Hello. I came here looking for your advice. I'm building a Hi-Fi stereo system, primary for music, and i'm in a dilemma. I want to connect it to PC, because i have a lot of FLAC music on my hdd.

1st option:
E-MU 0404 connected trough male Cinch (RCA) to NAD C325BEE stereo amplifier + Jamo S 606 speakers

2nd option:
Intel D975XBX2 motherboard, with integrated soundcard (Sigmatel STAC9274D), connected to reciever (example - Yamaha RX-V661) through Toslink (optical line out) + Jamo S 606

Now, which way to go?

Thanks for your suggestions.

Which sounds better to your ears?

Option #2 sounds cheaper, and has one less analog stage (which also mean fewer cables).

1st option sounds better to me, but I'm still not sure. Optical connection should be superior to analog. NAD amplifier, on the other hand, is probably superior to Yamaha receiver...

Unfortunately, I won't get a chance to compare these 2 solutions in person (by listening to them).

It's going to get converted from digital to analog at some point, regardless.

If you intend to mean the E-MU 0404 USB interface(as opposed to the PCI card), the USB unit is useful for many things. It is like a high quality adapter box - it can convert(even in stand alone without a PC) virtually any source(optical digital, coax digital, balanced line level input, unbalanced line level input, stereo balanced mic inputs, instrument line level inputs) to any feed (optical digital output, coax digital output, balanced line level output, unbalanced line level output). It has a high quality headphone amplifier to boot.

BTW, the separate component amplifier is always a better choice as compared to a standard receiver if you intend on future upgrades/customization to your system. The separate component amplifier, for example, will allow for insertion of processing units between the source and amplifier, and adding additional amplifiers between source - using a processing system - such as would be done if you wanted to add subwoofers in the most ideal/seamless manner in the future - integrating them with perhaps a Behringer DCX2496(as example).

-Chris

Yup...and E-MU 0404 has quite good DAC.



I'll think about it. USB interface is twice as expensive as PCI. Should I go for it instead of PCI card?




I always prefered 1st option. Now I'm sure I'll take it.
Thank you for your advices.

Best regards.

Despite the similar model number, they are complete different products. The DAC/ADC of the USB unit is technically superior with measured behavour approximately at the level of level of the 1212M PCI card. But more importantly, the USB unit can also be a stand alone conversion box/pre-amp unit as I specified in the last post. One could, for example, use it as a very high technical quality stand alone DAC in a stereo system, or one could use it as a stand alone stereo balanced/phantom powered mic-pre of very high quality.

-Chris

Then I'll probably take USB unit.

Thank you very much

BTW, here is some analysis/measurement of the E-MU 0404USB:

http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/proaud...u-0404-usb.html

-Chris

How about M-Audio Audiophile 192? It's a bit cheaper than E-MU 0404 USB.

I'll take that card into consideration.

It comes down to a personal choice of features - both will behave as transparent recording/playback devices. I prefer the 0404USB due to it being a stand alone product that does not need a PC for other purposes, and with a PC, you have easy access to the connections and physical controls/dials, as opposed to constant going behind the computer to make connections and software only control.

-Chris

I'll get E-MU 1212M. It's cheaper than both Audiophile 192 and 0404 USB.
I think it's worth 130€

Question about the 0404 USB - could I use it as an external DAC for streaming music from my PC? In other words, going from the coax (S/PDIF) out on my onboard RealTek into the 0404, then analog out to powered speakers or amp/receiver?

Basically I'm asking if digital out from the onboard sound is a good idea, or just go USB (in which case I'd just get the 0202 USB).

option #2 because of the toslink.