The Diverter HR, the Synergistic and the Off-Ramp 5 are USB converters in a class of their own. It is the most important part of any digital audio system, so dont spare the change on this.
You DAC however needs work IMO. To waste a $2-3K converter with this DAC is not a good idea. you dont need to spend a fortune either. The converter is more important than the DAC.
Here are some better alternatives:
1) Off-Ramp 5 -> 1.5m HDMI I2S cable -> Wired For Sound DAC2 (world-class combo)
2) Any of the converters above driving S/PDIF through a 1.5m good quality cable to Metrum Octave DAC
Dont spare the change on the I2S or S/PDIF coax cable either. Expect to spend at least $500. BNC on both ends is best, but on one end is good too.
Likewise, the USB cable should be the best you can find.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
You DAC however needs work IMO. To waste a $2-3K converter with this DAC is not a good idea. you dont need to spend a fortune either. The converter is more important than the DAC.
Here are some better alternatives:
1) Off-Ramp 5 -> 1.5m HDMI I2S cable -> Wired For Sound DAC2 (world-class combo)
2) Any of the converters above driving S/PDIF through a 1.5m good quality cable to Metrum Octave DAC
Dont spare the change on the I2S or S/PDIF coax cable either. Expect to spend at least $500. BNC on both ends is best, but on one end is good too.
Likewise, the USB cable should be the best you can find.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio