Investigating as to why SPDIF is much better than USB interface on the D10. I started some additional investigation. Using a software waveform generator I generate square waves and measure it on the scope this is what I found.
This is a 1Khz Square wave using SPDIF. The left and right signal is place close together on a dual trace OSC-Scope
The wave form is mono and I adjusted the amplitiude on the OSC-Scope so that you could see the waveform side by side. The ringing (overshoot and undershoot) is normal.
Using USB and even trying with different computer this is what I get which is NOT normal.
As you could see highlighted by the 2 red arrow the signal is not in phase. It is about 4 degree out of phase, Or about one sample (sampling frequency) off. I could offset the phase in the signal generator so that is how I calculate the difference in Phase.
What this means is that one side of the sound is coming out slightly faster then the other. The Left and Right signal is suppose to be Mono or equivalent to Mono.
I will try to investigate more. Sorry for another troubling find.
Found an Errata from Texas Instrument.
http://focus.ti.com/lit/er/slaz036a/slaz036a.pdf
An extract from the Errata
| 2.2 Inter-Channel Phase Difference 2.3 Exceeding Max-Packet Size Problems, Restrictions, Workaround Analog, Embedded Processing, Semiconductor Company, Texas Instruments Problems The PCM290X has delay of 1 sample at each channels as follows: · Up-stream data from ADC, S/PDIF in : Rch data delay (1 sample) · Down-stream data to DAC, S/PDIF out : Lch data delay (1 sample) Restrictions Recording or playback of general audio or S/PDIF In/Out of Linear PCM, makes minimal difference to the listener. However, the critical application for the inter-channel phase difference, data transfer between USB and S/PDIF In/Out, can not be used. Workaround If the inter-channel difference is not allowed, the user must solve this problem in the application software. It is not possible to solve this problem by any modification of external circuit. TI is considering corrections to solve the problem, and will notify the user when a solution is determined. Take care to note the problems listed in this document when considering the use of these products for new projects. |
There is an upgraded part 2906B
And according to the article, publish in Jan 2009 at
http://focus.ti.com/lit/ml/slel056/slel056.pdf
| c. Fix of one-sample interchannel phase error in recording and playback. |
If this is the case, Most of the existing product in the market would be affected as PCM290x is widely used.
EDIT: I wounder if the PCM270x are affected need to investigate
Using a USB to SPDIF is unlikely to solve the problem as the device is most likely using a PCM290x device. Unless it is using the upgraded version.
I need to catch some sleep.
I am really not expecting this.
Madwolf 
Cool site, love the info.
Excellent site, keep up the good work
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Hi,
Has Ibasso announced a new version of the D10 with a working component replacing the PCM2906 ?
From what I understand iBasso is not changing the PCM2906 to the newer PCM2906B.
A friend of mine is interested in buying a D10 with a newer PCM2906B but that is not available. Maybe iBasso will change their mind at a later date, Hopefully they do.