The Well-Tempered Computer

An introduction to computer audio

USB to SPDIF converters

In the past audio gear used SPDIF (coax or optical) or AES/EBU (most pro-gear) for transmitting digital audio. No support for USB.
PC’s often don’t have any of these protocols.
You need a protocol converter from USB to SPDIF to bridge the gap.

 

Audiophilleo 1 $895.00

  • 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.

Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 $ 44.99 USD

  • Ultra-flexible audio interface connects your instruments, mixer, etc. with your computer for recording and playback
  • High-resolution 48 kHz converters for high-end audio quality
  • Works with your PC or Mac computer—no setup or drivers required. Free audio recording and editing software downloadable at www.behringer.com
  • Stereo Headphone output with dedicated Level control lets you monitor both input and output
  • Additional S/PDIF optical output for direct digital conversion
  • Powered via USB—no external power supply needed
  • High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

Measurements by NwAvGuy

Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB $1895

  • Input: High Speed USB 2.0 asynchronous connection - type B receptacle
  • Supported operating systems: Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows (Alpha USB Windows driver)
  • USB audio class 2 compliant
  • Outputs: switch selectable, coaxial SPDIF - BNC, 75Ω or balanced AES type - XLR, 110Ω
  • Supported sampling rates: 44.1kHz to 192kHz
  • Supported word lengths: up to 24-bit

 

Blue Circle Audio $189.00

A PVC pipe filled with silicon and some unknown parts.

Douk Audio U2S USD $37.95

 

VIA VT1727A

24 bit / 192 kHz capable converter.

PHIREE U2S 2019 & Douk Audio U2 Review and Measurements - VintageFlanker

Added 2016

Gustard U12 $169.99

XMOS-U8 chip, support 32BIT/500MIPS

Async USB

TheSycon driver for Win

Outputs: I2S, Coaxial (RCA), optical, AES/EBU

Added 5/2015

M2Tech hiFace 2 US$ 185

The biggest news is probably that M2Tech decided not to use their proprietary drivers but to using the native mode USB audio drives of the operating system.
It is UAC1 and UAC2 compliant so will work out of the box with Win, OSX and Linux.
The receiver is by XMOS and the driver by Thesycon.

 

  • Input 1 x USB A type male
  • Output 1 x RCA or BNC female
  • Input USB 2.0 Audio Format with aAsynchronous synchronazation
  • Output S/PDIF Stereo Digital Audio Format
  • 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
  • Weight 50gr approx.

Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 Femto Clock & Format Converter $439.95

 

Optical/Coaxial/AES

PCM 16-24Bit/44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
DSD64(DoP)

IIS LVDS

PCM 16-32Bit/44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz
DSD64/128/256 (DoP) DSD64/128/256/512 (Native)
NOTE: Please see the X-SPDIF 2 user manual for the IIS LVDS definition.

System, Power & Accessories

System support

Windows7/8/8.1/10 system needs to install the supplied driver.
Mac OS X10.6.4 or above without installing the driver.
Most Android devices can be used via OTG cable.
The iOS devices can be used via Lightning to
USB Camera Kit.

Power supply specs

USB bus power supply: 5V/500mA
External power supply: DC 6~9V，≥800mA
Power supply port: outer diameter 5.5mm; inner diameter 2.1mm (+ for inner, - for outer)

NOTE:

Do not connect to the power supply with a voltage above 9V, or will cause damage.
It will auto disconnect USB bus supply after connected to the external power supply.
It needs to connect to the external power supply when using mobile phone or pad which USB port with low current output.

Accessories

USB Cable x1

Dimensions

133x142x38mm (LxWxH, including protruding parts)

Weight

1.1kg

 

Added 2/2015

Topping D10 €89.00

32bit/384kHz USB DAC

DSD 256

XMOS U208

ES9018K2M

SPDIF out over Toslink and coax.

Measurements on ASR

Added 2021
© Vincent Kars