[Xplo]

So I've got a Mac and I'm thinking of upgrading the sound, and it seems the M-Audio cards are the way to go. (PCI, because I'd rather not give up USB or Firewire jacks.) But, I don't need a lot of features, and I'd rather not spend a lot of money if I can help it, so I'm just looking for good sound.

Therefore: is the Audiophile 2496 significantly better than the Revolution 5.1? If so, is the Audiophile 192 significantly better than the 2496? I'd be using analog out to an amp.

 

[sgrossklass]

While I have no idea in terms of Revo 5.1 vs. AP2496, the AP192 has been noted as being a good deal better than the AP2496; in fact it needn't necessarily fear a 1212M.

 

[Xplo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgrossklass While I have no idea in terms of Revo 5.1 vs. AP2496, the AP192 has been noted as being a good deal better than the AP2496; in fact it needn't necessarily fear a 1212M.

It's also twice as much as the 5.1. I'd rather not get it if it's not twice as good.

As much as I'd like to splurge on audio stuff, I have a thinner wallet, and a better grip on it, than that.

 

[third_eye]

Not sure what kind of gear you intend on associating the card with, but for $80 I am very pleased with the Revo 5.1; it does what it's supposed to do, no need for additonal adaptors, good drivers, and compatibility with games - at least the ones I've tried it with.

 

[Xplo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by third_eye Not sure what kind of gear you intend on associating the card with...

PowerMac "Quicksilver" dual G4/867 w(insert card here) --> Xin Supermacro V3 Lite --> Sennheiser 280. Better cans are the most likely future upgrade, but I have no idea what (if anything) I'll end up getting.

 

[third_eye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xplo PowerMac "Quicksilver" dual G4/867 w(insert card here) --> Xin Supermacro V3 Lite --> Sennheiser 280. Better cans are the most likely future upgrade, but I have no idea what (if anything) I'll end up getting.

I would imagine that you should be pleased with the Revo and save the money for a headphone upgrade. Make sure you get the 5.1 not the 7.1 as it offers a better internal DAC. Plus you can use a regular mini to RCA to connect your amp to the Revo's line-out; some of the other cards require adaptors.

 

[ReDVsion]

Sadly I haven't heard the Revo 5.1. I do feel that the 192 is significantly better than the 2496, though.

 

[Xplo]

Well, I was about to get the 5.1 when I happened across a great deal on the 192.

What sort of adaptors, if any, would I need to connect the 192 to my amp (with an ordinary 1/8" stereo input)? I had a look at the specs and quickly realized the terminology was over my head.. so I had a look on Google for "balanced output" and quickly realized the electronics were over my head.

 

[Tachikoma]

.... how good is that deal *tempted*

 

[sgrossklass]

2x 1/4" mono ("TRS") to 1/8" stereo. The AP192 can be used with either balanced or unbalanced output (software selectable), you'd want unbalanced.

 

[Xplo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tachikoma .... how good is that deal *tempted*

I'll make a new thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgrossklass 2x 1/4" mono ("TRS") to 1/8" stereo. The AP192 can be used with either balanced or unbalanced output (software selectable), you'd want unbalanced.

Oh, phew. That won't set me back too much. Thanks!