2. pc-audio
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External sound device vs PCI soundcard

Hi all

I’m still feeling my way around the area of PC audio, so please don’t shoot me if I’m way off track.

After reading through many of the post on this site is seems the general consensus is that doing a D-A conversion inside to PC case degrades sound quality to much due to electrical interference.

One way I thought of getting past this problem was to use an external sound device like the M-audio Sonic Theater, USB. If the sensitive DAC process was kept away from the PC, wouldn’t the output signal be relatively good.

Any thought or experience with external sound devices vs. internal soundcard would be greatly welcome.

Cheers.
xs1
jimtavegia's avatar
jimtavegia
8 posts
 
I tried an M Audio delta 44 but the computer power supply noise was so high I gave it up. I did buy and install their M Audio DIO 24/48 and have used their Flying Calf S/PDFI 24 bit dac for 4+ years with great results. I am doing many locations recordings in 2-channel and it sounds better than many commercial recording I buy. I do wish I had maybe bought the ADA 1000 from Lucid, but I am over it. It is probably better, but by what degree?

I have a new laptop and will be turning that into a 2-channel recording rig as well, probably using firewire. Cool Edit 2000 is no more so it looks like CakeWalk to the rescue.

Jim Tavegia
gtsf294
1 posts
 
can the M-Audio FireWire 410 be used with a turntable (direct input from a turntable) for converting analog to digital? turntables need a pre-amp if not mistaken....

i'm trying to get set up to record some vinyl to cd. I was also hoping to be able to use the device for some home studio recording as well. if the M-Audio FireWire 410 isn't a good choice or i need a supplemental piece of hardware please advise. i'm pretty much a rookie here.

thanks
geo
indirstr8s
10 posts
 
I am using Apple Airport wireless unit with its audio out connected to the benchmark media DAC1. I store all my music, lossless, on my notebook and stream it to the DAC1 through the apple unit.
golixe7df
55 posts
 
gts, you WILL need a RIAA phono pre whatever audio interface you buy.
audioodyssey
18 posts
 
The M-Audio Audiophile USB is OK for starting out, but sonically it is not really an "audiophile" piece.

For the next level of performance, the Apogee Mini-DAC with USB input is a big upgrade in sonic performance. It sells for around $1100. It's sonics are improved further by powering it with 12V battery power (I'm using a 7AH lead acid battery).
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