Vortexbox Player - List of Compatible DACS

[sonorejr]

Mike, I just wanted to be clear for other memebers that don't know about the m2tech hiFace.


On the HRT I tested the first generation unit only and that worked perfect out of the box with nothing to install. Another member tested the second generation ASYNC unit and reported that it also worked. BTW you really want the second generation units as the specs revealed a better singnal to noise ratio due to the new ASYNC mode. However, that is just two units tested from the product line. No reason they should not work, but they need to be tested to be sure.




Jesus R
http://www.sonore.us

[vdeknock]

I am looking to add a DAC to my vortexbox and the more you read the more confusing this subject becomes. I am in Australia and have access to the majority that seem to get discussed in this thread. My requirements are:


1) a USB based DAC that will output the sound to a set of Sennheiser RS170 headphones. I have just purchased the headphones and will have then today. I tested the headphone output of my vortexbox and it works but am looking for better solution.


2) Would also like the ability to try the DAC with my SB3 just to see if I can hear a difference.


I have looked at the HRT devices which are reported as working but I dont think they will output a signal for the headphone and adding a headphone amp is making it all very expensive and it would likely be cheaper to just get a Logitech touch and use my current SB3 as a headphone source device rather than the vortexbox.


I looked at the Styleaudio range and it looked to be a good choice but a lot of talk/reviews about the headphone output being too soft - a model from the USA also seem to take a digital input for processing but that looks to be USA only model.


Firestone which someone has listed as working in this thread - will this be a good choice?


Other options?


Thanks for any recommendations

[vortecjr]

vdeknock, I can only think of few usb dacs that have phone output. One is the wavelength proton (900 us) and the emu 2020 (200 us) or the maudio line (not sure on $).


some links:


http://www.m-audio.com/index.p.....interfaces


http://usbdacs.com/Products/Pr.....ducts.html


http://www.emu.com/products/we.....tegory=610&


I just can't tell you if they work....




Jesus R


http://www.sonore.us

[KJ]

Another option is the Benchmark DAC1 USB, which may be out of your price range, but it does take some beating at (and beyond) its price point, particularly if it's hooked up to a good quality stereo system.


Also, it's built-in headphone amp is very good.


I've had the non-USB model for many years and so far nothing has come along to knock it off its pedestal.

[Sernyl]

Other options?

Thanks for any recommendations




Have a look there:


http://www.meier-audio.homepag.....online.de/

[vdeknock]

KJ said:

Another option is the Benchmark DAC1 USB, which may be out of your price range, but it does take some beating at (and beyond) its price point, particularly if it's hooked up to a good quality stereo system.


Also, it's built-in headphone amp is very good.


I've had the non-USB model for many years and so far nothing has come along to knock it off its pedestal.




Well I have pulled the pin on this one CEntrance DACport USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier. There are so many choices and the price range is huge, I picked what is a mid range unit in Australia at $499. What moved me was the size, very easy to take away and use with the laptop while travelling and it is self powered by the USB cable so no need to worry about different power supplies.


It gets very good reviews and they compare it to the Benchmark unit (which is outside of what I wanted to spend), will have to wait and see. I will reply if it works but don't expect any issues as it says no drivers needed for all brands of operating systems.


I have the Sennheiser RS170 wireless headphones and they are just great for what I wanted so should be a very nice addition with the DAC to my vortexbox.

[KJ]

vdeknock said:
Well I have pulled the pin on this one CEntrance DACport USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier. There are so many choices and the price range is huge, I picked what is a mid range unit in Australia at $499. What moved me was the size, very easy to take away and use with the laptop while travelling and it is self powered by the USB cable so no need to worry about different power supplies.


It gets very good reviews and they compare it to the Benchmark unit (which is outside of what I wanted to spend), will have to wait and see. I will reply if it works but don't expect any issues as it says no drivers needed for all brands of operating systems.


I have the Sennheiser RS170 wireless headphones and they are just great for what I wanted so should be a very nice addition with the DAC to my vortexbox.




Sounds really good from what I've read on the net – especially considering the price.


You may have scored an audio bargain.

[sonorejr]

vdeknock, CEntrance is the company behind the usb audio code of many dacs! Pretty sure from older reseach that the usb Benchmark dac is one. Please report back your finds as it may open the doors to many usb dacs to follow. I'll search the internet and see what I find out on who else is using that code.


Thanks


Jesus R


http://www.sonore.us

[KJ]

sonorejr said:

CEntrance is the company behind the usb audio code of many dacs! Pretty sure from older reseach that the usb Benchmark dac is one.





Yes, according to Michael Goodman of CEntrance that is indeed the case.

[realmassy]

Hello,


I'm thinking of building a music server using a vortexbox appliance and connect it to my DAC. I would like to use a USB to SPIDF converter like the M2Tech Hiface, but it seems the driver are not yet available. Any news?