enforced by my Audiotrak Prodigy Cube (which uses one) dying on me soon after I bought it.

Heh. Buggy chips are pretty commonplace, but it's rare to hear of silicon that just dies outright. Is this because of overheating, or something else entirely?

[Azazel]

I do have a Prodigy Cube working fine since many months ago... bad luck Curra??

[Currawong]

Could be that too, but this supposedly came from Tenor themselves. I figured it was worth noting in case anyone intends to buy one.