USB DAC questions..

furs307c · 28 Jul 2010 at 18:49

If i get a usb dac am I still able to control the volume using the windows volume control? Also any reccomendations?

J1234 · 28 Jul 2010 at 18:52

Yes you are, though I have mine at full volume and adjust the output volume using my headphone amp.

I recommend the CA DacMagic or the Firestone Fubar II.

I personally use the Fubar II for headphones, works great.

Bubba · 28 Jul 2010 at 19:12

Using a dacmagic here and loving it, has really improved the quality of my speakers and headphones.

furs307c · 28 Jul 2010 at 21:40

cheers for the replies, the fubar 2 in particular looks interesting, how much difference is noticeable compared to an onboard soundcard??

smogsy · 31 Jul 2010 at 08:44

i wouldn't buy the CA DACMagic if your going to use the USB connection, its pretty rubbish (have one myself) it sounds very live & distance and only allows 16Bit.

though when using Optical on its a massive improvement (110% better) :cool:

scoobyrichuk · 31 Jul 2010 at 11:04

I would reccomend a Beresford Caiman 7520, it sounds superb over USB and has an excellent built in headphone amplifier. I'm very happy with mine and aren't bothered by all the negative press stan beresford (the guy who makes the dacs) gets on certain websites. It costs £190 + VAT, not sure if that is above your budget...?

Bubba · 31 Jul 2010 at 23:21

smogsy said:
i wouldn't buy the CA DACMagic if your going to use the USB connection, its pretty rubbish (have one myself) it sounds very live & distance and only allows 16Bit.

though when using Optical on its a massive improvement (110% better)

I noticed little to no difference between USB and optical, I have read that it can vary from computer to computer though as some cope with usb better than others.

Since cd audio is 16bit anyway there shouldn't be a problem, the problems comes in when there is jitter and the dacmagic is having to auto correct but I never noticed these problems with mine.