Google my friend.
Firewire DACs?
I know these are allegedly fairly common - so I have read - within the professional recording industry. Are there any consumer (normal ole Joe's like me) Firewire-based DACs?
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The short answer is "no." And the reason is that, unlike USB, Firewire computer interfaces all need custom drivers written for them. If you buy a Firewire DAC or Firewire - SPDIF converter, you will need to install drivers on your computer and probably futz with them a bit. It's not necessarily hard, but USB interfaces require nothing of the sort. If you want to go Firewire, I would go with a true Firewire DAC, such as the Weiss DAC2 or their new DAC202, rather than a Firewire-SPDIF converter into another DAC. The latter approach can yield good results, but you'll still have to deal with drivers and you are adding another clock into the chain. In my experience, you would do just as well as a Firewire - SPDIF converter by going with a good USB-SPIDF converter (ART, Bel Canto, Empirical Audio, Wavelength) or, better still, a good USB DAC, such as the Ayre or one of the Wavelegths. |
But USB is....TERRIBLE. Just listen. SOME USB is terrible. Not all. It really depends on how it is implemented. Another Firewire option if you don't want to drop large coin on Audiophile gear is the Focus Saffire or Saffire LE ($299), which is a pro piece and requires some savvy to use the interface. Apogee's choices would be easier to use though (being more of a plug-and-play experience). |
Timztunz, You have a great looking room, there. I haven't heard all of the USB Dacs, but I have heard many. I have also done extensive research with the USB protocal since, well, the beginning. I fault its inherent limitations, specifically it's transmission method and taxing of the cpu. I have not yet heard the Tranquility yet. It has gotten rave reviews and was also a best of show at RMAF. I am certain it sounds excellent in your system. I am at a point where I have just abandoned the interface. Perhaps if I ever hear this dac, I will change my mind. The best USB DAC I have heard so far is the Ayre, which I thought sounded thin, not too great in the dynamics and just didn't bring the emotion home. Again, I fault the protocal, not the hardware. Enjoy your beautiful system. |
M-Audio makes a firewire 410 that you can still get for around 300.00. They also make a new 600 model that costs around 400.00 retail. For the money both of these interfaces/DAC's have excellent sound quality. Obviously, you can do better but it will cost much, much more. These both have 8 analog outs too so you could do multichannel out or even active crossovers. check out this site: http://www.home-speaker.net/diyhometheaterspeaker.html If you read down through that page it eventually discusses firewire DACs. It works really well. This is the type of setup I use with active digital crossovers. That site helped me do it. mikal |