Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 20 of 20
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    I'm getting an exchange of my preamp from Levinson, even when tested with a computer using Windows there was a connecting issue. It could be this new preamp works with my ACS10 and I have no issue.

    However, the 526 was not programmed for Linux and I still may have some issue.

    This would leave me with two options, well, three, but I'd like to keep the preamp, I think #3 would be most expensive option.

    Next expensive would be to buy another DAC.

    Simplest, would be to use a USB converter. Aurender has one and probably the one I'd get since I feel would most likely work best with their gear.

    I just have no idea if converting the USB would degrade sound in any way. So any experience using such a device would be greatly appreciated. I realize advice may be general or vary some as DAC's inputs tend to vary in quality on same DAC.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  2. #2

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Lost in translation here. I read this post twice and still cannot figure out what the issue is or what it is that you are trying to do.

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    East Bay, CA
    Posts
    2,392

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    I'm getting an exchange of my preamp from Levinson, even when tested with a computer using Windows there was a connecting issue. It could be this new preamp works with my ACS10 and I have no issue.

    However, the 526 was not programmed for Linux and I still may have some issue.

    This would leave me with two options, well, three, but I'd like to keep the preamp, I think #3 would be most expensive option.

    Next expensive would be to buy another DAC.

    Simplest, would be to use a USB converter. Aurender has one and probably the one I'd get since I feel would most likely work best with their gear.

    I just have no idea if converting the USB would degrade sound in any way. So any experience using such a device would be greatly appreciated. I realize advice may be general or vary some as DAC's inputs tend to vary in quality on same DAC.
    I'm with Nicoff on this one...I have no idea what you're trying to do or what the problem is (exactly). Also, how does Linux figure in to this?

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    455

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    I believe Mr Peabody is saying his current Mark Levinson 526 is getting exchanged for an issue preventing use with the USB audio connection to Windows, when this is a supported configuration (Windows and Mac USB audio drivers are downloadable from Mark Levinson).

    However the Aurender ACS10, which only has USB audio output and (I believe) uses Linux USB audio drivers, is not a supported configuration with the 526. (After trying with the ACS10, Mr Peabody tested with Windows just to confirm there wasn't a problem with the USB input of the 526, but not as his intended final configuration.)

    To answer the question, USB conversion to a AES-EBU or coaxial or optical S/PDIF, which are supported digital inputs on the 526, does not automatically lead to any loss of signal fidelity. However it will depend upon the quality of the USB receiver and conversion.

    I've personally had very good experiences with the Mutec line of professional re-clocking and converter products. But they might be more pricey than you were hoping for. (There are still more expensive alternatives in the pro audio space.) The Mutec MC-3+ USB would be perfect for your use case. The infosheet specifically indicates it is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, and I have seen online posts indicating success when used with Linux.
    Neko Audio
    Authorized Dealer: AC Infinity, APC, Audeze, Bryston, Devialet, Elite HTS, Fortress Seating, JMF Audio, JVC, Kaleidescape, LG, LUMIN, Magico, Ortofon, RME, Samsung, Soulution, STAX, Trinnov, Vivid Audio, Weiss & more.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Sorry, I wrote as if everyone was aware of my saga.

    ACS10 is USB only output and is a Linux device.

    My 526 has built-in DAC and programmed for Windows/IOS, and Levinson was surprised the 526 and ACS10 worked together. They do work but take forever, sometimes days to connect and when that connection is broke, it's back to waiting again. Before learning of the companies using different OS my dealer checked out the preamp and had some issues connecting when we should have had a definite connection. Then we used his Windows server and still no connection. So Levinson agreed to an exchange.

    So...... when I get the new unit there's no guarantee it will work with my ACS10, so, if not, I am weighing my options. As stated in original post, my best and least expensive 2 options would be to either buy an external DAC or an USB converter.

    Aurender's UC100 is $700.00. I know to better my 526 DAC it will cost several times that but would still be a consideration if the conversion takes my sound backward. Or, if there are better converters that get the cost up, I figure just get another DAC.

    Aurender and Levinson have been talking, so maybe there could be a fix, not hopeful as both are two different OS and would probably be a hardware issue. The 526 uses the CMedia chip for USB.

    Who knows, maybe the two will work together and this will just be a fun exercise of learning.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    East Bay, CA
    Posts
    2,392

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    Sorry, I wrote as if everyone was aware of my saga.

    ACS10 is USB only output and is a Linux device.

    My 526 has built-in DAC and programmed for Windows/IOS, and Levinson was surprised the 526 and ACS10 worked together. They do work but take forever, sometimes days to connect and when that connection is broke, it's back to waiting again. Before learning of the companies using different OS my dealer checked out the preamp and had some issues connecting when we should have had a definite connection. Then we used his Windows server and still no connection. So Levinson agreed to an exchange.

    So...... when I get the new unit there's no guarantee it will work with my ACS10, so, if not, I am weighing my options. As stated in original post, my best and least expensive 2 options would be to either buy an external DAC or an USB converter.

    Aurender's UC100 is $700.00. I know to better my 526 DAC it will cost several times that but would still be a consideration if the conversion takes my sound backward. Or, if there are better converters that get the cost up, I figure just get another DAC.

    Aurender and Levinson have been talking, so maybe there could be a fix, not hopeful as both are two different OS and would probably be a hardware issue. The 526 uses the CMedia chip for USB.

    Who knows, maybe the two will work together and this will just be a fun exercise of learning.
    This sounds like a USB interface conflict between two different OS's. Something you might try is the Uptone Audio IsoREGEN. It might function as an interface that will consisently connect to two different OS's and their USB interfaces. Its only $325 and there is a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, so you could try it and see if it would work for you.

    ISO REGEN – UpTone Audio

    And, don't let the low price fool you; Uptone sells direct to customers, and its products were designed by networking guru and audiophile engineer John Swenson.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    A couple steps I left out, we did try a regen and other cables with no results. However, it could be worth a try again on the new unit.

    As a side note I am waiting on the Ethernet device. I bought on Uptone's recommendation, this is before my issue became critical.

    Quote Originally Posted by Puma Cat View Post
    This sounds like a USB interface conflict between two different OS's. Something you might try is the Uptone Audio IsoREGEN. It might function as an interface that will consisently connect to two different OS's and their USB interfaces. Its only $325 and there is a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, so you could try it and see if it would work for you.

    ISO REGEN – UpTone Audio

    And, don't let the low price fool you; Uptone sells direct to customers, and its products were designed by networking guru and audiophile engineer John Swenson.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    455

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    The wording of the ISO REGEN and USB REGEN products indicate they are not USB audio receiver/transmitter units, which is why they didn't work for you. You will need a product where the USB audio receiver seen by the ACS10 is the product itself—so it will not see the Mark Levinson 526 as the USB audio device.
    Neko Audio
    Authorized Dealer: AC Infinity, APC, Audeze, Bryston, Devialet, Elite HTS, Fortress Seating, JMF Audio, JVC, Kaleidescape, LG, LUMIN, Magico, Ortofon, RME, Samsung, Soulution, STAX, Trinnov, Vivid Audio, Weiss & more.

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    1,760

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Honestly, I have never met a device that would work with Windows AND Apple iOS, but not with Linux. IMO sth is not right with the 526.
    Adam

    Speakers: Magico M3
    Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
    Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    3,076

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    For people using integrated DAC inside any kind of (pre)amp, I always recommend using an external DAC (or better yet, our product line with analog outputs). I'd guess a $700 DAC will give better results than a $700 USB to SPDIF converter. (A $699 DAC with a flagship DAC chip comes to my mind.)

    The use of USB to SPDIF converter (even if it supports DSD64 DoP), usually means losing DSD functionality when used with old DAC designs, since they rarely support DoP over SPDIF.
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  11. #11
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    3,076

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Quote Originally Posted by Puma Cat View Post
    This sounds like a USB interface conflict between two different OS's. Something you might try is the Uptone Audio IsoREGEN.
    However good ISO Regen may be, it is not designed to solve the type of problems in post #1.
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  12. #12
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    San Jose, CA
    Posts
    455

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Quote Originally Posted by Elberoth View Post
    Honestly, I have never met a device that would work with Windows AND Apple iOS, but not with Linux. IMO sth is not right with the 526.
    While I have no experience trying USB with a Mark Levinson 526, the product page has USB drivers for both Windows 10 and Mac OS. Since Windows 10 added native support for USB Audio 2.0, and Mac OS has had it for a very long time, I would hazard a guess that Mark Levinson is not using the standard USB audio protocol.
    Neko Audio
    Authorized Dealer: AC Infinity, APC, Audeze, Bryston, Devialet, Elite HTS, Fortress Seating, JMF Audio, JVC, Kaleidescape, LG, LUMIN, Magico, Ortofon, RME, Samsung, Soulution, STAX, Trinnov, Vivid Audio, Weiss & more.

  13. #13
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    1,760

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    It would never connect, not even after days/hours OP mentioned earlier, if it need a driver for Linux.
    Adam

    Speakers: Magico M3
    Amp: Dagostino Momentum Stereo
    Digital: Lampi Horizon + Lampi DSD Komputer

  14. #14
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    New 526 in my rack tonight, connected right up with the ACS10. I need to restart the ACS10 a time or two to make sure no connect issue.

    Not sure if this is due to the OS mix match, the DAC will not play a DSD file.

    When playing MQA from Tidal it seems the max file is 96. I believe this is due to not having a DAC that decodes MQA and only getting a partial unfold.

    I only have one DSD album, so as long as the two continue to connect I think I will survive
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  15. #15
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Silicon Valley
    Posts
    2,838

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Why use a PC to play music? That makes no sense. Get a Lumin X1 and stop searching.
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD
    Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.

  16. #16
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    3,076

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    the DAC will not play a DSD file.

    When playing MQA from Tidal it seems the max file is 96. I believe this is due to not having a DAC that decodes MQA and only getting a partial unfold.
    1. The C-Media DAC you use does not support DSD under Linux.

    2. With USB output from a MQA transport to a non-MQA DAC, you'll only get the first unfold / MQA Core decoding up to 96kHz. This is normal.
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  17. #17
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Bud, I am using an Aurender which is as much computer as your Lumin.

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    Why use a PC to play music? That makes no sense. Get a Lumin X1 and stop searching.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  18. #18
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    I believe Wyred 4 Sound makes a device that does what you are looking for:

    mLINK | Wyred 4 Sound
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  19. #19
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Central FL
    Posts
    792

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    I believe Wyred 4 Sound makes a device that does what you are looking for:

    mLINK | Wyred 4 Sound

    I use one of those in a secondary system as the USB input is limited on my Hegel H190 and its DAC will do up to 192kHz
    Main System - Lumin U2, Modwright LS36.5 DM Preamp, VTV Purifi 1ET-7040SA with tube buffer, EMM Labs DAC 2X (ver. 2), Torus RM-20, Thiel CS 3.7s, 2 Rel S/812 subs
    Back-up 1 - Premium Audio mini Gan Amp, Oppo 103D, 2 Richard Gray cond, Selah SA-2s, Sumiko S5 sub, Teac UD-503 DAC, Carver (modded) C-9
    Back-up 2 - Onkyo TX-NR797, Panasonic DP-UB820, Vansevers cond, B&W P6s, PowerSoundAudio S1500 sub

  20. #20
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Tallahassee, Florida/Greenville, SC
    Posts
    3,242

    Re: Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Experience/Opinion on USB conversion???

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •