Help connecting to Analog Tube Amp

[kyotousa]

I am trying to build a PC for 2ch. music purpose only. I'll watch H264 shows, CD, and music files.

However, I am not sure how to connect PC to Onix SP8

The problem is I have around 300 dollars budget and Onix SP8 only has Analog input. So what's my best option here?

Onkyo SE-200?
EMU 1212?
EMU 0404?
M-Audio Revo 7.1 coaxical connect to a $200 dollars stand along DAC then connect to Onix SP8?

any other option? I'd like to take care of it for 200 tho.

 

[infinitesymphony]

All of your options are good... It's really up to you.

 

[kyotousa]

uh...is the PCI card gonna have electro interference noise?

 

[HardHeadCase]

Firestone Audio Digital Analogue Converters

3 to choose from. Nice for a desktop or hidden away in the back of a rack.

 

[HardHeadCase]

If the PC has optical or coax built in than you would have no need for a converter. Usb is nice and easy but limits you to 16 44.1/48. Unless you get an expensive usb dac......way more than 2 or 3 hundred. Im not sure about the EMU stuff.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyotousa /img/forum/go_quote.gif uh...is the PCI card gonna have electro interference noise?

Not necessarily, and whether or not it's noticeable will depend on a number of factors (quality of computer PSU, quality of incoming power, etc.). Just look at the RMAA results of the 1212M. Any audible noise would greatly decrease the rated performance.

Most USB DACs follow the USB 1.1 standard, which allows up to 24-bit/96 kHz content. The E-MU 0404 USB is one of a few USB 2.0 DACs that allow up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

 

[kyotousa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Not necessarily, and whether or not it's noticeable will depend on a number of factors (quality of computer PSU, quality of incoming power, etc.). Just look at the RMAA results of the 1212M. Any audible noise would greatly decrease the rated performance. Most USB DACs follow the USB 1.1 standard, which allows up to 24-bit/96 kHz content. The E-MU 0404 USB is one of a few USB 2.0 DACs that allow up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

Would UPS help....don't have fund to buy those expensive power stabilizer power surger...lol

I wonder if Revo 7.1 + fubar II would be better than Onkyo SE-200.
Onkyo seems to get better review than both 1212 and 0404.

Maybe I should also add RME 9632 into play...lol

 

[rodentmacbeastie]

ESI Julia alone or connected to an outboard DAC gives you 24/192.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyotousa /img/forum/go_quote.gif Would UPS help....don't have fund to buy those expensive power stabilizer power surger...lol

As long as your computer's components aren't uber-cheap, it should be fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyotousa I wonder if Revo 7.1 + fubar II would be better than Onkyo SE-200. Onkyo seems to get better review than both 1212 and 0404.

I guess it depends whom you ask... All of those interfaces have different DACs and sound signatures. The Fubar II would be off my list due to its 16-bit/48 kHz limitation (which itself is due to its use of the cheap but popular Burr-Brown PCM2702 DAC) and the fact that it's more expensive than other options. The other cards also use higher-end DACs:

Onkyo SE-200 (Wolfson WM8740)
E-MU 0404 USB (AKM AK4396)
E-MU 1212M (Cirrus CS4398)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyotousa Maybe I should also add RME 9632 into play...lol

Probably overkill for an internal card. At that price point, it's time to start considering external DACs. One thing to note is that the 1212M has one of the best digital outputs of any sound card; it's rated well beyond the capabilities of the analog section, so if you decide to upgrade to a non-USB external DAC, it will provide relatively jitter-free output.

 

[kyotousa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Probably overkill for an internal card. At that price point, it's time to start considering external DACs. One thing to note is that the 1212M has one of the best digital outputs of any sound card; it's rated well beyond the capabilities of the analog section, so if you decide to upgrade to a non-USB external DAC, it will provide relatively jitter-free output.

How do I use digital out when there isn't digital input for tube amp?
I could only use 1212's digital out when I have an external DAC right?

 

[Shiki]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyotousa /img/forum/go_quote.gif How do I use digital out when there isn't digital input for tube amp? I could only use 1212's digital out when I have an external DAC right?

Yup, I connect my 1212m's digital out to my Stello DA100 DAC.

 

[kyotousa]

If I am gonna use external DAC...does it even matter if I use Revo 7.1 or 1212m?

The sound is gonna go through external DAC anyway right?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyotousa /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I am gonna use external DAC...does it even matter if I use Revo 7.1 or 1212m? The sound is gonna go through external DAC anyway right?

The quality of the card's digital output will matter. If you use an external DAC, the sound card in your computer is your transport, and not all transports are equally good.