av-710 and nad 521i

[uzziah]

well, this really is a question out of left field, but thought i'd give it a shot. i have a nad521i right now. looking to go to a computer based system with linux and chaintech av-710. since emu cards aren't supported under linux. wondering how it will compare to the nad? improvement? downgrade? even comparable?

i'll consider an external dac later most likely

 

[uzziah]

anyone have half a clue? i know this is a goofy question. i'm sure someone out there has heard a nad (any nad) and the chaintech.

i'm sort of assuming i'm taking a step down in quality.

 

[Asmo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by uzziah anyone have half a clue? i know this is a goofy question. i'm sure someone out there has heard a nad (any nad) and the chaintech. i'm sort of assuming i'm taking a step down in quality.

I havn't heard the chanitech, but I have heard the 521bee, and i'd have to say, that the chaintech would definetly be a downgrade. I would recommend, if you are solid on using linux for your music, I would consider a chaintech, and an external DAC, that would trump the NAD in terms of quality.