Looking for a good USB Interface

[lexan]

After a long time of tireless work, my Gustard U12, a not astonishing but honest device, is suddenly dead
RIP!
So I'm looking for USB Interfaces with an AES3/EBU output (110 Ohm)
I've taken a look at Gustard U16, of course, but it's a far too new product and… both the design changes —from XMOS to ESS— and subsequent Firmware upgrades are suggesting me to stay away from it for a while.

I know, Berkeley Audio Alpha USB would be the right choice, but I should start a fundraising campaign to purchase it!
So… can anybody give me any suggestion below $400?

Thank you very much in advance.

/Lexan

PS that Gustard was part of a semi-professional setup ***24/96KHz only**** so I would prefer a device where all the money are spent in low distortion/jitter/noise and a stable clock. Support of DSD8, for example, is absolutely useless!

 

[Veri]

I think the "best" device Amir got his hands on so far is the matrix using 5V power from USB which then gets filtered, which seems better/cleaner than external power supply this probably is all in the unaudible realm of things though, being a DDC and not working on the analog domain https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...of-matrix-audio-x-spdif-2-usb-converter.6597/

I think on budget the Gustard U12 is one of the better devices though honestly. You could always get another one with a solid warranty on it.

You could also look at the aliexpress SU-1 clones, called DU-U8 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32499738639.html which can be had on a very low budget. See some (possibly unreliable) info on the DU-U8 here https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...ddc-warm-up-time-technical-measurements.4178/

 

[Blumlein 88]

https://www.minidsp.com/products/usb-audio-interface/u-dio8

I've not used one, but it looks like this miniDSP unit would work. 8 channels, maybe more than you need. $299.

 

[lexan]

Dear Verim, Blumlein,

THX for your valuable suggestions.

I think the "best" device Amir got his hands on so far is the matrix using 5V power from USB which then gets filtered, which seems better/cleaner than external power supply this probably is all in the unaudible realm of things though, being a DDC and not working on the analog domain https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...of-matrix-audio-x-spdif-2-usb-converter.6597/

there is just a drawback! The output of Matrix is SPDIF, so I need a cable/impedance adapter [that I don't like very much]. Last but not least, a good impedance-adapter (e.g. Neutrik) adds an extra $50 to the cart

I think on budget the Gustard U12 is one of the better devices though honestly. You could always get another one with a solid warranty on it.

+1, but ShenzenAudio does not sell Gustard U12 anymore and I don't trust too much the multitude of Gustard resellers you can find on Aliexpress. In this time it's very easy to find/get counterfeit appliances on Aliexpress.

You could also look at the aliexpress SU-1 clones, called DU-U8 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32499738639.html which can be had on a very low budget. See some (possibly unreliable) info on the DU-U8 here https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...ddc-warm-up-time-technical-measurements.4178/

Like before; there are cloners and cloners of cloners. Unfortunately copycats struggle to be cheaper at the expense of quality and it's difficult who the copycat is…

I've not used one, but it looks like this miniDSP unit would work. 8 channels, maybe more than you need. $299

Good catch Blumlein, this is a very practical solution for my home theatre too. I'll take a look at specs.

NEWS:
I've found an alternative to Gustard U12/SU-1/DU-8, that sports an AES/EBU output connector: the SMSL B2!
PS I don't have any interest in Bluetooth but, maybe, my young daughter may appreciate this feature.

Any known pros/cons of SMSL B2 versus Gustard U12?

Cheers,

/Lexan

 

[Krunok]

Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2.

 

[Veri]

Dear Verim, Blumlein,

THX for your valuable suggestions.


there is just a drawback! The output of Matrix is SPDIF, so I need a cable/impedance adapter [that I don't like very much]. Last but not least, a good impedance-adapter (e.g. Neutrik) adds an extra $50 to the cart

Hi, the X-SPDIF2 outputs normal 110ohm AES/EBU. No adapter needed.

I've found an alternative to Gustard U12/SU-1/DU-8, that sports an AES/EBU output connector: the SMSL B2!
PS I don't have any interest in Bluetooth but, maybe, my young daughter may appreciate this feature.

Any known pros/cons of SMSL B2 versus Gustard U12?

This M2 also seems totally fine to me, although it is a new product with little customer feedback.
The X-SPDIF is more expensive and has more expensive clocks. But the M2 has bluetooth which your daughter might appreciate

 

[svart-hvitt]

Hi, the X-SPDIF2 outputs normal 110ohm AES/EBU. No adapter needed.


This M2 also seems totally fine to me, although it is a new product with little customer feedback.
The X-SPDIF is more expensive and has more expensive clocks. But the M2 has bluetooth which your daughter might appreciate

Will @MatrixAudio send the x-spdif to @amirm for measurements?

 

[Veri]

Will @MatrixAudio send the x-spdif to @amirm for measurements?

But.. someone already did :

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...of-matrix-audio-x-spdif-2-usb-converter.6597/

 

[k3nb5t]

I have had excellent results with the SMSL B2. I am currently using it to drive my JBL 708p's via AES/EBU. Price seems to have gone up a bit since I bought it. It also has bluetooth, which is a nice bonus.

https://www.shenzhenaudio.com/smsl-...interface-to-i2s-coaxial-optical-aes-bnc.html

I also have a SU-8 v2 and a SH-8 for my headphone setup, so it fits in nicely

EDIT: just saw your follow-up post where you also located the B2
I posted some notes on the setup in the giant 708p thread. You may find them useful.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/jbl-705p-708p.1303/post-168086

 

[lexan]

Hi, the X-SPDIF2 outputs normal 110ohm AES/EBU. No adapter needed.

Dear Veri,
I had seen an image of the device that did not show the AES / EBU output.
I've downloaded the manual and everything is clear now!
Thank you very much for having pointed it out again.

Many thanks to everybody too.

/L