[alcyst]

I am using the EMU 0404 USB as a DAC (Wadia transport & Phonitor). I am using a digital coax cable for input, and a pair of 1/4 TRS to XLR cables for output. Anthing else I can do to optimise the DAC output from the EMU?

As far as I can see the only choice I have is the volume level I set on the Main Output. Currently that is at about 1-2 o'clock, anything higher pushes the amp VUs into the red zone. Is the EMU like other digital devices that compress sound at lower output levels?

Before anybody suggests it the obvious step is to replace the 0404, but that isn't a choice for many moons (i.e. a few paychecks).

 

[ephrank]

Replacing the wall wart with a high quality PSU should yield improvement.

 

[alcyst]

ephrank, any recommendations on where I should go to get one? brandnames?

 

[MikeW]

don't waste money trying to make a ford focus into a corvette, instead spend money on real dac.