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Hi,
I want a best quality sound card for outputting digital from pc. I will be using an outboard dac.I have a Lynx AES16 that I just got but didn't install yet.
I just can't help but feeling I have purchased a card with so much more functionality than I will ever use - 16 channel mixing, etc when I am just using it for 2 channels.
I don't mind spending $600-$700 for a card but is there anything out that is that good but dedicated to just 2-5 channels? Or should I just go with the AES16?
Follow Ups:
Hey Topher_M:Does that external DAC of yours have a wordclock output? If it does, you can use your DAC as a "master" and slave the LynxAES16 to this clock by using the sync I/O capabilities of the card. (Lynx cards that have sync I/O capabilities have a software selectable clock source as I understand it...)
Having a single clock source may not be the panacea of digital audio...but upper-crust studios seem to think its a good idea!! :D
my dac doesn't have a clock output so i will not be able to use the synchrolock feature.any thoughts on general sound card question? any alternatives to a 16 channal i/o card for a 2 channal output only system?
Hey Topher_M:Many folks are raving about this hidden gem of a card: it's the Chaintech AV710. It only comes in Optical out.
It's based on the Envy24HT chipset and is supposed to have good drivers. It's not ASIO out of the box, but kernel streaming should work just fine.
Think of it as an interim solution.
There are more cost effective ways than a Lynx to get a single stereo digital out, but if you get anything lesser than the AES16, there is no guarantee that the jitter performance of THAT card (which is now definately in the pro-sumer range) is going to any better than a $22 Chaintech! Why?
The prosumer cards put more money into breakout boxes and better analog output stages. They have Lo and hi-Z mic inputs, adding to the cost yet more - not to mention fancy drivers with mixing capabilities that only the home recording enthusiasts need. Everything you DON'T need as an audiophile is in there, and this only serves to drive up the cost. You may *think* you're getting a better 'quality' spdif output, but it may be no worse or better than a spdif output from a card like the Chaintech.
Honestly, if you're not going to get a Lynx, Digigram, RME or Creamware solution for a digital out, then save your money.
I know it seems like a waste to spend $1000 on 15 digital outputs that you are not going to use. But it may be a bigger waste to spend $500 on a prosumer spdif solution that's really no better than a TWENTY dollar spdif solution.
Try the Chaintech. It's only $20. If it sounds good, use it. Compare it to $100, $200, and $500 soundcards spdif output. But only if you can return them! Because you might find (like others have) that for good SPDIF out, $20 is all it takes.
Cheers,
Presto
ThanksI guess I will just suck it up and install the Lynx.
Who knows - maybe I will come up with a way to use the other 14 channels some day.
If the sound is not to your liking... it's not the CARD to blame!!With the Lynx, you can forget about comparing all those soundcards.
You're getting top notch stuff that has VERY high customer satisfaction numbers and "value ratings".
"Doing it right the first time" may cost more initially, but it will only save you time and money in the long haul. I have a small pile of lesser soundcards that cost (in total) 1/2 as much as a Lynx. What does THAT tell you?
Your decision, pardon the pun, is quite "sound", imho.
Install and use the AES16; you won't regret it.I agree with you. But these days, simple 2 channel cards with 192k capability cannot be found and one is stuck with them. I guess studios demand loads of channels with ADAT capability etc etc.
These stupid connection looms need to be exterminated. The AES16 has ultra stupid high density 26 pin connectors which makes it difficult to use 6mm high quality aes/ebu cables, and doesn't provide a singlef bnc outputs! They even supplied me with a loom that did not fit stndard Neutrik sockets!!
The AES 16 clock is good for a sound card, but not as good as an external clock, and you can hear it. Don't bel;ieve this thing about synchro l0ock or whatever. The Lynx doesn't like other people's clocks signals when this is engaged
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