emu 0404 vs. audiophile 192 vs chaintech av710

[amhd600]

Ok, I am attempting to get the best sound possible here. I was about to get an audiophile cd player a reciever or seperate audiophile amp to make best use of my hd600 and coming soon beyer dt-880 and grado 225 when I stumbled upon computer source and found out I can get really good sound for a lot less money. I have a decent comp that i built amd3500, asus a8v-e deluxe motherboard and a creative live (not sure of model) sound card that i got for $29. I have been reading about how a good soundcard can produce a really good sound. The Chaintech AV710 seems pretty popular here and is fairly cheap, but I hear a lot of good things about the emu 0404 and audiophile 192, i did a little research about these soundcards and decided I would go on the higher priced like the emu 0404 or audiophile 192, if I were to get the emu 0404 what else would I need? I have a Pav2v2 and skyblue mini 1/8 and have the Portaphile v2^2 on the way. Today i listened and used the pav2 to my creative soundcard and sounded pretty good. Is there a big difference in sound with the chaintech and emu 0404? cause i think i am leaning towards the emu. I read on some forums that the emu 0404 is pretty complicated to use and I don't know much about hifi soundcards. Is this really complicated to use? I think the reviews i read were referring to recording and using the software that comes with it. So should I go ahead and get the emu ? and what kind of cables do I need for this with the equipment I have now? and also where can I get it? and any comments on the audiophile 192? I also plan on getting some good speakers for these. what are your recommendations? Sorry for the long post but I am new to this whole computer set up for my headphones and speakers. I look forward for your comments and advise.

 

[Tachikoma]

The chaintech is going to be outclassed here... how bout AP192 VS Emu 0404 VS Emu 1212M VS Esi Juli@?

 

[kytuphicanh]

Juli@ better than audiophile 192

 

[amhd600]

So do guys suggest I get the Esi Juli@? for the best sound and more user friendly? I did read about it and it says you have an option which i/o to use, anyone have any comments with this? Also what else would I need as far as cables?

 

[Patu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amhd600 So do guys suggest I get the Esi Juli@? for the best sound and more user friendly? I did read about it and it says you have an option which i/o to use, anyone have any comments with this? Also what else would I need as far as cables?

If you end up with Juli@ you won't need any breakout cables. There's RCA i/o and S/PDIF out back of the card. With breakout cable (included in package) you'll get coaxial i/o and MIDI i/o.

And yes it is very user friendly. Control panel is very simple and easy to use. Installation is no problem at all.

Read this review.

 

[amhd600]

Thanks Patu for the review, how do you like the sound? I think I am going with the Juli@, I like the fact that the cables are included to use with headphones. Although the review mentions its DAC may not be as good as the emu, I like its user friendly type environment and be able to choose which I/O to use.

 

[subsea]

Just got Juli@ yesterday for 140$ to use with my Stax classic system. Previously I had 5 year old Vortex2 soundcard.
My first impressions are positive. Though it is not night and day difference, the sound became more clear and detailed. There was a significant improvement in highs. I haven't noticed much changes in the soundstage, but overall the sound is nice.
I could have bought emu 0404 130$(overpriced in my country), but RCA connectors and good price made my decision.
I wonder, if 0404 is really better then juli@? Or are the differences subtle? I have 14days moneyback. But I think i'll stay with Juli@.

 

[Patu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amhd600 Thanks Patu for the review, how do you like the sound?

I like the sound very much. Detailed and crystal clear. No distortion like with my previous (integrated) sound card. I really don't have much to compare it with but I'm very pleased.

Oh and I paid 134EUR for Juli@ here in Finland.