The digital output from any Soundblaster card is abysmal. Asynchronous USB is fast becoming the new standard. |
Thanks for all the replies.
I wound up getting the Giga Lab USB Moon DAC from Pacific Valve for $210 including shipping. This is an NOS DAC and it does impart a sound slightly like tubes. It also has coax and toslink inputs. No headphone stuff. Well worth the price.
I also discovered that my Soundblaster Live! 5.1 card does have a digital out: its a 3.5mm into which I can plug a mini > optical toslink adaptor(under $2 at Parts Express). Haven't tried it yet. |
I've been thinking about the Peter Daniel option as well. For all of my hand wringing, please see this thread:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1227466952&openmine&zzMusic_prof&4&5 |
Music prof - I also have the Nixon UFO.JF and the Chibis on my short list.
Have you checked out the $380 hand built $380 Peter Daniel USB (Audio Sector website)?
Also on my short list: from Pacific Valve & Electric: Musiland MS10 ($300); Giga Lab Moon ($185) and Diyeden SVDAC06 ($169).
Restock & Sammie -
I am shopping for a new PC - probably w/ Vista Home Premium.Some of the ones I've read about (out of my price range) have sound cards that are 24/192 capable. Apparently, this is for DVD support as they are all 5.1 or 7.1 w/ multi channel analog, coax digital, Firewire and HDMI outs.
Mike19 |
You might also consider one of the Scott Nixon USB DACs. I hear that they are excellent. I am trying to decide between the Cambridge Audio DacMagic and the Scott Nixon USB.UFO.JF. For information, please see:
http://www.scott-nixon.com/dac.htm
I am going to make a final decision in the week or so. |
Hey, Restock - any idea why/how the Benchmark and the Cosecant can do 24/96 via USB while the less expensive USB DACs can't? Actually the EMU0404USB soundcard can do 24/96 for a around $230. Otherwise, it depends on the USB-SPDIF conversion chip most DACs use for their USB input. Furthermore, some DACs are non-oversampling and plain limited to 44.1 or 48KHz sampling rates (e.g. Wavelength Brick and MHDT DACs). |
Yep, you're right, the Brick cannot yet be ordered 24/96, although I'm sure that is in the works. |
I don`t the Brick can be order with 24/96, but its a great sounding dac as is.
Greg |
I can not think of any better choice than MHDT Paradisea Plus USB Dac for your budget. |
Just to add to Restock's post.....all Wavelength DAC's can be ordered with 24/96 capability. Yet, as far as I know, that is as high as USB will go for now anyway.
Yet, with a good soundcard or through firewire, sample rates can go as high as 24/192. And, there's downloadable music available at the highest sampling rates.
|
Thank you all for your responses.
Unfortunately, I cannot afford a Tranporter or anything from Benchmark or Wavelenght: My budget is $500. Even a used Brick ususally goes for more than $500.
Will probably go with a USB DAC. Maybe the new Cambridge DacMagic ($450 @ Audio Advisor).
Hey, Restock - any idea why/how the Benchmark and the Cosecant can do 24/96 via USB while the less expensive USB DACs can't? |
It is my understanding that a USB connection will limit the sample to 44.1 or 48Hz (correct?) Incorrect. Both the Benchmark DAC1USB and the Wavelength Cosecant (Numerator) will allow 24/96 rates via USB. |
You could also go wireless, such as to a Squeezebox, and then use its S/PDIF digital out. Another option is to connect peer-to-peer with the Squeezebox via Ethernet. In my experience, this Squeezebox solution is sonically superior to inexpensive USB converters or USB DACs. You will be limited to 16/44 unless you want to step up to the Slim Devices Transporter, which gets you to 24/96. |
If your PC is a desktop, you can always buy a sound card with SPDIF output. This along with the proper OS will allow you to have more options. |
You will still be limited to USB's output that way, so I would stick with a good USB DAC. |
