Pass-through / convert from optical **to** USB

[john61ct]

Hi all, looking for a DAC that also supports digital pass-through, hopefully not too large or expensive.

USB output seems pretty rare? My most-often used input source is optical TOSlink, but S/PDIF Coax would be nice I guess

All three of these both input AND output would be ideal.

Next best would be digital-only conversion, no DAC function, but would prefer all in one.

HP amp, and/or Bluetooth transmit LDAP + aptX adaptive / LL

definitely not required - "would be nice" only

 

[MCH]

Do you need the volume control on the digital output? If not, and your source is toslink, you can always use a splitter before the DAC.

 

[staticV3]

USB output seems pretty rare?

Only USB Host devices can output USB.

Typically PCs, laptops, phones, tablets, consoles, RasPi's, though there are select streamers and TVs that can do it, too.

 

[john61ct]

Do you need the volume control on the digital output? If not, and your source is toslink, you can always use a splitter before the DAC.

Confused by the volume question, wouldn't that only apply to analog output?

This thread is really about the digital - to - digital signal conversion, the HP amp and DAC line output are minor aspects.

So I guess my answer is No.

And I am not talking about splitting to multiple TOSlink, but conversion, primary interest is USB out.

 

[john61ct]

Only USB Host devices can output USB.

So then my question becomes, is there a small / inexpensive USB Host device that can convert (pass-through) from TOSlink input?

I realize this is not a typical use case...

 

[staticV3]

The WiiM Ultra can do Toslink In->USB out, but it's jam-packed with features OP likely doesn't need.

A barebones, Swiss army knife DDC AFAIK does not exist.

 

[staticV3]

copy 2 to usb interface with toslink input (there are many, hifimediy.com sells a few very cheap ones)

Those cannot plug into USB DACs, which OP is likely aiming for.

Only USB Host devices can output to USB DACs. Not converter adapter cables.

 

[MCH]

Those cannot plug into USB DACs, which OP is likely aiming for.

Only USB Host devices can output to USB DACs. Not converter adapter cables.

I realised after his answer to you, but it is not clear from the original post. Seems that his second DAC is usb in only (??). Probably easier to solve that limitation in my opinion....

 

[phoenixdogfan]

My Octo DAC 8 Pro has an AES/USB mode which enables SPDIF input of an LPCM data stream formatted as AES/EBU to be passed through as USB in order for it to be sent to a computer or work station where any manner of DSP processing can be effected on it. The LPCM stream is then sent back to the OCTO over the same USB cable and converted to analog. Obviously SPDIF is not optical, but it's basically to same format only transmitted electrically rather than optically, so if your output could be transmitted by SPDIF rather than optical, the Octo is an option. Canare makes a very inexpensive barrel shaped transformer than converts SPDIF to AES/EBU.

Unfortunately, the DAC 8 Pro is not small and inexpensive, but it is a comprehensive solution.

 

[john61ct]

A barebones, Swiss army knife DDC AFAIK does not exist.

OK, so now I'm looking for a special purpose DDC that features

TOSlink input --> USB Host output

able to feed a DAC

...

Yes Wiim Ultra is overkill, but it seems like a great value remote-controlled DSP-based pre-amp, source select, volume control, 12V trigger output...

Would you recommend it for subwoofer integration (HP filter on mains!) and room correction?

 

[staticV3]

Yes Wiim Ultra is overkill, but it seems like a great value remote-controlled DSP-based pre-amp, source select, volume control, 12V trigger output...

Would you recommend it for subwoofer integration (HP filter on mains!) and room correction?

Yes.

Edit:
Though sub integration via mixed-format Analog out+Async USB out may not work well due to clock drift.
That's a general concern, not specific to the WiiM.

 

[john61ct]

SPDIF is not optical

But I thought TOSlink is S/PDIF, just a different physical transport medium compared to copper Coax ?

I've never done anything with AES/EBU digital, looks like a deep rabbit hole

but thanks!

 

[digitalfrost]

The FiiO BTA30 Pro can do Coax-in opt-out if that helps anything.

 

[john61ct]

Thanks but no, from the above feedback, I have now narrowed the scope to:

TOSlink input --> USB Host output

able to feed a DAC

 

[digitalfrost]

Mutec MC-3+ USB may be able to do that. But it's expensive. MiniDSP USBStreamer B probably cheapest solution, but only optical input.

 

[DVDdoug]

Just to clarify, a USB host requires a driver (software or firmware) so you need some kind of processor.

 

[john61ct]

MiniDSP USBStreamer B probably cheapest solution

Seems well suited to convert FROM USB to Optical but not v/v

looks like its USB output is for connection to a USB Host, like a PC.

Rather than BEING a USB Host, which is required to e.g. output into a DAC

I would be very happy to be corrected if I am wrong!

 

[john61ct]

Mutec MC-3+ USB

Same, does not present as a USB Host, and yes, too pricey even if it did

 

[digitalfrost]

I think you're right my bad. I misunderstood the assignment.

 

[JustJones]

I believe the Mutec 1.2+ will convert either direction. The WiiM ultra probably the cheapest not sure why you need to go from Toslink to a USB dac use the dac in the WiiM.