What's the best way to share one USB DAC between two PCs?

[Chuu]

I have a RME ADI-2 Pro that I want to share between a PC and a Laptop that are both at my desk. I don't need audio from both at the same time, and in fact was thinking I could just purchase a cheap USB "switch" like this this and the appropriate cables.

There are a surprising number of reviews though warning that they had these cheap switches damage USB ports when powering on and switching units. This is a dealbreaker.

Any suggestions for the proper way to do this? Is there a high quality version of this product I can trust? Is there some other way to do this that might be appealing?

 

[Jimbob54]

I have a RME ADI-2 Pro that I want to share between a PC and a Laptop that are both at my desk. I don't need audio from both at the same time, and in fact was thinking I could just purchase a cheap USB "switch" like this this and the appropriate cables.

There are a surprising number of reviews though warning that they had these cheap switches damage USB ports when powering on and switching units. This is a dealbreaker.

Any suggestions for the proper way to do this? Is there a high quality version of this product I can trust? Is there some other way to do this that might be appealing?

If you dont want a USB switch you're going to have to use one of the other inputs - so some form of converter. Could use a Topping D10 to bridge but thats $100 to not use the DAC in it. May be cheaper converting options

 

[Vini darko]

A usb to optical or coax converter could solve your issue. It's annoying that dacs only have one usb input. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XY5ORCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.TPvFb964A1VZ
Somthing like this would work.

 

[Chuu]

If you dont want a USB switch you're going to have to use one of the other inputs - so some form of converter. Could use a Topping D10 to bridge but thats $100 to not use the DAC in it. May be cheaper converting options

I'm fine using a switch like this, just looking for a recommended one that doesn't have reports that it can damage USB ports.

 

[mansr]

Get a USB switch that doesn't fry stuff. Anything from a reputable brand should be fine.

 

[Jimbob54]

A usb to optical or coax converter could solve your issue. It's annoying that dacs only have one usb input. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XY5ORCK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.TPvFb964A1VZ
Somthing like this would work.

Looks like it tops out at 48 khz, which may be an issue if trying to send Hi-res

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I don't need audio from both at the same time, and in fact was thinking I could just purchase a cheap USB "switch" like this this and the appropriate cables.

I have used this exact switch without problems..

 

[Inner Space]

Is there some other way to do this that might be appealing?

I would just plug and unplug manually. Easy and free.

 

[Aldoszx]

I am using this switch for the same purpose and is just fine.