[SeanTM22]

Is the USB connection just for power?  Or is that the auido source for the device? Im confused...

 

[kn19h7]

Both in most case I think, didn't try how to use it with other audio sources though..

 

[SeanTM22]

Lets say I plugged a cable from my sound card to the inputs on this external device, and plugged the USB cable into the wall for power?  Would that work?

 

[kn19h7]

too lazy to try it myself==
 
Read the review on top (by Spralwers), i think it answers your doubts
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-System-SB1240/dp/B004275EO4

 

[whatsinaname]

I have been running a pair of Swans M10 out of my on-board sound card (Realtek ALC889A). Am thinking of moving to a DAC + HS50M active monitors.

How would the x-fi HD USB compare to something like the NuForce uDAC 2 in my situation?

(The phono pre-amp in the x-fi HD is tempting though.)

Edit: First post. Longest lurker ever?!

 

[razvitm]

The software driver sends audio to the card through the usb port. I don't think the card can operate just powered from a usb phone charger or something similar... 

 

[razvitm]

Quote:

Damage sucks.
Good thing you were able to repair it.  =]
 
Might you do any cap and opamp rolling?

CAp and opamp modding? Let me explain something... dac and adc converters are very expensive compared to an opamp, so creative makes sure they select an opamp with better specs than the output of the dac, so the audio performance will not be downgraded by the opamp. any (better) other opamp will make this card sound the same because you already reached the limit of the dac. and as far as capacitors go, it has already some pretty good ones...

 

[Mad Max]

 
Quote:

CAp and opamp modding? Let me explain something... dac and adc converters are very expensive compared to an opamp, so creative makes sure they select an opamp with better specs than the output of the dac, so the audio performance will not be downgraded by the opamp. any (better) other opamp will make this card sound the same because you already reached the limit of the dac. and as far as capacitors go, it has already some pretty good ones...

If only that were true...  =\

 

[WhiteCrow]

soooo...does this upscale? (96/196) or even 16kb to 24kb, what are the specs on this I cant find any.
 

 

[Mad Max]

What you mean is upsampling, and 16-bit to 24-bit.  You can certainly output 16-bit as 24-bit, though there will be no difference in sound.
Upsampling is possible from 32kHz to 96kHz is possible  as well depending on what programs you use.  Be aware that upsampling/downsampling colors the sound.  I personally don't recommend it, but some people like it.

 

[jiiteepee]

http://forums.creative.com/t5/Sound-Blaster/Any-plans-to-implement-44-1-Khz-support-Creative-X-FI-HD-USB/m-p/575451#M160504
 
 
jiiteepee

 

[Battou62]

: /

 

[Mad Max]

 
Quote:

http://forums.creative.com/t5/Sound-Blaster/Any-plans-to-implement-44-1-Khz-support-Creative-X-FI-HD-USB/m-p/575451#M160504

Fail.
 

 

[WhiteCrow]

wow.......is this a good DAC? I am just not ready to drop 300 on a new dac as I just dropped 500 on mah RS-2's. If it comes to it i may just bite the bullet and save up for a headroom dac*not the 1000$ one*

 

[Assimilator702]

Quote:

wow.......is this a good DAC? I am just not ready to drop 300 on a new dac as I just dropped 500 on mah RS-2's. If it comes to it i may just bite the bullet and save up for a headroom dac*not the 1000$ one*

You'd be better off with the Headroom or something of comparable quality.