USB-S/PDIF Converter or USB DAC?

Belkin will also be offering a wireless USB Hub in July 06. This will have the bandwidth for 24/96.

See this link, not 802.11x:
http://www.belkin.com/pressroom/releases/uploads/01_03_06CableFreeUSB.html

Not sure about the spurious emissions. It is evidently the new ultrawideband technology in the Belkin device, which is low-power but wide frequency emissions. If there is an RF technology that might cause problems, this is it.

If you want something safer, then go with the AirPort Express. This is 802.11G. I have a version of this, Off-Ramp WIFI with S/PDIF or AES output, and soon hopefully I2S output.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer

"-Isoncronous (isosyncronus?) data transfer.."

Isochronous means that the bandwidth and access is guaranteed. This helps eliminate underruns. Most USB controllers use this mode.

"-We also have the new DVD players with buffer systems to do the error correction,"

Errors are not the issue, jitter is.

"-then we get the external clocks like the BigBen or the DCS verona that enslave transport and DAC to the same clock, so no error from 2 clocks there, supposed to be great also!
Everyone claims to be the best..."

The Big Ben does a good job of asynchrnously reclocking the S/PDIF data stream and does reduce jitter. Only as good as the clock in the Big Ben though.

"What about a huge overbuilt transport like VRDS, CEC or Forsell..."

I've modded many of these to improve jitter, including CEC. Still much more jitter than a well-implemented USB or Wi-Fi interface, even with mods.

"I have yet to try the external clock and a USB DAC but I am getting less and less motivated by this findings..."

Again, it's in the implementation, the design. Computer audio has the potential to beat all transport-based systems.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer/modder

Yes, the lower jitter equates to better sound.

Not sure about the SB jitter measurements. Most stock units have relatively high jitter IME.

Steve N.