Emu 404 usb vs Keces 151 usb

[CSMR]

Exactly

[Redo]

A sound card (also known as an audio card) is a computer expansion card that facilitates the input and output of audio signals to/from a computer under control of computer programs.

(wiki definition)

In the simplest sense, a DAC is a digital to audio converting microchip. Alternatively, an ADC is an analogue to digital converting microchip.

There are terms around Head-Fi and the audio world abroad to classify different things in different categories. It does no good to argue a USB DAC is actually a sound card and a professional recording audio interface is a sound card, all one and the same broad general term. There are different classifications based on different implementations based on the goals of the different units.

Now let us stop debating semantics, it achieves absolutely nothing.

[Enthusia]

Thanks for hijacking the thread CSMR and I bet you don't even have any clue which "Dac" is better.

[CSMR]

Hello this is the second line in my first reply to the thread: "What you should get depends on what you need."
You have not specified that (ease of use, how many output channels, how many inputs, of what sort, software features) and so there is no answer to your question at this point.

[montell]

Got my answer. Thanks

[oicdn]

Easiest way to think of it, a DAC is a sound card. People make all these explanations, un-needingly(word?). That example right there should be self explanatory.

In the case of the EMU, it has ALOT MORE features....but essentially, when somebody needs a DAC for their laptop or PC, they're looking for a sound card. That's basically all it is, a sound card in it's own enclosure with it's own power supply.

Also, finding a DAC without batteries at all is a tough bill. Even your Govibe DAC has batteries IINM. And it has no other purpose, or amp with it. What you'll want is something that charges the batteries via usb...Bithead is I think your best bet....

[Navyblue]

Originally Posted by hdkhang

By that logic...

All sound cards with Analog ouputs are DACs...

All Receivers are DACs

In fact, any device which converts digital to analog is by that logic... a DAC!

I would have hoped that people on a specialised forum would be able to understand the differences.

Actually, no. it should be:

All sound cards contain DAC.

Some receivers contain DAC.

[hdkhang]

Originally Posted by Navyblue

Actually, no. it should be:

All sound cards contain DAC.

Some receivers contain DAC.

Please read the posts earlier in this thread that prompted my response. People claimed that the 0404 and the Keces are "not" soundcards and are in actuality "DACS" because of the fact they take a digital signal and convert it to an analog signal. Hence why I said, "by that logic..."

Though you are right... not all AV receivers contain DACs. Given that AV receivers are usually defined as being a tuner/processor/amp combination, they usually always have a DAC chip in there somewhere due to the "processing/decoder" stage.

[reorx]

wow, all the semantics and nit-picking, only ONE POSTER (Tjumper) BOTHERED to actually answer the original question posed by the OP.

I too would like to know, as I am looking to upgrade from my 0404, and am wondering if the Keces is a good enough upgrade, meaning, would i hear any differences? Is it a worthy upgrade path or should I jump to the upper echelons of the DAC1s, Lavrys and Apogees to hear some REAL improvement?

0404 vs Keces. Impressions. Please.

[oicdn]

I don't OWN a 404, but have listened to it on several occasions. I personally feel the 404 lacks a little bit of body in comparison. The Keces unit seems a little fuller and less I dunno the word to use here....clinical? Maybe that's a bit harsh, but that's the closest I can come to a description.

It's a matter of opinion and preference really. But there is a definite sound difference. Upgrade? Hmm...I think so.