Hi all, I hope I can get some of your expert advice. I'm new to the forum so apologies in advance if I missed something, although I tried to read as much as possible before posting.
I'm thinking to get a RME Babyface (http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_babyface.php) as it seems it could serve well for a dual purpose: as a DAC and as a recording interface (I need both).
I store my music on a Synology NAS DiskStation ds211j connected with a Sonos system (ZP100 unit that works as an amp) and Cisco-Linksys WRT160N Wireless-N Broadband Router that sends it to the other Sonos receivers. I use the latest version of Sonos software to operate the system, on a Windows platform.
I would like to understand if Babyface can work properly with my system, so it would be very useful for me if I could get answers for the questions below:
1. Can I use Babyface as a DAC in my system?
The Synology is now connected to the Sonos via LAN cable, and the solution I had in mind in order to use the Babyface as a DAC was to connect it via USB with Synology and with Sonos from the headphones output via a a Y-cable 3.5mm to RCA ( like this: http://www.cablestogo.com/product.asp?cat_id=2009&sku=40615) or should I use one of the outputs from the breakout with a Y-cable 1/4" to RCA instead? (I read contrasting opinions about this)
2. In case I use the USB, will I be able to use all of the upscaling capacity at 24-bit/192 kHz of the Babyface?
3. Or is it somehow limited by the USB connection?
4. Do I need what is called an asynchronous USB connection to make use of that capacity, and does babyface have it?
5. Would an external power supply unit (like: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PGP100) improve the performance of the Babyface as a DAC?
Eventually what type is required?
6. Is there in any case any weak link in the system that I won't be able to overcome even if I use the Babyface?
I know for example my Sonos system doesn't have 24bit support, but I'm still not clear if this is an absolute limitation (and therefore any 24bit file will just not play) or if I use Babyface as a DAC, it will be able to handle hi-res files anyway and transmit them to the Sonos to be played with that quality (the Babyface can support up to 24-bit/192Khz via USB, but if this is limited down by a weak link somewhere else in the system there would be no point at all to have such capacity?)
Many thanks in advance to anyone who might help me in clarifying these points!
Have a happy day
A.
