[mmuse]

Has anyone noticed that both EMU 0404 and Stello DA100 used the same AKM4395 D/A converter chip? That just moved the value proposition of EMU 0404 up a big notch.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmuse /img/forum/go_quote.gif Has anyone noticed that both EMU 0404 and Stello DA100 used the same AKM4395 D/A converter chip? That just moved the value proposition of EMU 0404 up a big notch.

The first revision of the 0404 PCI used the AKM4395, but the current 0404 PCI and 0404 USB use the AKM AK4396, which is a significant improvement according to AKM.

 

[musicmind]

The 0404 USB uses the AKM 4396 chip.
E-MU 0404 USB - A Top-Class External Audio Interface

 

[mmuse]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif The first revision of the 0404 PCI used the AKM4395, but the current 0404 PCI and 0404 USB use the AKM AK4396, which is a significant improvement according to AKM.

Does that make 4040 better than DA100?

 

[musicmind]

IIRC, the 4395 chip is actually a higher spec chip than the 4396 for its jitter tolerance. Its been a while since I glanced at the spec sheet.

Of course, there is a lot more to the sound of any device than just one component, but AFAIK, the Stello has the slightly better chip, and I would imagine it is more "musical" sounding than the 0404USB which is in essence a recording interface. Still a great piece of equipment for the price.
Havent seen any comparative reviews of the two yet.

 

[mmuse]

musicmind - thanks for the clarification. I just score a DA100 on Audiogon, so this info took a big load of my back

 

[DefectiveAudioComponent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicmind /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would imagine it is more "musical" sounding than the 0404USB which is in essence a recording interface.

Why would it sound more musical due to the essence?

 

[kyotousa]

probably because recording card has clean cold sound instead of warm sound. I think I like it better than Revo 7.1 but not that much of improvement.

probably because I am using computer speaker....gonna hook up to actual speaker next week and see what happens.

 

[musicmind]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefectiveAudioComponent /img/forum/go_quote.gif Why would it sound more musical due to the essence?

due to the essence? perhaps a stello smells better than an emu?

Yes, as kyotousa said, I would guess that a DAC made specifically for music listening, would have a warmer, less edgy sound, compared to a pro-audio card. But as I stated, its just my "educated guess" after reading about the 0404USB on head-fi.
Although, the amp section of the audiocard could be quite warm too, as is the case with the Presonus CentralStation and make it quite a pleasure to listen to.

How have your experiences with the 0404USB been? I've read that it sounds very nice with Sennheisers.

I would get one except for the various issues folks have with pops and clicks , high CPU utilization and changing foobar settings etc, because at 140$ in the US, its quite a steal for good sound on the cheap.

 

[d-cee]

DAC chip may be the same

but the analogue stage, the power supply and implementation are different

2 DACs can have the same DAC chip and sound completely different. I mean DAC chips only cost a few bucks...

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmuse /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does that make 4040 better than DA100?

Nah, it goes like this
DA100 > Pico >> EMU 0404

Pico with 0404
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/upd...review-295801/

DA100 with Pico
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/3801983-post39.html

 

[DefectiveAudioComponent]

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicmind /img/forum/go_quote.gif How have your experiences with the 0404USB been? I've read that it sounds very nice with Sennheisers. I would get one except for the various issues folks have with pops and clicks , high CPU utilization and changing foobar settings etc, because at 140$ in the US, its quite a steal for good sound on the cheap.

It's twice as expensive here, but it still costs the same as a rather cheap CD player, and it sounds terrific. I don't know if it is the best, but to me the sound is not at all cold an analytical through my XCAN and my 580s. I find it rather precise, for instance the bass is hard and snappy rather than soft and boomy. I can amost feel the drummer hitting the drum next to my ear. But how good is it... well, when I get a long enough cable I will cable I will compare it to my Arcam.

I have no pops, clicks, or CPU issues on the mac book pro I use at the moment. It just works.

 

[reynoc]

Hi guys,
I have just bought 0404 USB and I have one question. Is there any way to play music from portable CD player trough 0404? It means if 0404 is possible to use as headphone amp without computer?

 

[sejarzo]

There is no reason to use the 0404 USB as strictly a headphone amp. The internal headamp is included as a tool for musician-recordists. It's not designed to be a great headamp by any means, though it is fine for many people.

It requires AC power anyway, so for a portable CD player, one would be better off with a truly portable small headamp.

 

[vulc4n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by reynoc /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi guys, I have just bought 0404 USB and I have one question. Is there any way to play music from portable CD player trough 0404? It means if 0404 is possible to use as headphone amp without computer?

Just run a line out from the cd player to the line in on the 0404