Best DAC chip

[BGRoss]

Yeah I’m not going to be adding any boards or toslink capabilities to this Muse. Again, just hoping for an easy way to use this unit in a streaming application. I like the simplicity of the Apple AirPort Express and the internal DAC doesn’t completely suck. Just hoping that a vintage DAC that many have said is a lovely playing piece, wouldn’t be so difficult to integrate into my system for my relatively simple wants. If anyone had anything else to add I’d appreciate you dropping more knowledge on me... as for the “beggars can’t be choosers” comments - not really feeling those so can save the half-assed wise cracks if trying to be cute; no need. Simple questions and simple answers... no need to be the smartest guy in the room. Albeit you certainly would be in this case. - BGR

 

[xero-D-hero]

But the only digital output from an AirPort Express is optical s/pdif (sometimes called "Toslink")

Pictures I looked at online show the 1st gen AAE to also have a USB and an ethernet outlet in addition to the 3.5mm/optical out.
If the OP's AAE is anything like that I'd think using the USB out would be the way to go (is the USB even being used now ???).
Converting USB to coax seems to be more reliable than converting optical/toslink to coax.

For that something like that the Schiit Eitr would do the job,,,it's not the cheapest option mind you ($149.00 IIRC)...
But most all reviews say it does what it's supposed to do w/o adding significant noise or jitter.
Better hurry though,IIRC they (Schiit) are phasing them out so once current stock is gone,they're NLA / NIB.

A similar dilema to this one popped up in another recent thread here,and my answer was pretty much the same in that thread.

From all I’ve read by way of recommendations and reviews it’s a special piece.

Not so much gung-ho on the Muse... just keep reading what a valued piece it is and would like to hear it play with my modest gear.

2x PCM63P-K,yeah I'm a big fan of that DAC,I've already made that clear in this thread.
Which BTW makes BGRoss' comments on-topic for this thread IMHO.

Anyhow just some thoughts on the subject fwiw.

Bret P.

 

[BGRoss]

TY Bret - according to Apple: “No. The base station's USB port can only be used for a few types of devices, such as printers. It won't exchange data with any other type of device.”

 

[linuxfan]

BGRoss, there's no need to be miffed about beggars-can't-be-choosers comment - I was giving you a genuine and well-intentioned pragmatic assessment - the AirPort Express does not have coaxial s/pdif, and the MUSE DAC is not owned by you and cannot be modified, etc. etc. Any solution in such limiting circumstances is destined to be a compromise.
Dare I make further suggestion? An external Toslink-to-coaxial adapter is a way of at least auditioning the AirPort Express / MUSE DAC combination. Such a product is this -
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Optical...al-Audio-24bit-Converter-Adaptor/322575862377
This model is nice and simple. It will most likely just contain a Toslink interface without any additional integrated circuits.

There's a more modern version which is a bi-directional converter/splitter -
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Optical...onverter-Splitter-Adapter-AC1786/333383625001
But I would be wary about this one - I suspect it may contain a s/pdif receiver/transmitter integrated circuit, which while being versatile, is likely to have higher jitter.

 

[W9TR]

That’s a weird thread-starting question.
It’s like asking what’s the best engine in a sports car.

boxer N/A 3.6L Porsche...

That engine is in my car!

 

[Modlin]

...a bit better dac...can you notice a difference...hmmmm...maybe

 

[xero-D-hero]

TY Bret - according to Apple: “No. The base station's USB port can only be used for a few types of devices, such as printers. It won't exchange data with any other type of device.”

Sigh,,,what a bummer...
Sorry I could'nt be of help here.

Bret P.

 

[cpt_paranoia]

Converting USB to coax seems to be more reliable than converting optical/toslink to coax

I'm not sure in what sense you are using the word 'reliable'.

Optical to coax SPDIF requires just a toslink receiver and a line driver. It needs no format conversion. USB to coax SPDIF seems an unnecessary complication.

My earlier comment about a decent DAC being essentially immune to input jitter was made before I realised the Muse DAC was 20 years old. I can't remember when decent, single-chip SPDIF clock recovery devices were introduced.

 

[Donkey Karma]

I've been spoiled by my Adcom GDA-600 with dual Burr Brown PCM-63 chipsets.

Yep shes still special and super musical and crisp.

Agreed

 

[Donkey Karma]

Very good analogy.

Audiofreak71

Yes, well done!