tosehee

I respectfully disagree. The data must be copied to memory (ram) first before it gets processed by CPU. SSD and HDD has nothing to do with it. The modern cpu is so darn fast and etc that these differences make absolutely no difference imo.

I have supernova 5+ glass optics with toslink to toslink. compare to generic branda and monster one (mini 3.5 to toslink), it's less harsh. That's my subjective impression. i highly doubt these makes a big differences compare to any generic ones that cost $10 or so. however, this isn't an exotic xlr/rca cable that costs $500+ either. So, if you want to evaluate or satisfy your curiosity, it's cheaper than norm.

Totally bogus claim, if you ask me. All files are loaded into local machine's internal memory before it gets processed and sent to the device, be that usb, optical, coaxial, and etc. you might have to increase the internal buffer size to accommodate the possible delay in network latency and what not, but even then, I don't think it matters. Most lossless files are from 20mb to 300mb. depending on bit rate, resolution, and etc. Most 100mbps/1gbps devices can stream 30+ MB per second. yes, PER SECODN. None of these are issues. in fact, it would help out the sound since there is no moving HDD which could cause the vibration. Even this vibration is BS, if you ask me.

I contacted m2tech about modding the default rca connector to be true 75ohm bnc connector, and I got a confirmation that they can. the connector will be Tyco brand due to physical constraints, but he was assuring me that the connector is a high quality parts. But, I had to pay slightly more for this mod.<br /> <br /> I have placed an order today, so with mods and everything, I should get it in 10 business days (2 weeks).<br /> <br /> I will give an initial impression once I get it.

Definitely. Which is why I am fine with the modest increase over the standard versions. The question is how much is this 'modest' increase is okay for generals. <br /> <br /> We aren't falling into the general category in the first place, but I'd love to be in the commons when it comes to pricing. At least, I hope..

i also agree on the rather steep price for the download that does not have a physical media. To make it more widespread, i think the price needs to come down a lot. A bit more than CD quality download is what I'd expect to see. Not twice or three the price.<br /> <br /> Just my $0.02

You are right, and not that many people have such setup. (I certainly do not)<br /> <br /> However, given the choice, I'd rather get 24/352.8khz than 16/44.1khz as I can always down sample to whatever the highest bit/resolution that my system supports. <br /> <br /> When we get the gears/tools that can natively support this in the future, I do not need to re-download this as I already have the original.<br /> <br /> I do not know when that time will come. But, with the price of HDD these days, I don't really care about the extra needed required either.

You are correct. No linux driver and mac driver isn't available yet.

If my transport (Mac Pro in this case) cannot do 176.4HRx, then how bad is the down sampling?<br /> <br /> Also, I see some songs that are like 24/88.1 which mine do not support. Does it cost some upsampling/downsampling glitches/noises? How do you guys deal w/ these?

DXD or any other high resolution musics are available to down in PCM format. It's just 24/96 or above, and there are handful of PC transports that can provide that links to the external DAC.<br /> <br /> I've been using the onboard optical for 24/96, but I am eying the Musiland that provides 24/192 with bit perfect output in PC. I heard that it's coming out with the Mac driver, so when they do, I am sold.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/musiland-monitor-01-usd-24-192-usb-spdif-423960/index10.html Take a look at this. Your link got me interested, so I dig up some more. I was planning to get Bel Canto USB, but now, I am leaning toward this.. Thanks a lot.

Is this a sound card? or an external dac or ?

PC or Mac, I don't care.. Is there any sound card with BNC output?

Then, why do we need/want SACD, HDCD, DXD? Why do we have a DAC that can accept 24/192 and such?<br /> <br /> I understand properly engineered CDs will sound great. But, if given a choice, don't we all want the high resolution one that wasn't down sampled?

I agree, but if there is an original before it gets downsized, I'd rather get that..<br /> <br />