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"HagUsb" USB-to-S/PDIF Converter - $129 ($49 kit/2) 30-day free trial - Order now!

The HagUsb connects to your computer via a USB cable and configures as an audio output device. The primary purpose is to create a high quality S/PDIF digital audio output signal that can connect to your existing DAC. It also has a convenient headphone output for private audio listening. HagUsb is powered by the USB cable, so there are no wall-warts or batteries to worry about. Use it standalone or build right into your DAC. Operation and setup is plug-and-play, no drivers to install.

HagUsb provides the easiest way to convert your PC into a hi-end music server. Join the hundreds who have already upgraded. Once you get used to playing CDs from your computer, you'll never want to go back to a traditional transport.

The half-kit comes with the surface mount chip already installed, leaving only easily soldered through-hole components. The assembled version comes complete with a USB cable. The DIY version will cost you about $70 in raw parts. HagUsb can be built with or without plastic case.

HagUsb is compatible with both Windows XP, Vista, and Mac OS-X. For best playback in Windows we recommend the driver from www.usb-audio.com and a player such as foobar2000 or Winamp. For additional installation help, see our set up and configuration page.


HagUsb RCA Version

Features

  • 75 ohm S/PDIF output
  • Headphone output (volume controlled by PC)
  • Compact chassis
  • High quality components
  • Plug and play compatibility
  • Self powered
  • Transformer isolation

Specifications

InputUSB 1.1
Output Impedance75 ohm (S/PDIF)
Data Rates32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
Size2.5" x 2.5" x 1" (4.5" x 2.5" x 1")

Reviewer Excerpts

"In use, the HagUsb readily automatically configured for me on both Windows XP and Mac OS-X machines. Further, using iTunes with CDs ripped to the hard drives, I was able to compare the HagUsb to several transports and one heavily modified DVD player used as a transport. In each and every comparison, The HagUsb held its own, fairing extremely well. Moreover, in more than one instance, I preferred the HagUsB." - Joseph Rocker, UltraFiTimes

Downloads

Customer Testimonials

  • My Theta DAC has 2 inputs, so I attached the HagUsb to the spare S/PDIF input, and ripped some uncompressed audio files onto my PowerBook using iTunes. The playback results are quite impressive. In A/B listening, I can't reliably tell my transport from the Mac/HagUsb combo (which I never would have believed). Thanks for making such a fine little product!
  • The HagUsb/Powerbook/Itunes combo has made my lowly NAD transport obselete. The sound quality is so good that it gives my analog system a run for the money. If I didn't already own an AckDack I would probably purchase your Chime Dac. Your products seem to be the best engineered kits currently available.
  • Jim, I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that the HagUsb works great in linux.
  • First off, the HagUsb continues to stun. I have a $1200 Roksan CDP and my old PC with the HagUsb blows it away. I'm hooked for life!
  • Got the HagUsb about a half hour ago. Fantastic! Using it with my Mac G5 and 2TB of uncompressed music. Sounds great, and is so convenient, its totally cool! Im one of those guys that likes to listen to a little of this a little of that, so with almost 2000 CD's on tap and the HagDac, I can play DJ all day long!
  • Since I corrected the cable the music this makes is stunning! I essentially turned off my Sim audio Moon Eclipse CD player and will be selling it soon! What a great design and performance from a [$130] gear that is comparable to a $5000 CDP!
  • So far, the quality of Mac Mini connected through the HagUSB to my audio system via my outboard Perpetual P1A/P3A DAC is terrific. The sound quality for the most part is on par with the cd playback and possibly even better in some respects! There's more resolution via the Mac music server that definitely results in more ambient cues/hall effect. The sound comes across as cleaner (less jitter?). I can also swear there is noticeable improvement in dynamic range making it ever so slightly more life-like with dynamic swings to the music. The only downside and I'm not sure I should call it downside is that with more resolution everything takes on more impact and clarity.
  • I don't usually do this, but I had to write. Just finished putting together the HagUSB, and ... seriously, wow. I mean, WOW! This absolutely was the missing link in my stereo. The HagUSB replaced an M-Audio Firewire Audiophile, and the difference is astounding ... certainly more than I was expecting. The biggest difference is with focus and soundstage - voices and instruments just popped into focus after I switched in the HagUSB. Amazing! And all for less than 80 bucks! Thanks for a fantastic product at a great price.
  • I just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for a great product (HagUsb). I just put it together this afternoon, and the whole process was totally plug and play (well, stuff, solder, plug and play). I am listening to it as I write this - the headphone out sounds very good, and I can't wait to get the S/PDIF going through my DAC into my headphone amp. This little goodie will allow me to move the CD player/radio off of my desk and reclaim some much needed real estate - I'm very pleased.
  • First off, I want to thank you for providing your HagUSB half-kit. It really has helped improve the quality of sound from my PC setup. As you can see, I have used a lot of different components including Vishay Dale RN55 and PRP resistors, Black Gate NX Hi-Q and polystyrene film/foil caps in the signal path, Sanyo OSCON decoupling caps, and silver mica caps around the oscillator. I have to say, this device sounds superb. In a very brief comparison with a Benchmark DAC-1, I prefered the HagUSB. The Benchmark was a little more refined, but sounded a bit dry in comparison. Again, thanks for a great product!
  • Excellent Product!!!! I will strongly recommend it to my clients and customers. I have successfully used it with 47 Labs, Meridian, Linn, Bel Canto, Levinson systems. My personal system is a complete 47 Labs Shigaraki and I have had the HagUSB playing on it "non-stop" since Friday. It is very, very hard to go back to a disc spinner (and I have several).
  • I am very happy with this product. It sounds really great connected to a Benchmark dac1!
  • My second unit! I built a new HTPC thinking I would use the TOSLINK out on the motherboard. Yuk. The HTPC sounds like there is a blanket over the speakers, while my original music server PC with the HagUSB sounds better than any high-end transport I have ever used.
  • The usb dac and HP laptop work perfectly. Maybe outclasses my Mark Levinson 31.5.
  • I am very impressed with how easily it set up and the clarity of the signal it delivers. Thanks for a great product.
  • I received the device and have installed it into my home theater computer. It installed like a charm and there is a stark difference in the music.
  • Just to let you know that I have received the HagUSB in good condition yesterday. I am using it with an HP laptop running 32-bit Vista Home Premium, and the installation was zero-effort. Vista automatically installed a USB Audio device driver which can be driven through WASAPI in Foobar 2000. I tried ASIO4ALL as well, but the WASAPI interface, being Vista native, sounded much better to me.