E-MU 0404 vs Silverstone EB01

[Deathwish238]

My source is my laptop. FLAC and 192 Kbps VBR mp3/ogg playing through Foobar2000.

BeyerDynamic DT990 and a Mini^3 amp. Which has the best sq...the 0404 or the EB01?

 

[joe_cool]

"EB01" is a USB DAC.
"0404 USB" is a USB DAC/ADC/mixer with headphone amp.

Sound quality is a very subjective matter. If I were in your situation I would also be concerned about convenience and features. Only you can determine which DAC sounds best in your setup so try to arrange a comparison listening test.

 

[Deathwish238]

Yeah I know everyone's ears hear differently...so you're saying these two DACs are different...but SQ wise one isn't necessarily better than the other?

All I really need is a DAC. Does the E-MU need drivers? What about the EB01?

 

[sejarzo]

Yes, the 0404 USB does indeed require its own drivers; it's not a standard Windows USB Audio device because it handles the data transfer differently. Any of the "prosumer" sound cards must do that in order to allow recording/playback at greater than 16 bit/48 kHz rates.

 

[fordgtlover]

I have nothing to compare it to, but I have been very happy with the SQ of my EB01 to my M³ amp.

 

[Spookykinkajou]

I've used both and it's my opinion that the 0404 sounds MUCH better. I felt the eb01 was not much better than my macbook pro's audio line out.

 

[Deathwish238]

In what way did the 0404 sound better? Thanks for the replies

 

[Spookykinkajou]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238 /img/forum/go_quote.gif In what way did the 0404 sound better? Thanks for the replies

Simply put, with the eb01 I could not tell much of a difference from the ratshack lineout cable directly from the macbook pro. I should note I'm using the DAC for some pretty nice bookshelf speakers and not for headphones.

with the 0404 it's night and day. it's much clearer, crisper sounding with a much more detailed, accurate and wider soundstage. it's very satisfying.

although i rarely use the headphone jack, the 0404 sounds fantastic with my westone es2.

 

[K2Grey]

Circuit wise, I'm pretty sure the 0404 USB is superior. It uses a very nice, possibly top of the line DAC chip and EMU has traditionally been pretty good with sound quality. I used to know what the EB01 circuit is like, I think it uses a PCM2702 which is a combination USB controller and DAC, although I cannot be sure on that.

 

[fordgtlover]

Yes the EB-01 uses the PCM2702.

I now suspect that my EB-01 is the weak link in my audio chain. I am looking to upgrade. I don't regret buying it, but I am now looking for a bit more. The 0404 is very well regarded.

 

[Deathwish238]

So from what I've gathered from this thread as well as others, is that the 0404 is superior. However, is it really worth 50%+ more? hmmm...

 

[Fungi]

Depends on how you want to upgrade later. Note the lack of "if" you want to upgrade

 

[Deathwish238]

haha...well here's my new dilemma...the 0404 costs almost as much as a Bravo D1! Which has better sq?

 

[EnOYiN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deathwish238 /img/forum/go_quote.gif haha...well here's my new dilemma...the 0404 costs almost as much as a Bravo D1! Which has better sq?

I was at this point once. So I ended up with a Stello DA100.

 

[Deathwish238]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnOYiN /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was at this point once. So I ended up with a Stello DA100.

$700 huh? Quite a jump in price! You really think it'ld be worth getting one for my $100 amp and $230 headphones? I'm gonna guess not