The DAC202U version was added especially for Japan market. But it seems many countries are welcome to have USB connection to our DAC. The DAC202U is compatible with DAC202, it is not a new model or replaced model of DAC202. Both model will be parallel in the market. If you have firewire connectivity (all Macs has firewire), then normal DAC202 will save you some money. (And we recommend to use firewire if possible). The USB board will still go through firewire section for dejittering and control, so they sound the same.