EMU 0404 vs Audiophile Equipment

[Jahn]

Perhaps the new Headroom MicroDAC?

 

[Asmo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn Perhaps the new Headroom MicroDAC?

Any reviews/comparissons yet?

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erukian People always seem to limit themselves to sound cards.

How did you get this impression?
Head-fiers usually don't limit themselves.
The budget is the limit.
An Emu means an enjoyable sound quality in the reach of head-fiers limited by a student's budget.
Most adults here who are into computer based audio already own a standalone DAC.
Or several of them for different purposes,

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asmo Any reviews/comparissons yet?

Keep an eye on the Detroit meet impressions thread.

 

[dano1122]

you guys really shouldn't dump such an insane amount of money just to listen to headphones... think of the inherit flaws of headphones then you will understand it's not worth it. 1) being teathered to an object, stuck on a seat with your butt getting warmer and warmer 2) the fact $2,000 bux poured on a headphone setup, if spent on a speaker setup of the same cost will give you way more enjoyment 3) only one person can listen at a time 4) (although irrelevant) the shame and social exile that goes hand in hand with the fiscal irresponsibility required to spend so much on headphone listening

with this in mind, the 0404 is a steal, it's a great sound card and i would argue that it sounded 80-90% of my old dac1. 80 bux versus 975 bux. plus the inherent disadvantages of headphones. no thanks. my 2 cents. flame away!

 

[virometal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dano1122 4) (although irrelevant) the shame and social exile that goes hand in hand with the fiscal irresponsibility required to spend so much on headphone listening

Very good points Dano, but bear in mind that the above flaws may be perceived as strengths to others. Some like me, must contend with roomates, neighbors, and unpopular musical tastes among our network of peers. In my situation, headphones offer a nice refuge from the constant shelling that is 50 cent and Nickelback in my residence. Plus, ever tried moving speakers onto your bedside table?

Your thoughts on the DAC1 interest me. For myself, the 1212>DAC1 offered a similar jump to the av710>1212 upgrade. Proof then again, that each must forge his/her own path.

 

[Kram Sacul]

That's why IMO $2000 headphone setups are rediculous. Heck, $1000 is too much. $400-600 is good though.

How much does a good stereo setup cost nowadays?

 

[virometal]

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kram Sacul That's why IMO $2000 headphone setups are rediculous. Heck, $1000 is too much. $400-600 is good though.

Hmmm... well I listened to a $8,500 Wadia CD player at the Detroit meet the other day and it was absolutely awesome... and my home headphone rig is probably worth around $2k when you add it all up.

Out of curiosity... what is the last $2k setup that you heard, what components were in it and what did you find dissatisfactory about it?

PS. I've had a quick listen to the DAC1 a couple times at meets and was not impressed.

 

[grox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kram Sacul That's why IMO $2000 headphone setups are rediculous. Heck, $1000 is too much. $400-600 is good though.

Ridiculous or not, some people spend that much money. You can easily spend over 1000 on a cd player, sound card, amp or headphone alone. It's a matter of how much you're willing to pay to get an improvement in sound. I don't consider it ridiculous and I think that others might find your judgementalism a tad offensive.

 

[Kram Sacul]

Quote:

Originally Posted by philodox Out of curiosity... what is the last $2k setup that you heard, what components were in it and what did you find dissatisfactory about it?

I haven't listened to any setups but mine and mine cost about $600. I'm sure a $2k setup would probably beat it, technically, if that 2k was spent on the actual gear and not if it looks hip and cool and matches the table or stand it sits on. The placebo effect is still very powerful when it comes to how much you spent on it though. Especially if it has lights and a big logo on the side.

A $2k+ setup that could also drive speakers would be alright. More bang for your buck and you could share it with your buddies.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone. I just need my own $2k+ setup with a sprinkling of placebo dust.

 

[dano1122]

the placebo is indeed strong, as is the peer statusof being exalted for owning such gear... double blind tests are necessary to determine the exact value of an upgrade.

 

[virometal]

 

[ReDVsion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dano1122 the placebo is indeed strong, as is the peer statusof being exalted for owning such gear... double blind tests are necessary to determine the exact value of an upgrade.

Lol... wait, this is a joke, right?

 

[philodox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kram Sacul I haven't listened to any setups but mine and mine cost about $600. I'm sure a $2k setup would probably beat it, technically, if that 2k was spent on the actual gear and not if it looks hip and cool and matches the table or stand it sits on.

Well I agree with you there, it is important what you spend your money on. I have heard the SR225's out of a dynalo and they sound quite nice.