USB DACs
Now that it has been about a week since I bought the StyleAudio Carat Ruby2, I think that I can make some comments about the sound. Not bad for a tiny box of tricks, especially for only $390 (considering most hi-fi components easily cost above $1k). Tried both optical and USB inputs, and cannot decide which sounds better. Will probably have to do more in-depth listening.
However, I experienced a bit of drop-out. I think it may be due to the external USB hard disk that I hold my music collection in. Decided to get a IEEE 1394b (Firewire 800) enabled drive to test my theory. While checking specifications, I also realized that Seagate has dropped the warranty period for their new externals from the usual 5 years to 3 years. It is now on par with West Digital.
Meanwhile, I am still waiting for the W4S DAC-2...
However, I experienced a bit of drop-out. I think it may be due to the external USB hard disk that I hold my music collection in. Decided to get a IEEE 1394b (Firewire 800) enabled drive to test my theory. While checking specifications, I also realized that Seagate has dropped the warranty period for their new externals from the usual 5 years to 3 years. It is now on par with West Digital.
Meanwhile, I am still waiting for the W4S DAC-2...