V-DAC or V-DAC MkII

pyrocyborg

Hi again!

At my hi-fi shop, I have the choice between those two "budget" DAC. I mainly choose this one because I need both USB and optical inputs (using my PS3 as my bluray device and my PC as my music source)... but I could go with an optical input only DAC if it's cheaper and has the same overall sound quality.

However, I can't see any direct comparison between those two. People keep telling that the V-DAC II is clearly superior in every way to it's predecesor. However, as the V-DAC MkII is 399$ here, I can get the V-DAC at the same shop for around 250$. I know that the MkII has an asynchronous USB input, better stereo separation and lower distortion, but is it an audible difference overall as I will only have an entry level integrated amp (NAD C 326 BEE).

Do the V-DAC II worth almost twice the price of the V-DAC? I don't care about the... look, as it will mostly be hidden where my computer is. If anything, I could put that 150$ difference on better speakers than my RTI6...

Thanks!

EndersShadow

Well I know there is someone on this forum that sold his V-Dac and V-Link to get the V-Dac MKII.

I would just spend the money up front, if its for a shop. That way you can use a digital source (like a laptop) showing FLAC via USB, and use the coaxial or spdif connections for other gear. It would help clients A/B gear via digital or analog.

Would allow you the most flexibility IMHO.

pyrocyborg

Sorry! I didn't express myself properly... probably an improper usage due to language barrier, I guess! In my first sentence, "my hi-fi shop" was refering to the place where I buy my stuff, not my work place... sorry about that!

I'm still trying to find an answer to this dilemna... Everything I can read is "better sound and appearence" as a selling slogan.

falconcry72

The main difference is the asynchronous USB input on the mkII... but it sounds like you already know that. If you're going to be using USB a lot, then get the mkII, if you're not going to use USB, then get the original, as there is almost no difference in the SPDIF input sections.

Just FYI, you can get the mkII for 349 on amazon.

pyrocyborg

falconcry72 wrote: »

Just FYI, you can get the mkII for 349 on amazon.

Thanks... but with shipping and duty in Canada, it'll cost the same, if not more than buying it here.

Do you think that the asynchronous USB input does "hell a lot of difference"?

If I get the old V-DAC, I could still use the same "connection method" I already do, which is PC -> wired streaming FLAC to PS3 -> optical out to receiver. While I would have prefered to keep my PS3 shut down (for electricity bill), it may be another option to keep it like it's now. I don't know, however, if it sounds the same than a PC using Foobar or mediamonkey with ASIO drivers...

bikerboy

Don't be silly. Async usb is the better way out of a computer. Wasapi and be happy.