Cheap CM2606 based DAC?

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DaleHughes

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Joined 2013
#1
Upon looking for some way to output 4 channels from my computer, so I can use a software crossover, I found that my two main options were to buy a 4+ channel audio interface, or, I guess, a 5.1 or more external soundcard.

I already have an interface that I am more than happy with, it only has stereo outputs however. So an external soundcard looks more viable.

So I ask, does the quality of these vary significantly, and would I be just as well getting a cheap one, like http://www.amazon.co.uk/External-Sound-Card-Channel-Audio/dp/B003TO3KHY , instead of a much more expensive unit?

I have quite a revealing setup at the moment, so if the sound from these units was significantly compromised I would search for something more upmarket. However, I'm told that these units can do 24/96, and these days are for all intents and purposes transparent. Is this true?
 
#2
I happen to have that soundcard. Here are its capabilities, as reported by linux usb driver:

Code: 
pavel@samsung ~ $ cat /proc/asound/card1/stream0 
USB Sound Device at usb-0000:00:1a.0-1.2, full speed : USB Audio

Playback:
  Status: Stop
  Interface 1
    Altset 1
    Format: S16_LE
    Channels: 8
    Endpoint: 6 OUT (ADAPTIVE)
    Rates: 44100, 48000
  Interface 1
    Altset 2
    Format: S16_LE
    Channels: 2
    Endpoint: 6 OUT (ADAPTIVE)
    Rates: 44100, 48000
  Interface 1
    Altset 3
    Format: S16_LE
    Channels: 4
    Endpoint: 6 OUT (ADAPTIVE)
    Rates: 44100, 48000
  Interface 1
    Altset 4
    Format: S16_LE
    Channels: 6
    Endpoint: 6 OUT (ADAPTIVE)
    Rates: 44100, 48000
  Interface 1
    Altset 5
    Format: S16_LE
    Channels: 2
    Endpoint: 6 OUT (ADAPTIVE)
    Rates: 96000

Capture:
  Status: Stop
  Interface 2
    Altset 1
    Format: S16_LE
    Channels: 2
    Endpoint: 5 IN (ASYNC)
    Rates: 44100, 48000

As for "hires", it supports 96/16 stereo.

In linux I tested playing all 8 channels at once (the last two are stereo SPDIF output), no problem. The SPDIF output was OK at 48kHz. However, it produced some glitches at 44.1kHz. I did not test the SPDIF input, most likely working.

IMO this card provides quite a lot for its price. Well, I got it for 99 pence buy now incl. shipping from ebay (china), the seller most likely made a mistake 🙂
 
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