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USB DACs, WIndows 11, and newer Intel chipsets

I’ve been successfully using a Meridian Explorer2 DAC on my Windows 10 machine for some years.  However, Microsoft/Intel planned obsolescence forced me to build a new computer because WIndows 11 now requires functions not supported by my otherwise more-than-capable CPU. Sigh.

The new system has a high-end ASUS ROG STRIX Z890-E Wifi Gamer motherboard, based on Intel’s Z890 chipset.  As with most new boards, the UEFI omits options llike CSM (compatibility mode) and Legacy USB support, so it can’t see the DAC (a USB Audio  Class 2.0 device).  I’ve tried every standard solution (toggling XHCI, accessing a USB 2.0 channel in a 5GBps USB port, switching btw Meridian and Windows drivers, etc.) but the bottom lilne is that, like more & more new motherboards, this one does not support legacy USB devices like this known-working DAC. 

Meridian provides no support for its Explorer products ("please contact your distributor").

I have decent desktop speakers -- a pair of classic Sonigistix Monsoon MM-1000 planars -- but this is not a critical audiophile application. However, the mobo’s onboard audio is not an option due to an insurmountable gain mismatch.

After wrestling with this for days, I give up.  I don’t need MQA and the Explorer’s history of compatibility issues convinces me to move on (anyone want an Explorer2 cheap?) 

I’m thinking about something like an Audioquest Cobalt.  But I’m concerned that any older USB DAC may have the same issues.

So I’m not looking for advice re: getting the Explorer2 to work (unless you have some insider knowledge).  I’m just trying to find an under-$500 USB DAC that, with certainty, will work with newer motherboards & chipsets that don’t support Legacy USB operation. 

Does anybody have first-hand experience with ANY such DAC?  Obviously, the more recent the release, the better.

Thanks for any first-hand recommendations.

D

cundare2
devinplombier
1,637 posts
 

My daily driver is a Lenovo workstation laptop. It’s about 12 years old (I think) but it still has more than enough processing power and a very nice 4K display. It was a high-end machine back then.

It runs win 10 now, and TPS 1.1 so it’s ineligible for the win 11, uh, "upgrade", such as it is.

I am currently debating whether to install win 11 anyway, keep running win 10, or move it to Linux like my other boxes, which all run Lubuntu.

@moonwatcher I didn’t know there was an extended Windows 10 update support, thanks for the tip. I may just do that and punt another year 😃 You mentioned you can get it for free?

moonwatcher
580 posts
 

@devinplombier yes, the key is having your Microsoft account and be using their stupid OneDrive to backup your Windows settings. I do NOT use it to backup my data or of course they'd want money for storage.  Then you should be able to go into Settings->Windows Update and scroll about a bit and see the enrollment program to get the extended security updates till October 13th, 2026 for FREE. No $30 required. 

More power to those who want to use Rufus to put Windows 11 on old unsupported hardware, but I just don't want any more Microsoft induced headaches. 

Good luck! And yeah, Linux of whatever flavor you like is a way to keep on keeping on. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,603 posts
 

Buy a quality  streamer and a dac upgrade , quality Ethernet hum and cables 

digital has evolved 1000% since you bought your last dac ,and streamer 

night and day less noise look at innuos as a good example you want linear power supplies

dsnyder0cnn
83 posts
 

I'm expecting to take delivery of a TOPPING DX5 II ($299) tomorrow. Similar in price to your Meridian Explorer2, if memory serves. However, the DX5 II is quite a bit more capable, offering an excellent headphones amplifier and digital preamp functionality for feeding powered speakers. Like you, I'll be using it at my desk.

While I generally agree with folks that, for best sound quality, a dedicated streaming transport or network bridge will sound better, there's nothing wrong with wanting good sound for your PC. I use my desktop rig mainly for Zoom calls, but it's nice to switch over to music when I have a few minutes to destress. For that, I just use one of the other inputs, which I feed from a dedicated network bridge.

Enjoy the journey!

mike4597's avatar
mike4597
303 posts
 

I’m in the Mac world, using a Mac Mini M4 Pro, but I decided to buy a dedicated, low-cost streamer for my second system—a Rega integrated amp and Paradigm bookshelf speakers..  I purchased the WiiM Pro plus and use my iPad Pro for control.  It works wonderfully with my older Schiit DAC (Modi 3) and the later Schiit Bifrost 2/64.  However, I mostly stream and only occasionally pull music from my computer or iPad Pro.

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