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Re: Do I need an external DAC?
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 54
buff
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buff
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 54 |
I would recommend just getting a good sound card.
I recently replaced my old Soundblaster Audigy with an X-Fi (I got the Fatal1ty version because I like games and simulations), and it really sounds great. I go analog out to a receiver, and couldn't be happier with the quality. It also will go coaxial/optical out and has all the bells and whistles you could ever want, and very good quality sound.
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Re: Do I need an external DAC?
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 71
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 71 |
I thought this looked interesting. Meanwhile got a Squeezebox and LOVE it! http://www.stereo-link.com/cart/home.php
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Re: Do I need an external DAC?
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654 |
Jeff, in my view the problem is the replacement of the AV receiver that you're presently using as a pre/pro. Is there actually a good reason for doing so? As far as the relative DAC possibilities, Alan, among others, has emphasized that DACs are a mature technology and aren't audibly distinguishable although of course small measurable differences still exist. So the answer is no, you don't need an external DAC(also keep in mind that you might be paying more for hot air rather than "quality"in the DACs that you've mentioned).
-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: Do I need an external DAC?
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 556
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 556 |
I'll sencond what John said about the quality of DAC. The diff. of a $20 and a $400 DAC is imperceptible. BTW: this one is pretty cool and cheap, also it's external: TB
The sailor does not pray for wind, he learns to sail. --Lindborg
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Re: Do I need an external DAC?
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 89
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 89 |
I just came across an Onkyo sound card which seems pretty interesting. Maybe worth checking out: Onkyo SE-150PCI PC Digital Audio Board
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Re: Do I need an external DAC?
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 133
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 133 |
the auzentech xplosion is a great card. It converts direct 3d/eax to DTS and mixes 2 channel to DTS and does a good job. I don't know of any other card that does that, but the onkyo might.
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