earlier Musical Fideltiy V-LInk to new V-Linkll

Realremo - do you have a reference? What I have read is that the galvanic isolation may just mean that the signal is isolated when Toslink is being used. I don't think it does anything for other interconnects. It would be nice to know if it has galvanic isolation in addition to the Toslink.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/musical-fidelity-v-link-usb-spdif-converter-0
OK apparently I was smoking the good stuff that night, the above article says nothing about the V-link II. Sorry, jumped the gun there.
John Atkinson assumes that the V-Link I is not galvanically isolated, because Antony Michaelson of MF suggested he use the optical output if possible.
I'm not slamming the V-link, I own one. And you're right, I cannot find anything on the V-Link II that claims galvanic isolation.
I also tested both coax and optical out of my V-link I, and I cannot hear a difference.
The Vlink II manual specifically recommends the use of an optical cable for galvanic isolation.

Realremo - thanks for the clarification. I thought it was too good to be true at that price.

I really don't know if anyone needs or cares, but I bought a similar product on fleebay from a seller called Gigawork, works quite well and sounds very good. $98.
It is not always listed, but pops up on occasion.

The Lars Audio USB 01 24/192 converter is a must-have component for your computer-based music system.

The USB 01 24/192 converts a computer-derived USB input of up to 24 bits and 192kHz to SPDIF and outputs the signal on a 75 ohm RCA or the optical output.
It immensely improves the sound of your 16-bit 44.1 kHz music files as well!

• Asynchronously Converts USB computer-sourced files to SPDIF or toslink output
• Cmedia new CM6610 true USB 2.0 high speed chips
• Accepts high-resolution audio files with data rates up to 24 bits and 192KHz•
• Low-jitter clock recovery features reference crystal oscillator
• Self-powered via Asynchronous USB input benefiting from LC filters and low-noise local regulation and it can be upgraded via a external power supply.
• Galvanic isolation between computer and audio system prevents high-frequency noise from polluting signals

Compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 only.

I believe Lars Audio is the finished product part of a DIY company named Gigawork. Do you know if the galvanic isolation is built in or just refers to the optical connection? I cannot find any information other than the ebay ad. Note this is a Honk Kong based company.