http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/ Engadget Comments for Audiophilleo 1 USB audio to S/PDIF converter is really high-end, really expensive http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 6:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
I'd build you one for $90...and I'd still be making crazy markup.]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 9:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 6:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/May 2nd 2010 1:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
http://www.cryo-parts.com/sonicweld_diverter.html

I'm an audiophile, and this stuff is still snake oil.]]>Apr 29th 2010 6:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 6:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 7:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
is there any reason to buy them other than to validate your self endowed title as "audiophile" or "hardcore gamer"

??]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 7:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
In answer to your question, no. No reason.

In response to your first statement, no. They're not the same. High-end gaming parts have a measurable (but sometimes tiny and absurdly expensive) performance gain over lower-end parts. Ultra high-end audiophile parts often have no measurable performance gain over lower-end parts.

Part of the problem is that you can unquivocally quantify the performance of a computer part using metrics like framerate. You can do this for audio too with various kind of distortion measure, but ultimately the performance of a hifi is subjective. If some old todger swears that putting a $200 on top of his CDs makes them sound better (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_3/marigo-labs-signature-3d-mat-7-2005.html), there's nothing you can do to tell him he's wrong. ]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
If I buy a super high end computer I can play Crysis at highest settings on a gigantic screen.

With this, I'm buying something that will make absolutely no change.

Its digital. Its all ones and zeros. Unless you change something in the DAC (or the DAC itself) nothing will change. You'll either get the best signal possible, or you'll have very noticeable problems.

Now if this is in fact a DAC, then disregard what I said and downrank the hell outta me.]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
Yea, it's a DAC.

But you're mostly right. The difference is the measurable effects.]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
woops, I looked at it to fast, it's not a DAC, you're right. ]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 30th 2010 1:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
Wow, so much bullcrap in one post. No audio improvement whatsoever huh? While some products make less an improvement to audio then others, high end audiophile equipment does make an improvement.

If you (and I have) spent a good amount of time listening to a $50k+ system daily, and then went to your normal everyday computer speakers......yea....there is a difference.

Engadget, just point out the facts, stop giving the masses uneducated opinions on things. Just because you don't see the price vs. performance ratio being logical doesn't mean others don't. And the science behind audio contradicts those that say there is no improved quality.]]>Apr 30th 2010 11:13AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
"no audio improvement whatsoever" isn't quite what I said. I said "often" and "ultra high end". As an experienced listener you're no doubt aware that one can drop a lot more than $50k on an "ultra high end" setup.

Go and read the link I posted and tell me, with a straight face, that this product would make an objective difference to the sound coming out of the speakers.

]]>May 3rd 2010 7:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
http://www.audiophilleo.com/definitions.aspx?Asynchronous%20USB

maybe they aren't a crazy audiophile company after all]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 7:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
Merely gold-plated? Are you mad? Surely you must use a platinum or rhodium interconnect, solid (oxygen-free!) silver for the cabling, with a woven sheath and carbon fiber plug. Your 1's and 0's need to travel in style!]]>Apr 29th 2010 8:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 7:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 7:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
I just bought 2. One for each ear..Now to order up 20 rolls of the softest twalet ( Toilet said with a French accent ) paper I can find and listen to those elusive notes in stereo.

It will be worth every cent.]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.renovaonline.net/black/index.html?lmd=38624.448519]]>Apr 29th 2010 10:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Maudio has FireWire and USB sound cards that will do 192khz/24 bit and have spdif passthrough....]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 7:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 30th 2010 1:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Well it's obviously meant for a laptop or a netbook I guess...
I dunno, I'll stick with my M-Audio FW solo :)]]>Apr 30th 2010 2:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 7:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 11:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
$900 isn't a stupid price considering the development time vs. the small number of units that will be sold. If you own a high end system, with an older, expensive DAC ($4k+) unit that does not have USB inputs, and now have a lot of 24bit 192kHz recordings on your hard drive .. it makes a kind of insane sense.

Note though that the company "audiophillio" seems to to be brand new, this, it's first product, only starts shipping today (April 30th). That, in the audiophile world, is "amber alert".]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
Thanks bebop for the post. You're one of the few people who understands this :-)

These posts are all great though, keep them coming ;-)

-Philip
Audiophilleo.com]]>Apr 30th 2010 12:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 7:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/May 2nd 2010 1:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/I did mean to say "test."]]>May 2nd 2010 6:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/ S/PDIF interface to send audio from my NAS to my HT receiver.]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
This. A thousand times this. Fantastic product, very tiny, also has a 1/8" jack. (the spdif attachment fits inside) ]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
http://bit.ly/i92g6]]>Apr 29th 2010 7:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 8:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
Ba dum chhh. I'll be here all week.]]>Apr 29th 2010 8:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/But if i had found it at this price, i would much rather buy a new Amplifier that could take my HDMI Audio instead :)]]>Apr 29th 2010 8:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 9:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Does the pope molests little kids?]]>Apr 29th 2010 9:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
I know people hate "audiophiles" but as someone who spends A LOT of time listening to music and dissecting sounds, instruments, effects as well as mastering quality and all that I can hear stuff most people can't. I can tell the difference between 2 songs going together or not. I can tell which key each song is. I can tell when the slightest drift occurs when mixing 2 (or more) songs that nobody in the club would hear but after training my brain and ears for so many years you actually start to develop an acute ear for sound.

And finally on a side note, contrary to the article someone linked to that was talking about "audiophiles" no being able to tell the difference between Monster cables and clothes hangers - I'm sorry but I doubt their definition of audiophile involves a person with such sharp ear for sound. I can tell the difference between crappy cables coming out of the turntable or an aftermarket (usually Monster brand) one.

Thanks.]]>Apr 29th 2010 9:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 10:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
Downranked.]]>Apr 30th 2010 9:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 10:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/]]>Apr 29th 2010 11:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/Apr 29th 2010 11:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/29/audiophilleo-1-usb-audio-to-s-pdif-converter-is-really-high-end/
Sounds like you have a good ear!

For all you guys giving us a hard time, you could read this article which explains more about jitter and how it affects audio. These things really do make a difference!

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/jitter1_e.html

Thanks

-Philip
Aduiophilleo.com]]>Apr 30th 2010 12:19AM