[guyx1992]

Well this is my setup.
(OB sound card) iTunes -> AKAI Stereo Receiver AA-910 -> Alessandro MS-1
I like the sound but compared to the iPod as a source it's not that good. I'm guessing it's the OB card. BTW, tested files are an Apple Lossless copy of Bob Dylan's Desire album.
I know it's not that recommended to use a stereo receiver as a head-amp but this is what I have.

I thought about a DAC/AMP combo a first, but then I cam across this on ebay:
New E-MU 0404 24bit/192KHz PCI Audio Card w/Digital I/O
It's very cheap, 80$ shipped! Do you think it's a scam?
Thanks!
guyx1992

 

[hertz]

The PCI version is ok. But for $80 you can probably get a cheaper used M-Audio 2496.

 

[1UP]

0404 PCI is good, especially if modded

 

[guyx1992]

is the 0404 pci better than the 0404 usb?
and do you mean by modded?

 

[1UP]

modding = changing some of the components on the board - especially the output opamps, but also the coupling capacitors and power supply caps; you can also clear up the sound with a custom cable to replace that DB9 dongle spaghetti thing - there are several old threads on modding the 0404

I have not heard the USB version, sorry

 

[terrymx]

It is a better deal if you can get a new emu 1212m for $99, which are getting cheap now since PCI are getting less popular.