I finally got my hands on the EMU 0404. After backorders and delayed shipping and what not. This post is basically to compare the 0404 and 0202. I will be using the following: Foobar w ASIO playing FLAC files EMU 0202 and 0404 Canare IC's Gilmore Lite Dowin D12 recabled HD650's First...

I'm in the process of researching a DAC for my desktop audio system. My PC has all three options open. Aside from optical and coax allowing for more bandwidth (24bit/96khz) what are the factors in deciding what to use? Is there any reason to opt for the USB interface?

Hello, i just built my computer and decided to use my old NAD c372 hooked up to the motherboard soundcard (z77 Extreme 4) using B&W  601 speakers or Grado 225/Sen HD280/TB P11 headphones (depending on the situation). I was wondering how i can improve the sound from this setup? I know i could...

Hi,   I normally only listen using headphones at work where I am running a USB DAC (Music Streamer II) connected to a PPA. At home, I just use cheap 2.0 speakers with a line out from my motherboard. I noticed my motherboard also has optical out and possibly digital coax out as well. I have a...

I've had an EMU 0404 since 2005 or so.  There are two PCB models for this card, 8850, and 8852.  I have 8852.  This card also used two different yet similar DACs, the AKM4395, and AKM4396.  Mine has the AKM4395.   I currently have the 0404 installed in my file server.  I use an X-Fi Titanium...

I've had for several years some Altec Lansing MX5021 2.1 speakers. They were quite nice and for me they were a best-buy at that time. Since I had felt that they could sound better with a dedicated sound card, I had bought an M-Audio Transit, USB powered audio interface. The difference was...

Hey guys, I'm looking for your opinions/suggestions on a dac upgrade. Right now I have a fiio e7 and a millet minimax for an amp. I listen with RS2i's and HD598's. Is the e7 a real bottleneck in my setup? I'm looking to spend under $250 for a new dac, if it is worth getting. Thanks

Hi there fellows! I noticed, that there is not much discussion around about gear to properly record from an analogue source to digital. I intend to do mainly recording of my vinyl. I use Vinyl Studio, a nice software for that task, that saves me a lot of time and hassle! And for abused disks...

Hello everyone,   Forgive me if I've posted this in the wrong section. This is my first post here.   I have (what may be) a relatively simple question.  I just bought a Schiit Lyr and a pair of Sennheiser HD 650's. I couldn't be happier with the setup.  However, I am going to be looking...

Hello all,   I'm looking to, over the next year or so, acquire a new amp to go with my HD650's.  I'm thinking tube...though I'm not married to the idea if it's not the best option/value.  Nor am I tied to it having to be a "brand name" amp etc (but I'm not looking for DIY either!)   My...

Looking at ordering a custom pairs of the Beyerdynamic DT770s and DT990s. It's going to cost me quite a bit of money so I want to make the right choice...They give you an impedance option: (32ohms, 250ohms, or 600ohms). I'm currently using the EMU0404 as my headphone amp. I know the choice...

Hi!   I want to buy a starter's headphone amp for hooking up with my PC.   I'd like it to be a DAC and headphone amp in one. I prefer an optical in, so I can hook it up to my sound card and have the gaming sound technologies of the sound card available through the amp (is this true? I...

I'm looking for whatever will give me tonnes of power (to drive even hard to drive current hungry hp's easily like K701 and voltage heavy hp's like some 600ohm models). Would the Fio E7 + E9 combo be better for this or the all-in-one Nuforce Icon HDP? I've read good reviews of the Nuforce esp...

Be it your first hi-fi 'phones, your first lossless-music experience, or a friend: How did you become an audiophile?   For me it was a personal thing: I realized one day that my iBuds just weren't cutting it anymore. After moving up to a better, but still low-fi headphone, I figured out that...

Need a headphone amp for the studio that can properly push these puppies (600ohms). I mostly record hip-hop/rap so I want something that'll make the bass stand out and the vocals come thru clean. I heard tube amps are the way to go for 600ohms headphones. Suggestions? I'm ready to purchase and I...

i was looking for an audio interface to use as a headphone amp. upon reading the threads i found good things about the emu 0404. My budget is around 130$. The 0404 fits perfectly for my needs but but slightly out of my budget.   are there any other good choices for an audio interface around...

Ok, I came across a very old thread (in 2002) and I become very curious about the above mentioned topic. I am aware that amps amplify analog signals and if digital signals get in, it has to be process by a DAC before it can be amplified by the amp.   Let's say I have a soundcard with a...

Hi everyone!   I just recently got into this whole audiophile hobby.  This is my first post on these forums, but I've read through them a ton!    Anyways, I do a little bit of music recording, so I own an Mbox-2.  I also own a recent i5 iMac, which seems to use an onboard chip for sound...

I would like to plug the headphones directly into the 3.5mm output of my DAC, because there is no space to place an amp behind my computer screen. I want the same high resolution performance as from Stax headphones but without any amp. Which high-end headphones can be driven without an amp?

Hi Guys,   I just joined the hifi world and here is my first post :)   I recently got a EMU 0404 USB and a Denon D2000. Now I am looking for an amp which is under $250. I am assuming it will enhance the SQ a few steps.   I did some research and found out the following options:  ...

I'm looking to get on with purchasing my bedside rig, and I'm wondering which component I should upgrade to first.. I currently have an E-MU 0404 DAC, Shure SRH 840 headphones, and a 16gb ipod.   I plan to buy a LittleDot MK IV SE tube amp, an iPod transport (Onkyo ND-S1 or something...

Hey long time no see. I have been out of the headphone game for a while but I decided to go ahead and buy some decent cans and these AKG k271 mkIIs are pretty sweet sounding. However I have a problem. Even with my Emu 0404 USB dac driving them the volume is just not as much as I would like it. I...

Hi Guys   Great forum, I have a few questions for you and would really appreciate your expertise.   Does anyone on here know much about the Presonus monitor station? There isnt much talk of the monitor station on the net yet so wondering if any of you have come across it. I own the...

If   A pair of akgs 701s sounds good to me on an Ipod. I sappose im missing out on alot ?  i mean my Mixer amp Helps the sound staging abit Bit i have no idea. AM I missing out on the big picture of the 701s?

I've just bought a pair of very cheap Pioneer SE-205 headphones, late 70s. The plan is to use the nice pads, or the entire thing as a foster phone. The SE-205 is part of a very nice looking headphone series, and this one is in good condition. Unfortunately, it's sound is poor from the E-MU...