[thisismyname]

I'm wondering which dac combo is the best: (from laptop using asio)
 
1. -> 0404 usb (spdif out) -> da10
2. -> 0404 usb (spdif out) -> da11
3. -> da11
4. -> 0404 usb (spdif out) -> dac1
5. -> 0404 usb (spdif out) -> dac1 usb
6. -> dac1 usb
7. -> 0404 usb (spdif out) ->dac1 hdr
8. -> dac1 hdr
 
Can someone gimme some idea?

 

[thisismyname]

I'm thinking of upgrading 0404 usb later,
anyone here can gimme some first hand/ 2nd hand review?

 

[AlbinoSquirrel]

I'd also like to see a current review of the 0404 USB.  I have read conflicting reports of Windows 7 support with it.

 

[revolink24]

I love my 0404, on Windows 7. But I'm unsure of the intentions. Unless your computer has no other sound device, using USB to the E-MU and then using the E-MU as a digital transport is a less than ideal solution, IMHO. Most onboard or PCI sound cards support bit-perfect S/PDIF outputs, and you have one less stage in the digital signal line, which should result in lower jitter.
 
That said, it is possible that your have high electronic interference in the case, in which case it would work better I suppose. But also remember that the S/PDIF on the E-MU only works with ASIO, meaning very limited compatability.
 
My experiences with computer audio lead me to think that you should not bother with a USB to S/PDIF adapter as a digital transport. It's just additional room for error, and in audio, simplicity is quite often key.