Big Ego

Fantastic SNR that bears out in the hearing. I can wear headphones at work, so I don't mind forking out a few extra $$ for something I will listen to about 2000 hours/yr. I replaced a Fiio D3 that converted the digital output of the onboard audio, and I thought it did a reasonable job for $25. I'm more inclined to spend any extra cash on good headphones, but this thing justifies the expense. In comparison to onboard+Fiio, the Big Ego produces eye-popping good sound.I use the driver and WASAPI push. Foobar2000 is pretty easy to setup to use WASAPI.

I'm a huge fan of Emotiva amps, so I decided to try to listen to the hi res music on my PC. I figured the big ego would be best, long story short, the sound was way too flat, though very detailed. It had to go.

I had some trouble with the drivers - sometimes they would load and sometimes not. I ended up using it in UAC1 mode because of the unreliable software. I was still pretty happy with the sound quality, especially the headphone output, but barely two months after the warranty expired the unit failed altogether. I guess it is $200 in the garbage.It is telling when you look at how many reviewers say the unit they received did not work. Emotiva needs to improve the quality/reliability of this product and I will look elsewhere for my next DAC.

EXCELLENT DAC performance! I usually do not write many reviews but this product clearly warrants. I use this unit to stream high definition audio from my Windows PC to my living room audio amplifier using the analog output instead of the digital output. The sound quality is excellent and makes my music collection access very easy. I have been using this unit for 1 year now without any problems. I did contact Emotiva customer service about an installation issue and can say their service was OUTSTANDING. I was able to quickly work through my installation issue with no problems. To prevent any static issues (YES...I live up in the cold North) I did run a ground line from the unit to the electrical ground in my house. Cannot say enough about the sound performance from this unit!

It does what is promised, and more. I can finally use a high quality analog amplifier to play digital files with an acceptable sound quality. Even lower quality mp3 files don't make your ears bleed. The fact that it is usb powered makes it versatile and convenient. An excellent mid-range audiophile value. I am very pleased with my purchase.

Does what it's made to do! Not a lot of difference when using my cheap computer speakers but when I run it through my Yamaha/Emotiva amp set up its a great improvement. Recommended to fussy listeners. I use pure direct setting on the Yamaha and it works like a champ!

Amazing price/performance ratio.

Excellent sound, a large improvement over the headphone output of Macintoshes. Very easy to set up, and built like a tank. Improves detail and spaciousness, separation, and timbre. Highly recommended.