Applications of USB 3.0 in Music Storage.

Thanks Larry_s. I keep coming across USB Input DAC's that claim that their highest sampling rate that their USB Input can handle is 24/96, even though they may have a 24/196 D/A built in. One High End Manufacturer even claimed that their USB Input can only handle sampling rates between 38 to 48 kHz, CD being 44.1. Their DAC still utilizes a 24/196 D/A Converter. They claim that the problem is the limited bandwidth of USB 2.0. I can't even find a USB to SPDIF Converter that the Manufacturer claims can handle 24/196 Music Files. The best that I can find are Converters that claim to handle 24/96, and that's it.
Still a Novice at this, but why no 24/196? Any Converters and DAC's whose USB Input can handle 24/196 Music Files?

USB 2.0 has enough through-put to handle 24 bit / 192 kHz files, it's just that many implementations are lacking, which cause the max data through-put to decrease significantly. The M2tech Hi-face is a USB to S/PDIF device, and it handles stereo files up to and including 24/192.

Thanks Jasonsobel. Everything that I could gather on the M2tech Website claimed 24 bit/96 kHz capability only, figured that this was as high as it could go.

Are you sure you want to dedicate yourself to USB? Is USB the best connection for audio?

Since you a having a computer built, it certainly sounds like you are veering down the pc/Microsoft OS avenue. If that is the case, you will want to research a bit more. For instance, below is a link to a pci card which outputs 24/192 via an aes/ebu (balanced cable) which is very highly regarded, probably the best way currently to transmit digital. Berkeley recommends it as their interface of choice.

http://www.lynxstudio.com/product_detail.asp?i=16

I am not endorsing any product her, only trying to show you that if you are building a pc from the ground up, you should consider doing it thoroughly before pulling the trigger. I am a Mac guy and output 24/192 via my USB with no issues, hiccups or the like. Good luck.