A spdif question

[tmix]

I was thinking of adding 2 high quality a/d-d/a to my set up such as an apogee psx-100.
I currently have spdif ins and outs via my Delta 1010 cards.
Is one spdif card any better than another?
Would I need a different spdif card than the Delta to fully realize the upgrade to a better convertor? Or is one card as good as another.?

Thanks for your input!

Tom

 

[AlexW]

The S/PDIF connection isn't doing any conversion, just transferring the digital stream, so I wouldn't think it makes much difference.

 

[tmix]

That is what I thought, but I wanted to ask the question before I plopped down a bunch of money.

Anybody know definitively?

Thanks.

Tom

 

[Massive Master]

If you run the output of the Apogee A-D to the input of the Delta, you're using the Apogee. converter and interfacing it with the Delta.

Same with the other way around - Delta out to the Apogee, using the Apogee's D-A for monitoring.

I'd say it's worth it.

 

[tmix]

Thanks John.

I am looking at the Apogee 2 channel 24 bit a/d - d/a s like the psx series. I can live with 24 bit 44.1 -48. I doubt any time in the foreseeable future that I personaly will be needing more than that.

Any other suggestions on 2 channel i/o that uses spdif that I might consider for around $1000?
I have been looking at the Lucids, but I dont know if they are as good as the apogees. The difference in price is generally less than $200 used so I don't want to cheap out on the quality for only $200.
Thanks again!

Tom

 

[Massive Master]

I'd say the Lucid would still be a solid step up. Benchmark, Mytek... There are several in that general range that are very nice.

 

[Jim Y]

RME have a new external converter - ADI-2.
I'm seriously thinking of adding it on my Audiophile2496 rather than getting a better pci card. The recent Sound-on-Sound mag review is very positive - almost as good as Apogee but it's a lot cheaper.

 

[tmix]

Thanks for the tip.
I really want something better than my Delta1010s.

I want to make a wise investment and not buy twice on this one.
RME is good, I wonder if this one is as good as the Lucid or better.
I hate to spend 80 % and only get half-way there.

Uhggg!.