Bel Canto's USB Link 24/96 converts USB audio to S/PDIF

Bel Canto Design, Ltd., manufacturers of analog and digital source components and amplifiers debuts the USB Link 24/96, the must-have component for computer hard disc music systems.

We all know what audiophiles want: Take what’s there and make it better. At the last Rocky Mountain Audio Fest a number of rooms played high resolution music from hard disc, like Bel Canto and Joseph Audio. The sound system in both rooms – totally amazing of course – featured the new Bel Canto USB Link 24/96.

This timely device converts a computer-derived USB input of up to 24 bits and 96kHz to SPDIF and outputs the signal on a 75 ohm BNC. The USB Link 24/96 includes a Stereovox SV2 BNC/BNC cable with RCA adaptor to feed your audiophile DAC of choice – most likely a Bel Canto DAC3! Significantly improves the sound of your 16-bit 441.kHz music files as well!

Convenient Audiophile Features

• Converts USB computer-sourced files to SPDIF output
• Compatible with native drivers on Mac and Windows
• Accepts high-resolution audio files with data rates up to 24 bits and 96KHz
• Quality Stereovox XV2 BNC/BNC with RCA adaptor connects to any quality DAC
• USB Link 24/96 disables system volume control
• Low-jitter clock recovery features reference crystal oscillator
• Self-powered via USB input benefiting from LC filters and low-noise local regulation
• Galvanic isolation between computer and audio system prevents high-frequency noise from polluting signal

MRP: $495
Includes Stereovox XV2 BNC/BNC SPDIF cable with RCA Adaptor

A Snap to Set Up
Simply connect a type-B USB cable from computer to the USB input on the Link; a red LED indicates power. Your MAC or PC automatically recognizes the unit as Bel Canto 2496 USB in the Sounds and Audio Devices control panel. Connect the supplied Stereovox XV2 cable between the USB Link into either a RCA or BNC SPDIF DAC input with the handy adaptor provided and you’re ready to rip! Pardon our enthusiasm; you’re ready to play high quality music from your computer!

Bel Canto music products merge artfully with your lifestyle, your music, and your audiophile passions. They’re compact, sleek and hip enough to flatter any room. Designer John Stronczer uses less power to do more with elegant, efficient designs that always get you closer… to the experience.

Bel Canto Design has developed award-winning products for more than 15 years via the highest standards of design, engineering and production practices. Included in the Bel Canto line are a series of CD players, DACs, integrated amps, mono and two-channel amplifiers, plus the e.One Pre3 stereo analog preamp with balanced I/O and the PHONO3 featuring adjustable cartridge loading.

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I agree it is a ton for an average user, but if it does as good as it says it does bit-perfect, then its not all that expensive for audiophile setups. Also, 90% of the other cheaper USB converters only handle 16bit via USB. Very few do the full 24bit so you don't have many other choices. As far as the creative, Ive hear it takes almost 100% CPU from 1 core to run at 24/96 and even around 70% to run at 16/44.1.

After doing some basic googling, it looks like bit-perfect 24/96 USB audio dongles aren't that common. I'm assuming that's because any serious audio gear uses firewire or is internal. With that said, this is only good for 24/96 audio originating on your PC, because most USB Spdif dongles can do pass through (for AC3/DTS).