[Ahriman4891]

The 0404 PCI has gone through a revision, and the new version uses the same AKM 4396 DAC as the USB one. I believe the previous one was AKM 4395, which is very good in its own right--EMU probably economized on opamps or something (not wanting 0404 to compete too closely with 1212M?)

 

[Gatticus]

Then how can the PCI version sound bright and harsh and the USB version doesn't?

 

[Ahriman4891]

I believe "harsh" refers to the "old" 0404 PCI?

 

[makasin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatticus /img/forum/go_quote.gif Then how can the PCI version sound bright and harsh and the USB version doesn't?

Could be due to the dirty power that is inside the computer.

 

[Ahriman4891]

Quote:

Originally Posted by makasin /img/forum/go_quote.gif Could be due to the dirty power that is inside the computer.

Can we stop spreading this FUAD already?

Unless you have a ****-poor motherboard and a no-name power supply that came bundled with your $20 case, you are quite unlikely to have problems from "dirty power", especially on a pro-level soundcard.

 

[yeeyy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatticus /img/forum/go_quote.gif Then how can the PCI version sound bright and harsh and the USB version doesn't?

Layout, routing, circuit design, all play a part. And I do not consider PCI version sound harsh, perhaps that is just me.

 

[Gatticus]

I've never heard PCI version so don't know how it sounds myself, it was someone else up above who claimed it sounded bright and harsh.

 

[Tachikoma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahriman4891 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can we stop spreading this FUAD already? Unless you have a ****-poor motherboard and a no-name power supply that came bundled with your $20 case, you are quite unlikely to have problems from "dirty power", especially on a pro-level soundcard.

I really hope you can back up that statement with a little more proof than "the 0404 is a pro level soundcard!" =P

 

[AdWiser]

Geee, dudes, where is the *actual* comparison between Audiophile Firewire and 0404USB? All I'm reading here are merely "beer opinions" no offense intended.

 

[Gatticus]

Hard to compare when we don't have both.

 

[Orcin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdWiser /img/forum/go_quote.gif Geee, dudes, where is the *actual* comparison between Audiophile Firewire and 0404USB? All I'm reading here are merely "beer opinions" no offense intended.

The typical Head-Fi response to this is... you should buy both and do the comparison for us, then sell the loser on the F/S forum.

 

[Gatticus]

I agree with that. Adwiser, we expect to see your comparison review of both soundcards soon.

 

[Marc303]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chong /img/forum/go_quote.gif A bit OT, but does the 0404 USB sound similar to the 0404 PCI? I had a 0404 PCI (using AK4395VF), and it sounded cold and fatiguing through my Aego2 speakers.

I have a 0404 PCI and the difference between it and my esound Cd-e5 is very very small through analog outs. A slight raise in mids on the pci , slightly wider soundstage on the E5.

I have even routed the E5 through its digital inputs and A/B tested them and the difference is even smaller. Slightly more bass and wider soundstage on E5. Mids and top are exactly the same.

Ill put it another way , I couldnt turn the hifi on and know that I was playing the PCI 0404 if I chose the wrong input on my amp by acident

other gear used was a Dussun V8i Amp , Tdl Studio 0.75m speakers with nordost cables.

 

[maarek99]

Its harder to detect differences with speakers than phones.

I didn't like the 0404 pci version at all. It lacked texture and was harsh. That's how I would describe it. I tested it with rmaa but it gave excellent results. That's why I don't trust sound quality measurements too much. I tried modding it (bypassing the caps made a very nice improvement) but then destroyed it. I can't do a direct comparison, but I'd say the 0404 usb is better.

edit: I had the 4395 version.

 

[Tantra]

Quote:

Originally Posted by maarek99 /img/forum/go_quote.gif That's why I don't trust sound quality measurements too much.

The best instrument would be your hearing? I know I trust mine...