High-end Hifi dac. Which has the best USB input?

[Moxalain]

Thanks to those who helped me on the previous topic. I selected a few DACs (in bulk):
SMSL D300 ROHM
SMSL D400EX
Topping D90
Gustard 26
AudioGD R-28


I mainly use USB (for my PC with Tidal, FLAC files, web radio).
Optics for my TV
Coax for my CD player (rarely used)

So I'm looking for the best USB input. Even if it's not on the list

Best regards from Bordeaux (France)

 

[gvl]

Someone recommended AudioGD here? Shocking.

 

[fpitas]

Amir puts a SINAD comparison graph in all his DAC reviews, for example in this one:

Topping E70 Stereo DAC Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping E70 stereo USB DAC with Bluetooth. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $349. I really like the new white multi-segment display with its large volume level indicator. Response is excellent as you rotate the encoder. A select...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Although to be completely candid, I doubt you'll hear any difference among any of those 20 DACs.

 

[Purité Audio]

Apart from the Audio-GD,
Keith

 

[Moxalain]

Sorry, I don't understand ... All the dac have good USB except audio gd ? Or the inverse ?


Edit later : Ok ! I understand

 

[roderickvd]

Probably Holo May or Singxer SDA-6 PRO.

 

[thon]

Probably Holo May or Singxer SDA-6 PRO.

+1
While SMSL DACs measure well wrt to Jitter via USB my 2 SMSL DACs constantly have issues with handshake (often have to manually select them in the prefs of the respective softwares).

 

[Vincent Kars]

Wouldn't be surprised if all of them use a USB receiver is by XMOS.

 

[fpitas]

Wouldn't be surprised if all of them use a USB receiver is by XMOS.

Yeah, I doubt they invest engineering time developing USB hardware.

 

[roderickvd]

Many are. Some are custom (Denafrips and Holo for sure, Schiit too I believe).

Even then not all XMOS implementations are of the same quality. For example, the SDA-6 has excellent galvanic isolation. The SDA-6 PRO also has a USB clock with low phase noise.

 

[Overseas]

But... but... USB is the preferred input that Amir tests with notable priority. So you find the results first thing in his reviews.

 

[sq225917]

The decent ndk, crystek and Accusilicon clocks are all broadly similar re phase noise, ie not worth worrying about.

 

[roderickvd]

Note I was referring to the USB oscillator, not the DAC oscillator, which is used to derive a 48 MHz clock for full-speed USB. Few USB modules have clocks with low phase noise.

Whether that matters - if at all - is mostly dependent on any PLL or reclocking done after the USB module.

 

[Sokel]

I suggest you have a look around for USB related problems,no DSD for example,crackles,ground loops,etc.
I would choose one that is galvanicaly isolated and has external PS,sometimes laptops and low power devices are not up to the near 1A needed for comfort.

 

[Moxalain]

I tested USB Amanero (which I preferred) XMOS (variable according to the brand, the quality is not constant).
So I'm suspicious.
XMOS yes, but in which DAC ?

 

[Trell]

I tested USB Amanero (which I preferred) XMOS (variable according to the brand, the quality is not constant).
So I'm suspicious.
XMOS yes, but in which DAC ?

RME has their own implementation of USB, if you want to avoid XMOS.

 

[MaxBuck]

Topping D30Pro is great, too, though apparently it doesn't work well with CD transports.

 

[Wino]

Probably Holo May or Singxer SDA-6 PRO.

Have a Holo May KTE and Gustard X26 Pro. They have both been great with USB. Subjective sound difference between to two in my opinion. But, I love them both.

 

[Moxalain]

thank you very much. I just listened SMSL D300 and liked its XMOS input.
I'm going to buy its big brother, the D400EX