Just got this new V-Link gizmo in today. I have gone from using a MacMini to USB input on Benchmark DAC1 Pre to Mac Mini into V-Link 192 into the Benchmark DAC1 Pre. Using the fine AQ Diamond as USB cable and a Stereolab UltraXV SPDIF. Next up is trying an AES cable which I hear moves the DAC1 Pre up another level.
This device simply converts the USB data stream from a server in my case the Mac Mini into and SPDIF or AES digital stream. This allows one to use any DAC with an SPDIF input as many do not have the USB input. In the case of the DAC1 Pre there is some discussion on the quality of its USB input since it is not asynchronous.
Some observations:
1. Very transparent sound. Even better sound than I had before. Vocals are better, midrange and HF seem smoother and great bass is still present.
2. Very well built for the money.
3. I like the different colored LEDs that show the various sampling rates from 44.1 to 192 including the 176 we use for our classical recordings.
4. High value price. I got this used for below retail but for $399 I would have still have been happy.
Highest recommendation.
Computer audio seems a bit mysterious in how many cables and devices can impact the sound and moreso than reasoning would suggest. It's definitely a journey.
I will comment soon on any observations using an AES cable between the V-Link 192 and the Benchmark.
This device simply converts the USB data stream from a server in my case the Mac Mini into and SPDIF or AES digital stream. This allows one to use any DAC with an SPDIF input as many do not have the USB input. In the case of the DAC1 Pre there is some discussion on the quality of its USB input since it is not asynchronous.
Some observations:
1. Very transparent sound. Even better sound than I had before. Vocals are better, midrange and HF seem smoother and great bass is still present.
2. Very well built for the money.
3. I like the different colored LEDs that show the various sampling rates from 44.1 to 192 including the 176 we use for our classical recordings.
4. High value price. I got this used for below retail but for $399 I would have still have been happy.
Highest recommendation.
Computer audio seems a bit mysterious in how many cables and devices can impact the sound and moreso than reasoning would suggest. It's definitely a journey.
I will comment soon on any observations using an AES cable between the V-Link 192 and the Benchmark.