No it does not meet my approval, since I've been using the ULN-2 as a DAC with SPDif input for the past three years. It's just that I need to replace the Digital Interface. But the DAC is good enough for me.

Welli, no Coax-IN with the Metric Halo. A certain config can cut the distance to 25 feet. My understanding is that USB is less reliable after 15 feet. Is something like the Audio GD DI good to overcome such problems?

OK I undertsand what you mean. I need to connect my Metric Halo SPDif input with my Dell Windows 7 station. The distance is around 30 ft. And I have a 200$-300$ budget. 24/96 is the maximum resolution I have from the Metric Halo.

Basically, yes, you defined the more important problem: the distance. But between the AudioGD, the hiFace and the Musiland, I tend to believe that there is more involved then just swithcing from USB and SPDif.

On one end of my musical computer system... a good computer rig / Dell server, plenty of power, Windows 7, JRiver Media Center 19   On another end... a Metric Halo ULN-2,with FireWire inputs (Mac only) and SPDif inputs (then Neumann KH120 monitors)   The transport, from the Dell computer...

My 10-year old son is due to begin drum lessons next fall. But to spare everybody mental breakdown, we will settle for an electronic drum, probably a budget-line Yamaha or Roland model. Anyway, although I will hook up him often to my Neumann monitors, the headphones are gonna be a critical part...

I've used a lot of media players, and for its interface alone, I think Media Center is well worth 50$ To each his own

No kidding? I just want to use it as a Juke-Box anyway, and my trial is running out. All the same features for the Audio Library?   PS There are some differences, amongst them no ASIO support and no THEATER VIEW. Asio support, that hurts! Quote:

foobar is perfect for people who have time/patience to customize it. i've tried many times, it drives me nuts! i always ended up with an ugly interface. i was willing to try again, with this nice skin mentioned above: SilentNight. i can't seem to get this thing working (again...) is it...

OK, based on components alone, since no one has heard the units.   I'm testing the Matrix Mini right now, which I find to be a GREAT unit for this price.   But I must admit that after 5 days, I find it a bit on the bright side, especially for my piano recordings. A bit grainy.    Can...

yes. a friend of mine try to convince me to use the Motu, but I've heard too many bad things about the Motu DAC. Although I should listen to one before making a final call. But I sure love the Matrix DAC. 

Quote: No, I mean bi-amp. Using a software like Audiolense or a Motu for DRC and electronic XO, then feed a DAC stage, then 4-channel power amp, then speakers.

I have a tricky one for you. I am testing the Matrix and love the results. And the price is so cheap that I am considering bi-amplification. Is there any way that I can get two SPDif signals out of a computer, feed two Matrix with it and then feed a multi-channel amp, and be perfectly sync...

Thanks Asio4All did the trick!

Quote: I have the Matrix Mini for testing. It is a great unit. But do I need to install drivers for kernel streaming? I use XP Pro SP3 and USB output (for now). Kernel Streaming is not outputting any sound, I had to switch to DirectSound. My media player is JRiver MediaCenter v15.

What I would love is to compare the EE and the Monarchy NM24. They are pretty close un price and I am ready to pull the trigger.

Anybody using the Xonar Essence as a needledrop device? I'm wondering how does it compare to other needledroppers favorties, like the EMU 0404.

bump.

Well, basically because the Xonar Essence can eventually serve other purposes, like a nice headphone source, or a third rig (I have a 2nd one). But if the Hiface is clearly superior, at 150$, it is a no-brainer.   I presently own a Micromega Stage IV as a CD player, a Linn 5103 sound...

Quote: I'd appreciate more details. Still doing my first musical server, want to do it right. What is a transformer coupled SPDif output?

With hundreds of pages on the Asus Xonar Essence, this info must be buried somewhere. And since the Xonar is so cheap and so good, I am sure a lot of people have used it as a first step in computer music.   My question is quite simple.   Once you move to an external DAC, is the Xonar...

As anybody here ever used a Roland ADA 7000 as a DAC? I just found onbe for a cheap price (375$) and wonders if I should jump on it...   http://www.roland.com/products/en/ADA-7000/specs.html

Painful truth... or an expensive one. Thanks anyway. Is there a consensus of some sort regarding the quality of the Xonar Essence  as a transport?

A bit of confusion here... I'm planning to buy either the Matrix Mini or the Eastern Electric MiniMax this fall, but both cannot be fed hires files by their USB connections. So I'll need to feed it with SPDIF The hiface module seems to be the way to go, but... the Xonar Essence being...

Concerning ImgBurn... True, right out-of-the-box, ImgBurn won't handle FLAC files for instance. But if u install DirectShow Filters, it is up and going.