http://www.futurelooks.com/db_data/db_images/id169_images/xitel8.jpg

"Is the majority of your music library on your hard drive? Does this force you to listen to what you want, when you want, through inferior speakers? Do you wish you could easily listen to all of that on your home entertainment system? If so then read on and if not well read on as well. "

Direct Link:
http://futurelooks.com/display.php?i=169&p=1

Is there something like this but with an OPTICAL out on it?

If the sound comes via USB in a digital format, wouldn't it be better if they converted it over to optical? My 2nd optical jack on my receiver is lonely and I wana patch my MP3s into it! :)

Yes. Futurelooks will be checking out an optical equipped unit made by M-Audio ( www.m-audio.com ) in the next couple weeks...

Stay Tuned!

I can't believe you let this jack-off write again for you guys. A drunken chimp with crayons would've made more sence than this guy. Hee-hee.

Based on your review, I want one.

Does anyone know of a Canadian online retailer that stocks the Hi-Fi link? I don't want to order from the US unless absoultely necessary (sick of being stuck with customs brokerage fees etc.).

I've looked a futureshop and compusmart. They don't carry it.

Thanks,

Ken

Welcome to the boards Ken!

I'm sorry, but I really don't have a good answer for you. I know that London Drugs doesn't have them either in Western Canada, another large Computer Retailer. It is such a cool little device that it is truly a shame retailers decide not to stock it.

Has anyone else seen this around Canada?

This is the only place I've been able to find:

http://www.minidisc-canada.com/hifian1.asp

It's a bit cheaper there than ordering it from the US.

Ken

That's some great info for all those CDN's out there :)

I was intending to use it with Linux. I'm glad to report that it should work with Linux.

I haven't tried it yet, though.

I sent Xitel's support an email asking if it worked with Linux and they promptly emailed me the following detailed information:

Here's how to fire it up under Linux:

Requirements

* Linux running at least kernel 2.2.19 series or later.

* USB audio support must be compiled into your kernel (compile them as modules)

* The OSS sound drivers must also be installed (also compiled as modules)

* A free dsp device in your /dev directory.


Instructions

* First you need to compile USB support into your kernel. The modules to install are usbcore.o, usb-uhci.o, and audio.o. The second module may vary if you are using non-standard USB hardware.

* Next you need to create a suitable audio device for the driver. For example, we have a soundcard on /dev/dsp, so the next available device on the system is /dev/dsp1. If you need to make the dsp device you can use the following table to decide how to make it. (Make sure you login as root before attempting to make the device.)

* DSP DEVICE HOW TO MAKE DEVICE /dev/dsp1 mknod /dev/dsp1 c 14 19 /dev/dsp2 mknod /dev/dsp2 c 14 35 /dev/dsp3 mknod /dev/dsp3 c 14 51

* Now you should be able to load the device as root type 'modprobe audio'. If that works (you can use 'dmesg' to read your system messages) you are good to go. Once you get this working it is up to you to decide how to load the modules at boot time. (we just load my usb modules at the very last after everything else)

* Finally you're ready to play to your stereo. To do this you can use xmms or a similar program. Go into Options | Preferences | Output Plugin selection and select the OSS driver. Check the 'Use alternate device' box and type in the device you created from step #2. You should see NO SIGNAL until you start playing some music.

Best Regards,

Xitel Support.

Hey, now that bumps up the cool factor of this device another notch. Stay tuned this weekf for the release of a review of a unit from M-Audio as well. Not sure about Linux support, but this one has optical output and 7.1 channel speaker support.