Currently, I'm sending 192k/24bit and 96k/24bit data from my computer via USB to an external DAC. I'm using DAC's stereo analog output going to analog inputs on the 990. It sounds terrific! (www.computeraudiofile.com is an amazing site for very high-resolution audio).

My question: can I send the same data from my computer via USB to the 990 and have it's internal DAC perform the processing? Can it handle 192k or 96k data via USB & process it without down sampling? (Can you answer for the 997 too?)

Thanks, in advance.

Michael

It's too early to know this sort of detail about the 997. As for the 990, the manual isn't clear on whether it accepts 192k or 96k PCM stereo. I know that it won't accept DD or DTS bitstreams, but that's all I am certain of...

gonk,

Thanks for the incredibly quick response!

I'm only interested in stereo 192k or 96k--no DD or DTS via USB. Is there an engineer that might have an answer?

Michael

I'm sure there is - and the fastest way to get such an answer is to hit Outlaw with a phone call or customer support request .

Thanks, gonk!

I also check in on Computer Audiofile every now and then. Just like the Outlaw Saloon, the site owner and the folks that frequent there welcome everyone and are very willing to help and share their insights. While my computer-to-HT setup is very modest, the USB connection on the 990 has come in handy; my kids routinely connect their macbooks for iTunes playback. All their music is compressed MP3s and ACC so the USB capabilities on the 990 have not been an issue. I currently have five year old PC/Windows setup using a linksys music bridge connected to one of the 990's optical inputs. However, I may see the light (or go to the dark side depending upon your point of view) and buy a Mac. What kind of setup are you using?

AvFan,

I bougth a Dell XPS-410 with Vista a year ago that hasn't had any use. So it's been turned into my media room "test" machine for high-end audio. Directly connecting the Dell to the 990 via USB gives me lots of drop-out (Vista & USB?). However, when I connect the Dell to an external DAC: Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1 (http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=audiokontrol1_us) the sound is terrific. I just can't determine if it's really utilizing 192k, 96k, etc. . .

My other equipment: Magnepans all around, Classe & Classe amps.

From what I've read, the optical inputs won't allow 192k or 96k, I may be wrong.

If I had it to do again, I'd buy a MAC for the media room--you can even run any flavor of Windows on it.

Michael

I received an answer from Scott from Outlaw's Technical support.

"Yes, the Model 990's USB input will support up to 96/24. Simply connect the USB output directly from your computer to the Model 990's USB input. The rest will occur automatically. For 192/24 you will need to continue to use the dedicated DAC."

That answers my questions!

Michael

Thanks for relaying the info to us, Michael.

My pleasure. . .thanks for your help on this too!

I posted another support question asking whether the 997 will support 192/24 via USB. I'll let you know what I find out.

Michael

FYI: I inquired about the 997's capabilities of 192/24. Here's response from tech support.

"Unfortunately, I do not have the final USB specification for the Model 997. As we get closer to the Model 997's final release date we will be able to speak more specifically about this type of functionality/performance."

Michael