ARCAM Black Box DAC - USB and SPDIF input - Final Layout

ARCAM Black Box DAC - USB and SPDIF input - FINAL Layout (to Lisbon).
With USB and SPDIF input boards, more one I2S switchable board, as per customer request: FINAL LAYOUT version.
The Tascam CD401-MKII, that haves a magic Sony KSS-151A as laser mechanism, it's used as a CD Transport for SPDIF output.
In the computer I have installed a Foobar2000 player, for USB output.
Thanks for watching!

[@maybecrazy7835]

I have liked your Arcam Black Box video sound. Only ever got a glimpse of speakers off to the side. Are they vintage Acoustic Research AR3a ?

[@antoniocruz5714]

Thank you! The speakers are a vintage Dynaco A25 SE - that comes with an extra super tweeter - that I have for more than 15 years playing music for me, for hours and hours, every single day. Now it's time to give them some upgrades. Soon I will show what I will do to improve these babies.

[@karl-erikmoberg5668]

Hi Antonio, do you prefer USB or SPDIF?
Is spdif reclocked?
Regards Karl-Erik

[@antoniocruz5714]

Well, with this simple but very nice sounding USB board (chosen by Audio Note in his DACs), and with DIR9001 for SPDIF (this chip has a Clock Recovery function), I hear no big differences. In my humble opinion, if the tracks are Red Book CD format, i.e 44.1KHz, I prefer SPDIF because the sound it's more dynamic, vivid, crisp and focused. If I listen to high resolution audio tracks (HDCD format) the USB input gives a little bit more natural, organic and analog sound. Have both switchable inputs is the way to go if you have a respectable collection of CDs to enjoy, as it should.