optical output

[is250sp]

I am told that if I use the optical output, it bypasses the DAC on the Big Ego and uses the DAC on my UMC-1. So my question is, what is the point of using the Big Ego if we use the optical output? Won't connecting from the pc to processor using a USB-to-Optical adapter does the same thing?

[DYohn]

According to the owner's manual, using the Toslink output effectively uses the Big Ego as a USB to S/PDIF converter.

[is250sp]

Dec 18, 2018 11:49:25 GMT -5 DYohn said:

According to the owner's manual, using the Toslink output effectively uses the Big Ego as a USB to S/PDIF converter.

What are the advantages of using the Big Ego instead of any cheapo converter on eBay?

[DYohn]

Dec 18, 2018 12:25:25 GMT -5 is250sp said:

Dec 18, 2018 11:49:25 GMT -5 DYohn said:

According to the owner's manual, using the Toslink output effectively uses the Big Ego as a USB to S/PDIF converter.

What are the advantages of using the Big Ego instead of any cheapo converter on eBay?

Quality and flexibility?

[is250sp]

Dec 18, 2018 12:28:25 GMT -5 DYohn said:

Dec 18, 2018 12:25:25 GMT -5 is250sp said:

What are the advantages of using the Big Ego instead of any cheapo converter on eBay?

Quality and flexibility?

I am referring to sound quality using the optical output on the Big Ego compared to a cheap converter.

[garbulky]

Dec 18, 2018 11:44:13 GMT -5 is250sp said:

I am told that if I use the optical output, it bypasses the DAC on the Big Ego and uses the DAC on my UMC-1. So my question is, what is the point of using the Big Ego if we use the optical output? Won't connecting from the pc to processor using a USB-to-Optical adapter does the same thing?

Yes. However if I'm not mistaken the Big Ego is an asynchronous unit so perhaps there is some jitter reduction. Not sure if that only applies to the dac bit or the converter as well.
I wouldn't buy the Big ego for the purpose of using it as an adapter if that was your question. Its real purpose it to use as a dac.

[DYohn]

Dec 18, 2018 12:32:13 GMT -5 is250sp said:

Dec 18, 2018 12:28:25 GMT -5 DYohn said:

Quality and flexibility?

I am referring to sound quality using the optical output on the Big Ego compared to a cheap converter.

As am I. Plus likely better build quality, plus you get a DAC and headphone amp.

[is250sp]

Dec 18, 2018 12:43:03 GMT -5 DYohn said:

Dec 18, 2018 12:32:13 GMT -5 is250sp said:

I am referring to sound quality using the optical output on the Big Ego compared to a cheap converter.

As am I. Plus likely better build quality, plus you get a DAC and headphone amp.

Right. I was just wondering why they would include an optical output if it serves no purpose other than a simple converter. But if it does have asynchronous then that would probably be the reason to include.

[KeithL]

The Ego DACs have asynchronous USB inputs.... (and ONLY a USB input).

So, since the Toslink output signal is derived from the USB input, it has been re-clocked on the way in.

(An ASRC is really redundant with an asynch USB input.... and mostly useful with other sorts of inputs.)

Here's what we envisioned... although I suspect that not that many people use them that way.

Assuming that you want a way to connect your computer to your stereo system and also use it for headphones.

You would connect the input of the Big Ego to your computer via USB.

You would plug your headphones into the Headphone Output.

And you would connect either the Line Out or the Toslink Output to your stereo system.

If you prefer the DAC in the Ego, then you would use the Line Out.

But, if you have a pre/pro, and you like its DAC, you might prefer the Toslink output (which also has absolute galvanic isolation).

Or you might want to connect the Line Out to an analog preamp and the Toslink Output to a pre/pro.

You can then use the "Output" button on the Big Ego to switch between "headphones" and "main system" (since only one is active at once).

Dec 18, 2018 12:43:03 GMT -5 DYohn said:

Dec 18, 2018 12:32:13 GMT -5 is250sp said:

I am referring to sound quality using the optical output on the Big Ego compared to a cheap converter.

As am I. Plus likely better build quality, plus you get a DAC and headphone amp.

[is250sp]

Dec 18, 2018 13:01:41 GMT -5 KeithL said:

The Ego DACs have asynchronous USB inputs.... (and ONLY a USB input).

So, since the Toslink output signal is derived from the USB input, it has been re-clocked on the way in.

(An ASRC is really redundant with an asynch USB input.... and mostly useful with other sorts of inputs.)

Here's what we envisioned... although I suspect that not that many people use them that way.

Assuming that you want a way to connect your computer to your stereo system and also use it for headphones.

You would connect the input of the Big Ego to your computer via USB.

You would plug your headphones into the Headphone Output.

And you would connect either the Line Out or the Toslink Output to your stereo system.

If you prefer the DAC in the Ego, then you would use the Line Out.

But, if you have a pre/pro, and you like its DAC, you might prefer the Toslink output (which also has absolute galvanic isolation).

Or you might want to connect the Line Out to an analog preamp and the Toslink Output to a pre/pro.

You can then use the "Output" button on the Big Ego to switch between "headphones" and "main system" (since only one is active at once).

Thank you sir. Great explanation.