elberoth
Member
Can you post BADA Alpha USB measurements, just to give us some benchmark ?
Are you sure Alsa doesn't simply alter volume in software before sending data to the Singxer?
This product looks like it will go from USB to AES/EBU in one box. That would make it perfect for connecting to active speakers with AES/EBU input. Is that correct?
Unfortunately my unit has been broken for a while so I can't measure it. I have been too lazy to send it for repair.Can you post BADA Alpha USB measurements, just to give us some benchmark ?
Are you sure regulators are bypassed when powering the device from external power supply? There must be at least some step down conversion (its 6-9V dc socket), also looking at the inside pictures it looks like both USB and ext.power are regulated, but only one at the time is used with external power supply priority.Thanks for reviewing this Amir. Matrix Audio explains they have a lot of regulation and power cleanup going on in this device when powered via USB, looks like they did a good job. That regulation is bypassed if you feed it with an external power source.
There was a time when I was searching high and low for a reliable, high quality spdif to USB converter. I can only vaguely remember why I was searching for one, but I think one reason was that USB driver support for legacy products used to be a big concern when we didn't have as much class compliant chipsets out there, and another was probably that USB input among high-end gear used to be rare. But whatever the reason, I presumed that such a converter would be quite straightforward, and remember being baffled at the lack of options out there.
As to why such a device might be necessary today, I think it's worth pointing out that not all USB implementations are equal, and it can be nice to be able to remove it from the equation when choosing a DAC (in case you missed it, there were some interesting comments in this thread regarding USB vs SPDIF differences here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ments-of-holoaudio-xeme2ve-usb-to-spdif.6386/). Also, a good USB to SPDIF interface opens up options for going with an older DAC, which could be a benefit in some instances.
As such, I'm happy to know that Amir's testing is highlighting some great options at various price points
Are you sure regulators are bypassed when powering the device from external power supply? There must be at least some step down conversion (its 6-9V dc socket), also looking at the inside pictures it looks like both USB and ext.power are regulated, but only one at the time is used with external power supply priority.
It’s a pity, that Amir didn’t try to power it with his lab grade power supply, instead of PS-1.This is my unit that Amir tested. Looking at the manual again, I'm not sure if it does bypass all their filtering, I think it might just disconnect the USB power line but allow the PS to still be filtered.
This product looks like it will go from USB to AES/EBU in one box. That would make it perfect for connecting to active speakers with AES/EBU input. Is that correct?
Yes, Exasound has proprietary interface so you can't just plug it into something and expect it to work.
Are you suggesting that any cheap USB SPDIF converter is better than the Allo Digital Signature?