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I've read a massive amount of posts about the 0404 as well, and some points kept popping up:
- some people find that their more expensive dacs sound better
- many people are underwhelmed by the studio-grade headphone amplifier in the 0404. It should be able to drive a HD580/650, but it appears that many people don't think it so, in reality.
- most people are very happy about the dac in the 0404, and do not use any other functions in it.
It appears to be basically jitter-free because of the custom drivers and internal clock, and also there seem to be no good alternative for the same price. For me, it is good that it both accepts digital and USB inputs.
(So, I have ordered one, but I still hesitate about it)
I just ordered mine too, hopefully it will be a significant upgrade from my integrated sound card. I will be using a Mini^3 in adjunct with the Emu 0404 with HD580.
I've read a massive amount of posts about the 0404 as well, and some points kept popping up:
- some people find that their more expensive dacs sound better
- many people are underwhelmed by the studio-grade headphone amplifier in the 0404. It should be able to drive a HD580/650, but it appears that many people don't think it so, in reality.
- most people are very happy about the dac in the 0404, and do not use any other functions in it.
1) More expensive DAC's sound better - but at what cost? I've read comments that suggest any DAC in the $200-$400 range (Zhoulu, etc.) may not be worth choosing over the E-MU simply based on value. I've come to the conclusion that for value, you have the EMU in lower range, Pico in the mid to high range, and then other extravagant DAC's over $1000 like the Benchmark for the most eccentric 'philes.
2) I have yet to test the amp out on my EMU - but yes, I have also heard many times that it is lacking. Running from the main output/RCA outputs on the back is really the preferred way to use this device if you're looking for the most potential in SQ.
3) Pretty much the same as #2. If you have any sort of amp, be it dedicated or portable, the DAC is the only real necessary function (unless you do need it for recording purposes, which I 'd like to test out myself at some point). The transparency that this DAC can offer for $130-140 (Music123.com) is worth taking the time to check out, and beats basically every standard soundcard imaginable.
Just wanted to solidify a few points, take care all.
2) I have yet to test the amp out on my EMU - but yes, I have also heard many times that it is lacking. Running from the main output/RCA outputs on the back is really the preferred way to use this device if you're looking for the most potential in SQ.
You mean the main outs on the stereo mini or 1/4" TRS jacks (into which one can place TS plug-to-RCA jack adapters.....so noobs don't get confused (again), there are no analog RCA outputs on the 0404 USB.
Originally Posted by DoomzDayz
so if i have a cmoy with a crappy opa2134, i should use it over the headphone out??
Probably not. The internal headamp is almost certainly better than the Cmoy.
It will drive Senn HD580/600/650's but not as well as an external headamp.
Remember, the 0404 USB was targeted at the home recording market, and the headamp is provided primarily to allow a player/vocalist to monitor the mix rather than to be an extremely high quality audiophile device.
You mean the main outs on the stereo mini or 1/4" TRS jacks (into which one can place TS plug-to-RCA jack adapters.....so noobs don't get confused (again), there are no analog RCA outputs on the 0404 USB.
Bought it. I've been wanting the 0404, and this seals the deal. I don't care so much about the headphone amp quality, what I need is a low latency recording solution with direct monitoring. I have some songs I'm looking forward to record!
Just out of curiosity, how does this compare to Turtle Beech's stuff?
Much better. Turtle Beach hasn't made professional quality sound cards since the mid-'90s (IMO).
***
For anyone on the fence about buying due to claims of inferiority:
1. Expensive standalone DACs ($500+) may beat the 0404 USB's DAC output.
2. Nice external amplifiers ($100+) may beat the 0404 USB's headphone output.
But when you look at the total package, there's nothing better for the money. Think about what $139 is buying and you'll see that there's no possible way to bundle together similar equipment for anywhere near that price.
__________________ Team Value-Fi.
Last edited by infinitesymphony; 02-18-2008 at 07:42 PM.
. Thanks for clarifying me Steve.
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