E-MU 0404 USB vs RME DIGI PAD 96/8!

[OvidiuDanut]

Hi, i wonder which of the two soundcard provides superior sound quality, considering that they cost about the same price ~200 euro. E-mu USB is a new soundcard but on the other hadn RME DIGI was about 500 euro when it first came out, and i heard that in terms of musicality RME DIGI is on the same level if not better with LYNX TWO. So what do you guys think?

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

I've not extensively used the 0404USB, but I have the regular 0404. I'd be surprised if the 0404USB didn't sound better than the RME (referring to the analog outputs), as the regular 0404 does. Both can sound quite a bit better with modding, but it's a bit more mandatory with the RME. The RME has more digital I/O options, and a more straightforward driver interface, whereas the 0404's is more complex and trouble-prone, but has a lot more options. I think the choice would depend a lot on specifically what you're using the card for. If it's just basic music listening from the analog outputs, I'd pick the 0404USB.

 

[OvidiuDanut]

Thank you for your post. Frankly, i'll be using the soundcard with a pair oh HD 595. I must tell you i'm almost shocked because you state that a e-mu 0404 sounds better than rme digi!!!!

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

The RME isn't the most impressive card when unmodded. Back a few years ago when I first got one, it was an upgrade from those I'd used before (several M-Audio's), but the EMU's weren't even out yet. They improved bang for the buck (in analog soundcard output) quite a bit. An 0404 with a couple of very basic mods is the best band for the buck source I know of.

 

[dizzyorange]

I will vouch for the EMU 0404 USB as having extraordinary sound quality for ~$170usd. A head-fi member who's opinion I respect has rated it as superior to his Musical Fidelity CDPre24 output.

However, some users have had problems with lag time caused by the ASIO driver. Personally, I am using the latest build of Winamp, Otachan's dll, and the EMU ASIO driver to completely lag-free results.

 

[gevorg]

The nice thing about EMU 0404 USB is that its NOT powered by USB, which makes it almost like a pro-audio DAC.