[vfio-users] Sound Options for Guest

[Bronek Kozicki]

On 02/05/2016 18:52, Brett Peckinpaugh wrote:
> I was wondering what are some options for audio?  Currently using the 
> monitor, but want to use my speakers for better quality.  The options 
> I can think of are a PCIE soundcard or USB sound device.
>
> Are there any better options?  Would a USB which is cheaper and not 
> needed in the case blocking fans work well? Currently I am passing 
> through a PCIE USB 3.0 card which is where I would connect it.


In this case external USB DAC will be your best bet - e.g. like SMSL M3, 
Audioengine D1 (note, I had clicking sound with this one), Focusrite 
Scarlett, FiiO E10K, Topping VX1, Audioquest Dragonfly, Shiit Modi 2 
etc. Some of these use "standard" drivers and USB protocols, hence do 
not need extra drivers (e.g. SMSL M3), some need extra drivers (e.g. 
Audioengine). Some have builtin headphones amplifier, some have volume 
regulation, some require additional power (more cables), just do your 
research.

More expensive devices utilise asynchronous USB protocol, which makes 
them more resilient to jitter (and also requires extra drivers). Also 
some support DSD (1bit format used for SACD records) e.g Teac UD-301. 
This does not mean that cheaper devices sound any worse - unless you 
have $1000 amplifier and headphones already (in which case I doubt you 
would ask here for advice).


B.