[xeefus]

Hello!

I'm going to buy a new soundcard for my computer, I think... Or perhaps a DAC + amp maybe? since I live in Europe the max price would be around 200 euros. (might be able to stretch a little though since I'm getting like 500 euros in 3 weeks, but I was hoping to save that for a new computer)

I'm using a pair of Sennheiser HD555's for my computer, which I use for gaming and listening to music. I do not play games that require a good soundcard really, so what I want is a new soundcard with nice sound quality. I have never really liked Creative, so I'd like to stay away from that.
Well, one thing I need is a 3.5mm microphone output cause I talk alot on ventrilo and skype. (so no need for good recording on the card really)

Oh and by the way I'm going to get a pair of AKG K-701's (I love them) kinda soon too. But I'm going to use the HD555's until then, and for use at LAN-parties. (only small ones, can't stand the noise level when there are loads of people)

All suggestions are welcome, but please say WHY I should buy it

Thanks in advance!

 

[xeefus]

Bleh, I think my Audigy 2 ZS just broke too.

 

[spacemanspliff]

It's a bit more bulky but the panasonic xr-57 receiver would work great. just use your motherboard optical out to the receiver and microphone in on the mobo. The XR has a great dac and headphone amp.

Or get the Azuntech X-Meridian or wait for their Prelude and just use onboard sound until then.

 

[xeefus]

Hmm, that is an alternative... I wonder if I can testdrive one maybe. Will see what I find!

Azuntech any better? I kinda figured an amp would be better than just a soundcard though.

I also found this USB-DAC called Trends UD-10. From what I've read it looks pretty nice for it's price (like 100EUR). That leaves 100(+) for an amplifier?

Thanks!

 

[spacemanspliff]

the xr 55 is about $200 usd so... I just use an audigy 2 nx usb and then optical into the xr 57. it's kind of weird I know but the sound is great and you can add speakers.

 

[xeefus]

It was like 400 euros in Sweden

Kinda sucks but what the heck...

More suggestions are still welcome!

 

[NATHANSCRIVENER]

The Auzentech X-Meridian with a few mods is reported to outperform $2000 plus source components. You just need to replace the OP-AMPS with LM4682's (which are socketed) and bypass the DC Blocking Caps.

 

[xeefus]

Oh wow, that sounds great... Have you tried it personally? Where can I read about the mod?
The only thing is I can't really solder small things, but I do have a lot of friends who do it all the time so I guess I could ask them if I dare.
Where do I get these op-amps then?

Is this card gaming-friendly too? Looks a little bloated but effects are nice for games since you are more focused on the game than on the music.

Thanks!

 

[qwerty009]

LM4682 is10 Watt Stereo CLASS D Audio Power Amplifier you would want to try LM4562 for example (most used opamp on x-meridian). As for mod try to use search

As for sound quality it second best i've heard. First being my modded Onkyo se-200. You can get opamps from texas instruments, Analog Devices or National. Depends what kind of opamps you want. Some of these you can get as free samples.
If u want gaming card then only creative cards (x-fi) support eax-5. If this and sound quality (both) are important then you should wait for Auzen Prelude sound card (to be released very soon). Should cost around 200eur, maybe little more.

 

[robert1325]

Hi,

Are the mods on the onkyo se-200 doable?

And does someone know where I could get a xr55/57 from the USA shipped to Europe? These receivers are dirt cheap over there and more than double in Europe. I could get a Voltage converter.

Sorry for hijacking, but I have the same interests as xeefus I think.

 

[qwerty009]

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert1325 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi, Are the mods on the onkyo se-200 doable?

If you are able to mod lets say x-fi then se200 is far easyer because it has dip8 type opamps. What you need to do is desolder them, add sockets and put new opamps in sockets (for easy changing). If you feel its necessary you can also change some caps in signal path. I bought pre modded card with opa627 in final stage.

 

[robert1325]

where can you get the pre-modded cards? I think I could do the mod, but would rather get it pre-modded if I bought it.

 

[xeefus]

Ohh... I see then. These mods aren't too hard since they're not surface-mounted right? (I think that is the correct term?) And am I supposed to replace all 4 of them or just 1? (I think I read about that)

My uncle is really good at soldering so I guess I could ask him if I get nervous
Which one is the better of LM4562 and LM4682?

 

[ROBSCIX]

The LM4562 are the ones to use. They are great sounding opamps.
There are others aswell that sound good everybody likes the LM's though.
If you buy the X-Meridian it has sockets, so the opamps are easy to change.
The X-Meridian is pretty much the best card in that price range.
Removing the DC trapping caps is not for a novice. you can easily damage your card and turn it into a paper weight. When you do that mod you also have to measure to verify you have negligible DC on the channel. -If you have a high enough amount you have to remove the bypass. Most people gte decent resluts with that mod though. If your more into gaming you could wait and check out the X-Meridian's new little brother The X-fi Prelude.

 

[xeefus]

Oh. You do not need to solder them?

Or did I get it all wrong with sockets?
As I asked in the previous post, do I need to replace all 4 of them?
Now... I wonder where I can get my hands on these little guys in Europe.

Thanks alot!