The Well-Tempered Computer

An introduction to computer audio

24 bit Adaptive mode USB DACs

When I started with this list in 2008, high quality DACs with USB input were rare.
Adaptive mode USB with 24 bits / 96 kHz was the best one could get.
Today almost all new offerings comes with asynchronous USB often up to 24/192.
I wouldn’t recommend to buy an adaptive mode USB DAC

 

The information below is as supplied by the manufacturer's website.

Antelope Zodiac+ EUR 2.195

  • Custom USB chip streams audio up to 24/192kHz,
    Zodiac Gold up to 384 kHz
  • USB audio class 2 - (96 kHz max on Windows)
  • Antelope Oven Clock for supreme stability
  • 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC)
  • 129dB Dynamic Range
  • THD+N: 0.0004%
  • Ultra Linear, Dual Stage Headphone Amps
  • De-jittered, re-clocked Digital Audio Outputs
  • Precision Trim Pots for Balanced Analog Outs
  • Accurate Level Display for Main Volume
  • Mute (soft dim & full mute)
  • Mono summing function
Connections:
  • AES/EBU Digital Input
  • 2x S/PDIF coaxial Inputs
  • 2x Optical TOSLINK inputs
  • USB on mini B type connector
  • Word Clock Input on BNC
  • Balanced Analog Outputs on XLR
  • Unbalanced Analog Outputs on RCA
  • Balanced Analog Inputs on 1/4” TRS
  • Unbalanced Analog Inputs on RCA
  • Digital Outputs on AES/EBU and S/PDIF

On the internet they say the unit is asynchronous USB but to my knowledge this has never been confirmed by the manufacturer.

So I asked Antelope. This is their answer.

 

The Zodiac can do both USB Full Speed and High Speed.
Is High Speed USB audio class 2 compliant?

Yes it is on UH2 mode only on the Zodiac Gold.The classes are as following:

  1. UF1    Full Speed Audio Class 1 up to 96kHz Win-MACOSX-Linux
  2. UH1  High Speed Audio Class 1 up to 192kHz Win-MACOSX-Linux
  3. UH2  High Speed Audio Class 2 up to 384kHz MACOSX-Linux and only on Zodiac Gold

What is the synchronization mode used for the USB in both cases?

This has not implemented yet.

What chip set is used for the USB receiver?

ISP150781HM With custom USB peripherals

 

HiFi News reviewed this DAC in august 2011.

It failed to pass a couple of their measurement test.

HiFi News august 2011

 

Audiotrak PRODIGY CUBE - USD 99.00

DAC and AD converter with

- volume control

- dual headphone output

- socketed Opamps

Analog-Out Line output (RCA), Dual headphone output (Stereo phone, Stereo mini)
Analog Input Microphone Input (3.5mm, 24bit / 48kHz)
Digital Output Optical / Coaxial
Digital Output Method PCM, AC3 PassThrough
Dynamic Range 108dB
Interface USB Interface (1.1 / 2.0 compatible)
OPAMP Circuit OPA 2134 x 1 (Socket-type) THD+N : 0.00008%(Max)(2kΩ@1KHz)
D/A Converter Wolfson WM8776
Headphone Impedance 16∼150Ω
Frequency Response 24bit / 96kHz
Power Supply OPAMP 5V(Dual power supply Max10V)
Power Supply USB bus power
OS Support Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS-X
Note: The Pass-through Digital output is available to Windows Vista(SP1) and Mac OS-X only.
Dimension (mm) 94 X 90 X 22 (W x D x H)

Audiotrak DR.DAC2 DX - USD 329.00

DAC and AD converter with

- volume control

- dual headphone output

- socketed Opamps

 

Specs>>

Power supply DC 15V / 1A~2A
Dimensions / weight 140(mm) x 111(mm) x 30(mm) / 440g
Headphone Output Type
Maximum Out Level
Maximum Load Power
THD+N
Impedance 		1/4” Stereo phone jack
Port 1 : +8dBV (6Vpp) / Port 2 : +20dBV (24Vpp)
300mW
0.0008% A-weighted (@ 100mW, 1kHz)
0Ω (Load : 16 ~ 600)
Line Input / Output Type
Level
Impedance 		Unbalanced RCA
-10dBV Nominal (@-16dBFS) / +8dBV max
15kΩ(Input) / 200Ω(Output)
USB Audio Type Max 24bit / 96kHz, USB 1.1 / 2.0 Compatible
OS Support

Support Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS-X
Note: The Pass-through Digital output is available to Windows Vista(SP1) and Mac OS-X only.
Digital Audio Input Type

Format
Sample rate Detection 		S/PDIF Optical on TOS-LINK 44.1~192kHz
S/PDIF Coaxial on RCA 44.1~192kHz
IEC-60958, S/PDIF Compatible
44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 176.4, 192.0 kHz (@ ±3%)
Digital Audio Output Type
Format
Sample rate Detection 		S/PDIF Optical on TOS-LINK 44.1~96kHz
IEC-60958, S/PDIF Compatible
44.1, 48.0, 96.0 kHz
D/A Converter

Type
Dynamic Range
THD+N
Frequency Response


Gain Mismatch

24bit, 192kHz, 8times Digital filter

123dB (@ -60dBFS with A-Weighted)
0.0005% (@ fs=44.1kHz, 0dB)
0 ~ 21.7kHz, ±0.0002dB (@ fs=48kHz)
0 ~ 43.5kHz, ±0.0002dB (@ fs=96kHz)
0 ~ 87.0kHz, ±0.0002dB (@ fs=192kHz)
±0.5%(channel to channel)

OPAMP Operating Voltage 24.0V(±12V),
FDO : NE5532 x 3 (DIP, Socket Type)
Line Out : OPA2134 (DIP, Socket Type)
Headphone : OPA2604 (DIP, Socket Type)
Line In : NJM4580 (SMD)
Power Consumption About 4W~6W (5W / typ)

Audinst HUD-MX1 US$ 179.00

- volume control

- headphone 16 - 600 ohm

- RCA and optical out

Benchmark USB DAC 1 $1275.00

 

Digital input:

  • USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES/EBU(XLR)
  • Input Sample Frequency Range: 28 to 195 kHz
  • Maximum Input Word Length: 24 bits
  • Advanced USB™ computer audio interface for native 24-bit/96-kHz USB audio
  • Compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X without driver installation

Analog output: balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA)

 

Measurements by John Atkinson

Centrance DACport $500.00

 

Centrance is the one programming the TAS1020B chip allowing 24 bits/96 kHz over USB using native mode drivers on Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

This code is used by Benchmark Media Systems, Belcanto, Lavry, Empirical, and PS Audio.

 

Digital specs

 
  Sample Rate 96kHz (Also: 44.1 kHz, 48kHz and 88.2kHz)
  Resolution 24-bit (Also supports 16-bit)
  Connection USB1.1 or 2.0, driverless
  Communication AdaptiWave™ - our proprietary USB technology
  Local clock 10 ppm precision, 1 ps jitter
  Compatibility Any computer running Mac, PC, or Linux
   

Analog Specs

 
  Dynamic Range 120 dB
  Frequency Responce 20Hz...40kHz +/-0.2dB
  THD+N -97 dB (-0.5dBFS, 1kHz)
  Audio Output Stereo 1/4" headphone jack
  Heaphone Amp Direct Class A, no caps in the signal path
  Maximum Output Level +9dBV @300 Ohm load (8.5V peak-to-peak)
  Output Power 1.5W (total)
  Output Impedance 10 Ohm
   

General Specs

 
  Input power USB bus (no external power supply needed)
  Internal power supplies ±9V, super-clean, dual analog rails; +3.3V, +5V.
  Unit Dimensions: 4.5" (11.4cm) L, 1" (2.5cm) W, 1" (2.5cm) H
  Weight: 2.4 ounces (68 grams)

Centrance DACmini $795.

A DAC matching a Mac mini in size

Resolution

24-bit (Also supports 16-bit)

Sample Rate

USB: Up to 96kHz, S/PDIF: Up to 192 kHz

Interface

USB1.1 or 2.0, driverless

Communication

AdaptiWave™- proprietary USB technology

Local clock

10 ppm precision, unmesaurable jitter

Compatibility

Any computer running Mac, PC, or Linux

 

E-MU 0404 USB 2.0 $ 199.99

  • 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters
  • Two 1/4" Balanced Outputs (117dB SNR)
  • Stereo 1/8" Speaker Output (117dB SNR)
  • 24-bit/96kHz S/PDIF Optical and coaxial In/Out (switchable to AES/EBU)
  • MIDI Input/Output
  • Stereo Headphone Output (114dB SNR)

 

One of the very few DACs accepting 24/192 over USB. You need to install the custom USB driver to do so.

 

ESI Audiotechnik GmbH Dr. DAC nano € 65,00

ESI

Dr. DAC nano provides 2 output channels via both analog and a digital optical S/PDIF connection

  • 16bit/24bit, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz bit-perfect support
  • Standard USB audio driver in Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X
  • S/PDIF optical output via 3.5mm mini plug optical transmitter
  • NON-PCM (Dolby Digital/dts) Pass Through support
  • AKM AK4421 192kHz 24-Bit Stereo DAC, 103dB dynamic range, analog playback support up to 24bit/96kHz from TE7022L I2S interface
  • Tenor TE7022L USB streaming audio controller with 12MHz USB Full Speed operation
  • Analog Devices AD8397 High Output Current Amplifier
  • 16 ohm ~ 300 ohm headphone driving capability
  • combo S/PDIF & analog output jack / up to 24bit/96kHz output capable
  • Max. 3 Vrms analog output level
  • National Semiconductor LM2663M Switched Capacitor Voltage Converter
  • Precision +-5ppm 12.000MHz TCXO for lowest clock jitter
  • Low ESR Tantal capacitor
  • High quality 4 Layer PCB
  • USB bus powered operation
  • 3.5mm Miniplug-Toslink optical converter included
  • dimensions: 60mm x 45mm x 17mm

ESI Audiotechnik GmbH Dr. DAC prime € 349,00

ESI

24/96 USB DAC and AD converter.

 

Dr. DAC prime works with up to 24bit/192kHz and is not only equipped with both an optical (via the included miniplug-toslink adapter) and coaxial S/PDIF input but also with a full USB audio interface (up to 24bit/96kHz) for bit-perfect audio transfer. Optionally the incoming signal can be upsampled to 192kHz, using a TI SRC4382 high end sample rate converter.

The actual analog output signal is generated by a TI PCM1796 DAC with 123dB(a) dynamic range, featuring a full differental output with 3 LME49860NA opamps (8 pin) which are conveniently placed on sockets. The built-in headphone amplifier provides 1/8" and 1/4" connectors.

The line output volume can be adjusted or fixed to send out the maximum dynamic range.

But Dr. DAC prime is much more: it provides line inputs (AKM AK5386 ADC with 110dB) as well as optical and coaxial S/PDIF inputs, allowing you to record your own signals with excellent audio quality.

Dr. DAC prime works under Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 as well as Mac OS X even without the installation of any driver software - that's Plug & Play in perfection, it could not be more simple.

Furutech ADL GT40 USB DAC with Phono stage € 500,00

  • USB & Analog Playback and Record multimedia audio system
  • Connectivity: USB B Interface, Analog input/output RCA jack
  • USB Playback Resolution : 24bit/96kHz
  • USB Recording Resolution: 96kHz (Max) supports 32kHz/44.1kHz/48kHz
  • Frequency response: 20Hz ~ 20kHz (40Hz: +0.5 dB, 15kHz:-0.5dB)
  • SN ratio:-90dB (A-wtd) / Line Output
  • Line Output Level: 1 Vrms
  • Line Input Level: MC 0.5mV / MM 5mV / Line 1V
  • Headphone Output Level: 80mW ( 32 ohm ) Max.
  • Power Supply AC Adaptor Rating: AC 9V 0.5
  • Dimensions: 150 (W) x 111 (D) x 57 (H) mm
  • Weight: 650g Approx.

Iso Co IHA 21

USB audio class 2

Volume control

Headphone

Northstar

North Star Design USB DAC 32 € 1800,00

32 bits /192 kHz over USB 2 using propreitary drivers.

Data resynchronization by re-clocking the  incoming data.
Decouple the ground of the computer from the DAC.

 

•Very low jitter 192/24 Cirrus CS8416 digital receiver
•High stability on board master clock
•Seperated toroidal transformers for digital and analogue sections
•High dynamic 192/32 Cirrus CS8421 digital upsampler
•Very low distortion 192/32 Texas PCM1795 DAC

 

Digital Input Frequency 32kHz - 192kHz, up to 32 bit
Dynamic Range 126dB (24 bit input)
S/N Ratio 112dB
Inputs 2 S/PDIF (1 RCA coax, 1 TOSLINK)
1 XLR AES/EBU
1 USB 2.0
1 I2S RJ45
Output Unbalanced 1 pair per channel (RCA)
Output Balanced 1 pair per channel (XLR)
Mains Voltage / Consumption 230/115V 50/60Hz 25VA
Chassis Size 43,3 x 17 x 6,0 cm
17 x 7.5 x 2.7 in
Weight 5,0 Kg

 

 

Nuforce uDAC-2 129.00 USD

Input

  • USB DAC: USB 1.1, 2.0 compatible.
  • USB native bit rate: 32, 44.1, 48, and 96 kHz, 24-bit
  • Maximum sampling rate: 96kHz
  • Resolution: 24-bits

Output

  • Analog RCA Output = 2Vrms
  • Dynamic Range: 110dB
  • THD+N= -95 dB
  • S/N Ratio: 98dB
  • Digital Output: coaxial RCA 75-ohm
  • Headphone output jack
    • Power output: 80mW x 2 @ 16-Ohm
    • THD+N 0.05%
    • Headphone impedance 16-300 Ohm

Power: USB Bus Powered

Dimensions: 68x38x21mm

MUSILAND Monitor 01 US $82.00

  • Max Sampling rate: 24Bit/192khz
  • analogy audio jack: RCA output, 3.5mm headphone output
  • analogy output frequency response（20Hz-20kHz）: +/-0.1dB
  • analogy s/n rate:113dB
  • analogy dynamic range:113dB
  • analogy distortion:0.005%
  • Headphone output power(100 ohm):50MW
  • digital audio port:optical port
  • digital s/n:140dB
  • digital dynamic range:140dB
  • PCM 1793 D/A chip
  • S/PDIF output
  • ASIO drive,support:Windows XP/ VISTA /Windows7

The Monitor 01 USD comes without the headphone out.

Rakuten RAL24192 €490.36

USB Audio class 2

Volume control

Headphone

Tascam US-144 $269.00

  • 2 XLR mic inputs with phantom power
  • S/PDIF Digital Input & Output 4 in, 4 out operation (analog, S/PDIF)
  • 2 analog line inputs (1 switchable to high impedance for use with guitars, basses, etc.)
  • 1 MIDI input,
  • 1 MIDI output USB 2.0 equipped (also supports USB 1.1) Up to 24-bit/96kHz for high quality recordings
  • Zero-latency hardware monitoring
  • Separate headphone output & level controls
  • Bus powered for use with any PC or Mac, including laptops

Violectric V800 € 990,00

Violectric
  • 26 bits/96 kHz adaptive mode USB DAC
  • AES/SPDIF/Toslink 24/192
  • volume control
  • adjustable upsampling
  • THD:< -112 dB (@ -1 dBFs)
  • Output: XLR / RCA
© Vincent Kars April 2011