EMU 1212M or 0404 USB, or external DAC with MB's S/PDIF output? (maybe other soundcard!???) - Page 2

Those are the ADC chips, not the DAC chips.

EMU 0404USB - D/A converter: AK4396
EMU 0404PCI - D/A converter: AK4395

Technically different chips, but only slightly.

Edit: While I'm checking...

EMU 1212M - D/A converter: CS4398
EMU 1616 - D/A converter: CS4392
EMU 0202USB - D/A converter: CS4392

oh you're right, my bad. So does anybody know how 0404 D/As compare?

Brad: thanks for that. I didn't know the EMU 1212M had a different DAC than the 0404 series - I don't know how convinced I am that the 1212M is audibly any different, but it will make for some interesting listening tests if I ever get my hands on one.

Also, the info on the website for the 0404 series is kind of strange, because I know people who have confirmed AK4395 chips on their USBs, and people with AK4396's in their PCIs. I don't think it actually makes a difference though, as asahi-kasei's website shows no difference in THD or SNR between the two chips.

Plus, when EMU updated the 0404's to have the 4396's (as opposed to the 4395's), they didn't change anything else on the actual unit besides the chip, which leads me to believe that they only did it because the 4395's were being discontinued or otherwise cut off from EMU, so they used the updated version of the chip. This would explain why my PCI version has the 4396's, but again, asahi-kasei's website shows no actual differences in DAC performance (the only difference is a potentially higher clock speed in the 4396, but for one I don't think that the 0404 uses it due to the rest of the unit being the same, and also I don't think the higher clock speed actually affects performance).

.Sup:

0404 USB:

RightMark Audio Analyzer test : E-MU 0404 USB loopback bal 16b 44k

0404 PCI:

RightMark Audio Analyzer test : [MME] E-DSP Wave [EC00]

Exactly the same across the board. If anything the PCI version measures ever so slightly better, but that's most likely due to natural testing fluctuation - besides, the differences are far, far, FAR beneath the realm of audibility.

How much important is the dac chip inside the DAC(Soundcard).
Since there are different quality DAC, with the same chip, then other components should be more important in the sound sig, or am I wrong?

They are many parts to the final soundcard design but the DAC chip is a part of the signal chain also. Filters, opamps, overall design and output stage design do factor in also.

Old 0404 PCIs had the AK4395. All 0404s now come with AK4396, which is better. Yes, DAC chips have an influence on the sound.

If you're running straight to BX8s, I'd look at features as the deciding factor between the 0404 PCI/USB and 1212M. The amp in the speakers will have more bearing on sound signature. I'd just get the 1212M as it's balanced out and you won't have to futz with TRS adaptors.

0404USB is balanced as well
posted pics of my balanced wiring on some other forum:
BF2S Forums / What tech did you buy today - side tracks/discussion