DJ Audio Interfaces vs. audiophile DACs - Page 2

But keep in mind that DJ audio interfaces still have good dynamic range, just that it's not a high priority, which doesn't mean it was something not cared about when developing the interface.

From what I've read somewhere around here, it seems that Audio 2 DJ DAC is quite detailed and punchy, which does match what I felt about it. Still, I do prefer running it amped, my XD-53 do sound sweeter and fuller. It still sounds good unamped, but since I have an amp then I'll use it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roller 

Apples to oranges? Something that costs little more than 100$ is bound to be inferior to something that cost almost 1000$.

 

For the price, DJ audio interfaces (not Pro Audio) are quite capable and with a great price/performance ratio.

Oh I'm all for comparing things fairly. Thats why the real comparison in my post was the NI Audio 4 DJ (no longer a current model was over 200 from memory) against the Audio-GD FUN (345). Which yes - is more expensive, but not too far off price wise.

In comparing it to my NFB10ES, I mentioned the price and said the result was expected. It was more a random mention than anything... considering NI gear is aimed for PA stuff and many DJ's gig and club with their DJ interfaces, and my little DAC/preamp totally dominates it.

You've said these DJ interfaces provide an excellent price to performance ratio... Well in comparison to what (low end) audiophile DAC's? This would give your claims some grounding mate.

There you go, you're claiming it's low end, and that's about it. You have your point of view and I have mine. I certainly don't think that because a DAC is less expensive, it is underperforming. But that's just me without making assumptions.

Again, read the thread from the start, things were already posted.

Calling a ~$200 DAC "low end audiophile", is right on in my books, but to each their own for sure.

That's about it? You didn't answer my question at all (in the last paragraph of my previous post). While I read all the posts in this thread, maybe you should read the thread title.

I'm probably going to stop posting in this thread as I'm a passive guy. Peace.

I wrote and named a few interfaces in comparison, which Audio 2 DJ is better, even if only marginally. I didn't compare to audiophile DACs, nor did I claim something to be higher on the audio ladder.

But you probably know better.

Have fun.

Neither. I'd recommend an audio interface designed for use with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Ableton Live. Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic - these are genuine pro applications. We have all bought music created and/or recorded using this software. Artists and Engineers will demand the highest standards for their own work in the studio. Plus this gear has to go on the road. So it needs to be reliable and hard wearing. If your interface screws up mid set or session you are not going to be happy. At all. 

Look at it this way. What's the point in owning a DAC which is 'better' than the one used by the guy who recorded the sample in the first place?

It has never been cheaper to design and manufacture consumer electronics. It's the software that costs the big money to develope, maintain and, ultimately, purchase. So it makes sense for manufacturers to break the old semi cartel quality: price point structure. They get to sell a lot more $1,000+ software suites for which users will expect to pay for an upgrade every year or so.

So if you have followed the arguement so far and agree with the conclusion the remaining question is how little do you have to spend and still get pro quality - not simply sound quality, that's a given, but also reliability, driver stability, user support etc etc?

Among the brand names that regularly pop up RME, Apogee & DigiDesign all have devices suitable for domestic use which cost ~$500. $1,000 will get you state of the art top of the range gear. Focusrite, Presonus, TC-Electronic even E-MU all have excellent reputations and are generally even less expensive.

ed: spl :-(

Comparing a cheap DJ interface to a nice DAC is indeed apples and oranges.

Having consulted on products for both the recording industry as well as audiophile companies for the past decade, I can tell you there is a difference to how they approach designing a product. Recording products, especially in the sub $300 price range, are largely about cost-reduction and advertise that they can "provide every bell and whistle for under $299". Audiophile brands generally take the approach of sound quality first and the price tag reflects this.

Good studios and good engineers do not use these cheap interfaces and usually spend thousands on high quality A/D and D/A conversion.

Well, all some people can afford are very squeamish un-amazing things like these. When you got yourself some good apples, look on the bright side, things ain't so bad.

In reply to the original thread questioning the NI Audio 2 DJ's SQ, heck I say it ain't bad, given that its all the lot of about 80-100$ nowadays. (again, no comparison with on-board chip-sets)

In my own opinion the sound is somewhat 'dry' always, with chips and the sort, and could easily go amped for larger headphones.

For what it was designed for anyways, it is quite good. Sturdy as heck! Drivers FTW well-made and are fully-supported by all audio creation platforms/mixing softwares.

Might I add that it is about the size of a deck of cards... so a big win for portability here, very light too, and has 2 X 1/4" outputs!

Cheers!

thecannedbeing