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Hi Folks,Since no one answered my last post I though I'd start with something a little more simple... Should I go with a good external DAC connected to a cheapish sound card (or the S/PDIF output of my computer) OR get a fairly high quality sound card (looks like there are a couple of 24/192 cards out there) and connect it directly to my preamp?
Thanks,
Follow Ups:
I prefer skipping sound card altogether and going for the following configuration:- PC. If you can arrange to have it in an adjacent room, that is the best solution.
- USB to SPDIF converter ($30-$130).You can buy M-Audio transit off the shelf or order custom adaptors. There is a HK vendor on ebay who sells chinese made adaptors for $29. You may go with German DDAC ($80) U.S.-built Hagerman ($130) or better,if money permits.
Converter should have regulated 5V DC power supply to avoid relying on USB power.
-the best DAC you can afford or already own.
I have inserted Behringer SRC2496 between USB> SPDIF converter and DAC. It reclocks the signal, amplifies it and upsamples to 88.2/96Khz
Some other dejitters/reclockers such as Jitterbug or Monarchy DIP can be used. Also, because coputer generated RFI can travel through USB cable I use glass toslink from USB/SPDIF converter to Behringer.
It assures full isolation between DAC and PC. Of course, DAC and PC have to be plugged in into different AC circuits on a breaker box.
Don't go for a cheapish card; go for a good card. This makes long term sense and ensures sorted software.
I personally think that using the cheapish soundcard ($100.00) & connecting to a high quality DAC is the way to go.I'm personally not a fan of doing the digital decoding in the computer & consequently outputting the line level signals from that noisy computer. To me the disadvantages are that:
1) The computer is noisy. As in decibels, you'd have to use a long run of your favorite interconnect to get it to your audio system. Could be tricky, could be pricy.
2) The computer is noisy. As in it's a nasty place with lots of electrical interference from power supply's, graphics cards, and anything else in there. Sounds like a recipe for bad sound to me.
With that said, I'll add that I've never gone line level out from any of my soundcards. Never compared the sound. It's all opinion (mine)
My opinions are by no means definitive. Play with it, compare, have fun !
That's the problem; buy a cheapish sound card or usb interface and PLAY with them. Many people including me just are not satisfied and end up buying better ones.
I think a lot of people do try their $100 or less sound card, and are disappointed with the preformance...which reinforces the 2nd point you make.HOwever, IMHO (and experience) with the "prosumer" studio cards this is just not the case.
I am not saying this point isn't valid, just that it can be addressed in such a way that they do not matter...but that takes money and that is one of the reasons these cards are much more expensive.
Also, Presto raises a good point on this debate when he ponders why this harsh PC environment doesn't seem to affect video cards like they supposedly affect audio cards....
Also, fanless computers are getting more affordable these days, and with a quiet hard drive, point #1 is easily addressed.
Off the top of my head, I would say go for a Lynx 22, or Lynx TWO -BEither config will work beautifully, it partly depends on how much money you want to throw at it.
Search the recent posts Dawnrazor's, Tuckers, fmak, ALJordan and some of mine that are approaching a similar question for more info.
Then make your best shot_grin_
There is no one best way for everyone.
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