1 of two options

[Krystof01]

OK, so I've decided that I need to either buy a M-audio/Midiman flying calf D/A convertor or a M-audio/Midiman super DAC 2496 D/A convertor; both 24 bit.

Links for those who care:
http://www.midiman.net/products/m-audio/supdac.php
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/common/moreinfo.asp?ID=1439

I have ruled out the ART dio as I can't fond them in the UK yet.

My question; the flying calf is cheaper but only offers s/pdif in and two unbalanced outs, whereas the super DAC offers multiple inputs and balanced and unbalanced outs.

S/pdif is unbalanced right so does it matter that the conversion to analogue comes out balanced or unbalanced; should I not think twice and just pay more for the Super DAC?

 

[Igormeister]

S/Pdif is unbalanced consumer DIGITAL connection ( 0.5 V, SCMS bit copy protected ),
AES/EBU is balanced ( twisted pair ) pro digital connection ( 5.0 V ), more resistant to RF ; they carry same digitally encoded signal.
When decoded in DAC, analog audio signal can be balanced or unbalanced - S/Pdif can come out balanced
It depends which analog format you need.

 

[TexRoadkill]

You can also add the Mindprint DI Port to your list. About $250.