"Unique" narrow-purpose devices of great value for money

[john61ct]

There are very few components that are UNIQUE in a very wide ranging price class.

I just love cheap and clean-SQ gadgets that target a single or at least very narrow use case.

I though even if this thread collects very diverse examples it should be of interest

I'm especially thinking devices that convert between formats, not just ADCs and DACs but digital, DDCs even if not signal protocol changes but just between physical media or impedance / voltage differences.

Choosing less expensive components by being free from limited connectivity restraints - priceless!

Obviously we might post devices that may end up NOT being so "unique" - even better!

But please, one rule, if someone posts something costing say $50, please don't disagree with a $250 example, unless the original is just too much of a compromise, audibly inferior SQ, and you have done due diligence on reasonably-priced better altermatives.

 

[john61ct]

SMSL SU-2

true balanced DAC, nice and clean, no USB but AES3 for under $100

also S/PDIF RCA coax and TOSlink inputs

zero gain/trim control is a plus

RCA outputs 2.0 - 2.3Vrms

XLR 4.0V - 4.7Vrms

silly title for the main discussion

SMSL SU-2: a dumb, wasted opportunity

I am now in my new Home but still moving stuff from Old Home to the new one, so my Projectprogress still pending :( At least my new Kitchen is ready "IKEA" Furniture with "Miele" Devices ....... no AES needed for interconnections LOOOL

www.audiosciencereview.com

also relevant

DACs or DDCs with simultaneous concurrent outputs

Looking to collect a list. No need to post all the details, just list the inputs and which outputs are concurrent. Compare / contrast features / SQ issues welcome if known to you.

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[john61ct]

Hifime UR23 / UR27 from TOSlink-to-USB out (audio capture card)

maybe not so "unique"? please speak up!

UR27 supports higher resolution at 192kHz, UR23 max is 24-bit/96kHz

also better compatibility with RPi/Linux as UAC2 compliant

Neither are USB hosts of course, a computer is required even if just an SBC or MCU.

$30 & $45 respectively

...

USB-to-TOSlink

UT23 also $30
sends audio from a USB host to a TOSlink input on an amp or DAC, max 24-bit/96kHz

If you need 192kHz output, Hifime also makes the **bi-directional** S2 Digi at $50

 

[somebodyelse]

Hifime UR23 / UR27 from TOSlink-to-USB out (audio capture card)

maybe not so "unique"? please speak up!

See https://www.cubilux.com/collections/usb-a-to-spdif-adapters

 

[somebodyelse]

MiniDSP PocketADC RCA to spdif/toslink with exemplary ADC performance for $55.
E1DA's Cosmos line for measurements.
Parks Audio Waxwing DSP phono stage - the closest I can think of is the MiniDSP ADept but they're different enough that the ADept is probably unique too. Nothing I know of gets close to the versatility offered by the DSP in the Waxwing (or the Puffin before it) but the analog stage doesn't particularly stand out. The ADept has better performance and versatility as an ADC but misses out on the DSP side.

 

[Chr1]

Not actually a "device" as such, but I would suggest that MathAudio RoomEQ qualifies as being unique in that it is the only room correction software available that is free of charge.
Been using it for several years now and there's nothing that has made a bigger improvement in SQ for me, by a long way.

It is free to use with Foobar2000.
Another excellent, and arguably unique, free piece of software.

 

[somebodyelse]

Not actually a "device" as such, but I would suggest that MathAudio RoomEQ qualifies as being unique in that it is the only room correction software available that is free of charge.

I guess it depends on where you put the boundaries to some extent, and possibly which OS you're talking about. We've got several free options that will make measurements and provide filters in PEQ or FIR form, and several that will do the filtering. We've even got a few that do both, so I don't think being free makes MathAudio unique.

 

[staticV3]

DSPi custom firmware for the $5 Raspberry Pi Pico.

8ch digital I/O.

USB, SPDIF, AES3, I2S, ADAT

Daisy-Chain multiple Pi Picos to expand I/O

PEQ, Crossover, Compressor, Crossfeed, Upmixer, Automated Room Correction, Dynamic Equal Loudness Compensation

Volume control via UAC2, IR Remote learning, Potentiometer, LG Simplink

Trigger support to control external Amps.

 

[Chr1]

I guess it depends on where you put the boundaries to some extent, and possibly which OS you're talking about. We've got several free options that will make measurements and provide filters in PEQ or FIR form, and several that will do the filtering. We've even got a few that do both, so I don't think being free makes MathAudio unique.

True. However you could argue that room correction via PEQ, FIR filters etc, differs from bespoke room correction software. Certainly more involved and arguably can be quite difficult to get right.

MathAudio RoomEQ is more akin to things like Dirac, Audessey etc. ie Several automated features help to simplify the process.
The fact that it is free of charge makes it rather unique here I'd suggest. Most other options are relatively costly. YMMV.

 

[john61ct]

See https://www.cubilux.com/collections/usb-a-to-spdif-adapters

I believe these are all from USB (host output) to S/PDIF ? Like for going into a Wiim.

Hifime UR23 and UR27 are optical TO host input.

Besides direction (bidirectional having a lot more value in flexibility and future repurposing )

My understanding is Hifime is well worth spending a little more for components quality, reliable longevity etc.

MiniDSP PocketADC RCA to spdif/toslink with exemplary ADC performance for $55.

Yes an exemplar of the "simplicity" narrow purpose problem solving category I have top of mind here.

 

[john61ct]

DSPi

arguably unique, free piece of software.

Let's keep the focus to ready to use OTS hardware, not relying on DIY skillz

I agree DSPi has the potential to be a gamechanger though, I can envision LOTs of incredible such products getting developed USING DSPi in future though

not just for DSP but reducing the costs of any-to-any digital signal conversion.

Introducing DSPi | A powerful, user friendly and open source DSP for less than a cup of coffee

What frequency is 8 channels adat? I would be surprised if you don't run into trouble with Dupont connectors. Try at least to start with wires as short as possible and 2 channels first to see that everything is ok.

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[john61ct]

MathAudio RoomEQ

Thanks for the pointer!

 

[somebodyelse]

I believe these are all from USB (host output) to S/PDIF ? Like for going into a Wiim.

Hifime UR23 and UR27 are optical TO host input.

Besides direction (bidirectional having a lot more value in flexibility and future repurposing )

My understanding is Hifime is well worth spending a little more for components quality, reliable longevity etc.

They have some that are output only, one that's toslink input only, one that has both mini-toslik and analog input on the same socket, and one that's bidirectional. "USB A SPDIF Input Adapter for PC [Stereo Recording ONLY, NOT for Playing Audio]" is about as explicit as it gets that it's an input!

 

[Power Pop 23]

An original, Discwasher 'Record Care System'.

A comfortable-to-use, vinyl record cleaner with space to store cleaning fluid.

I have received great value since 1977 from this unique implementation.

 

[Timcognito]

A large dedicated tablet =>10" stripped of all apps except music app GUI dashboard connected by wifi to storage and playback devices in all locations and the internet. Android can be had <$100

 

[90sNintendoKid]

A large dedicated tablet =>10" stripped of all apps except music app GUI dashboard connected by wifi to storage and playback devices in all locations and the internet. Android can be had <$100

View attachment 551002

May I please ask what tablet that is and is there a guide?

 

[Barrelhouse Solly]

A Raspberry Pi minimal setup like a 2W with Squeezelite or MPD using a USB output. Free software that requires a free MPD or LMS client and a digital music source. PiCorePlayer is an option to make configuration easier. You need a more powerful Pi to run Moode or Volumio. The low end solution is well under $50 including case.

 

[Keith_W]

May I please ask what tablet that is and is there a guide?

I have the same thing. I use a retired Samsung Galaxy S4 tablet. Not only did I strip it of all apps, I also removed the password sign in. So you tap on the power button, and you are in.

You don't need a guide, whatever app works on your phone will also work on the tablet.

 

[Barrelhouse Solly]

I have the same thing. I use a retired Samsung Galaxy S4 tablet. Not only did I strip it of all apps, I also removed the password sign in. So you tap on the power button, and you are in.

You don't need a guide, whatever app works on your phone will also work on the tablet.

I'm currently using a 7" Amazon Fire with ads that I bought refurb as my bathroom radio and music source. I have a Bluetooth shower speaker. I've also used old phones and tablets. I wish it were easier to root and install custom ROMs. I've used LineageOS in the past and it was great once I did all of the prep.

 

[john61ct]

Please folks, start your own threads for discussion of product Categories.

The point of this thread is the "uniqueness" of Specific singular PRODUCTs.

Preferably electronic audio devices for the signal chain, but I guess mechanical accessories can pass.