WineCritic

I know some have received the new plus & mine is on it's way. Initial comments are very positive

Thanks for the comments. I assume you're 1 input would be USB? Are you interested in a certain device....Calyx? I certainly haven't decided yet and still plan on doing some more research. I'd love to hear these devices and wish there were some trial options. Also love to hear the Wavelength Proton.

Thanks again Maltby - the Calyx looks like a great product. I think you're right, in that, the Bel Canto doesn't do USB 24/192. Although it does have a headphone amp which is appealing to me, but not vital. I'm leaning toward the EE as it seems to be the whole package. 24/192 on all ports and I like the idea of switching between Tube and SS.Of course the fabulous reviews of the original MiniMax Dac help also.

I will look into the Calyx, as I'm in the US. I'm not familiar with them, so a little research is in order. The Minimax Plus has an introductory cost of $998 as a preorder. Curious- can you tell me why the advice to scratch nos. 2 and 3 from the original list. Personal experience? The Bel Canto 1.5 is on the CASH list here on CA and we've all read the accolades on the W4S. Thanks again for your help.

Hello, I'm on the hunt for a new DAC. I'm seriously considering the following models. I would appreciate any and all thoughts from this very knowledgable group. 1. Eastern Electric MiniMax Dac Plus (coming out in Mid August) http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=95773.0 2. Bel Canto 1.5 3. Wyred 4 Sound DAC 2 4. Burson HA160D or new DA-160 MorningStar audio is currently taking preorders for the Eastern Electric MiniMax plus. I've read a lot of good things about the original MiniMax Dac, but without seeing any reviews, I'm hesitant to pull the trigger on the new one. Thanks!

Thanks to all for their comments. I love this forum and appreciate the thoughtful responses. Rereading the Stereophile section, the version of USB is not mentioned. BTW, PS Audio replied to several of my emails and indicated High Speed USB may be advantageous with a DAC capable of USB 24/192 but will have no effect on a DAC limited to 16/48 via USB.

I think you're correct and the ports are dynamically assigned. I've tried different ports as well so I'm assuming the device is not a High Speed USB device. Thanks

A recent article in Stereophile ( July 2011, page 45 ) indicates better sound may be achieved when a USB DAC is on a High Speed USB bus. I have a PS Audio Digital Link iii. My Mac Mini, using as Music Server, will only recognize the USB Audio Codec ( PS AUDIO DLiii ) on the Non High Speed USB Bus. I've contacted PS Audio and they don't seem to have a clue about this. Anyone know if this device is capable as a High Speed USB device? Am I wasting my time and won't see any realistic sound improvement? Perhaps the High Speed USB differs only when using higher bit rate USB dacs (24/192)? Thanks in advance