Asynch USB or super clock thru S/PDIF for $3.5k?

I initially went the USB route with Async dac and was satisfied - until I tried toslink with a decent cable - will never go back. Using an iMac so s/pdif is not an option unless I go usb to converter to s/pdif. Not convinced of the benefits over good toslink.

Not a big usb fan as I believe format passes 16/44 only, so even with a converter you are downsampling, then up sampling....

In the end I suppose it depends on the quality of the async design vs. the external unit.

Lewinskih01,
Your post suggests that for your first approach you may have already verified that Ayre QB-9 and other asynch's can now play well with the Touch. I know there was at least a percieved problem earlier, but it may be OBE. That said, please consider home-auditioning both of the GREAT options you are considering.

I own the Ayre QB-9 and can tell you that it is one amazing piece of gear that not only manages all the standard issues of external digital clocking (Wavelength's solution), galvanic and RFI isolation,etc, but also has this incredible analog stage with zero feedback topology, all in one single box. Plan on running in balanced output if possible. Around $2100 used on Agon.

As you know, many on this site will swear by Steve Nugent's approach, esp. for integrating high quality computer audio with existing components. His systems are incredibly well reviewed and awarded in national forums. IMO he's also one of the more experienced, knowledgable and generous contributors to Agon threads. It seems I recall that there may be a 30-day trial option for his gear? I think Steve's systems may also be favored if the computer must be located a longer distance from the DAC (a USB cabling limitation).

Good luck. My guess is you are win-win on this.

Meiwan,
"Not a big usb fan as I believe format passes 16/44 only, so even with a converter you are downsampling, then up sampling...."

I think USB 1.1 supports 24/96 native, and with proper drivers, USB 2.0 supports 24/192 as well as other even higher rez formats.

"In the end I suppose it depends on the quality of the async design vs. the external unit."

Right on!

Async USB requires USB 2.0 compliant ports on the computer.

Most recent computers have this, although some netbooks and in particular Dell laptops can have high-latency I/O systems which can cause drop-outs with audio playback.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

They are both valid approaches and either will sound very good. As always, it boils down to personal preference so nobody here can tell you which you will prefer.

Steve Nugent is a big supporter of this approach and says the DAC matters less IF you have a VERY good clock upstream.

Duh. that's what he sells so would you expect a different stance? Gordon Rankin at Wavelength is a big supporter of Async USB. The fact that these forums allow Steve and others to post about their products is free advertising for them so I don't blame them for doing it, but if you want an objective opinion you can disregard what Steve or any other manufacturer says about his own products.

USB is not limited to 16/44.1.

.

"Duh. that's what he sells so would you expect a different stance?"

If you read my posts, I recommend many other companies DACs, driven by my Off-Ramp 4 (to hit lower price points and deliver great quality). Dont you think I would make more money selling my own DAC?

How many other manufacturers of DACs recommend other companies DACs? How about zero.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio