[gswpete]

I am currently in the process of adding an ART DI/O to my setup, which has the TBSC as the source (I like the convenience of having all my music on demand at the click of a mouse

)
I was curious as to what type of a difference I should expect if I added the ART to my rig?

 

[gswpete]

I guess nobody has ever used an ART DI/O with the TBSC.

 

[Ebonyks]

I used this awhile ago (Over a year), so my memorys are a bit vauge, however, i recall that there was a rather significant difference in sound, it elminated the "over the top warmness" of the TBSC, and just improved sound overall. Depending on your rig, i could see it being a worthwhile upgrade

 

[gswpete]

Thanks, I'm gonna have to decide which to get first: The DI/O or the Senn Cardas cable. Seems like both will impact how music sounds on my system. Ugh....my wallet....it's shrinking!

 

[gswpete]

I borrowed an Audio Alchemy DAC in the box today.
I suppose this unit can't hold a candle to the ART DI/O, but already, I like this sound much better than what it was without the DAC. The vocals have much more presence, and everything is much more dynamic. I don't think I can go back to just the soundcard anymore. Now I know why the source is so important. No aftermarket cable was going to effect the sound to this magnitude. Hmmm....I think I'll go DAC then cable

Must...buy....DAC....can't go back....without...it....

 

[vrao81]

If you're looking for DAC suggestions I highly recommend the MSB LINK I, which can be had for $150 on audiogon. This was a Stereophile recommended product (Class B). It would be a colossal upgrade over the TBSC (I've owned both).

 

[pbirkett]

Quote:

Originally posted by gswpete I borrowed an Audio Alchemy DAC in the box today. I suppose this unit can't hold a candle to the ART DI/O, but already, I like this sound much better than what it was without the DAC. The vocals have much more presence, and everything is much more dynamic. I don't think I can go back to just the soundcard anymore. Now I know why the source is so important. No aftermarket cable was going to effect the sound to this magnitude. Hmmm....I think I'll go DAC then cable Must...buy....DAC....can't go back....without...it....

I cant see why people liked the TBSC on its own that much, as you have just seen, it really *NEEDS* an external DAC to sing. I used a DACMAGIC on mine, and the sound was also far superior to the TBSC on its own. The fact is, the TBSC has not got terrible sound quality, but its a long way from good IMO - only slightly better than an SB Live or Audigy, neither of which could come close to something like a 24-bit M-Audio or Terratec card.

 

[noiseunit]

Quote:

Originally posted by pbirkett I cant see why people liked the TBSC on its own that much, as you have just seen, it really *NEEDS* an external DAC to sing.

while i never used a DAC with it, i too wonder why the SC is liked for its analog output. well before i owned my revo, i still found listening to the SC with headphones to be acceptable at best, and unlistenable at times. im not sure how people compare this card to any Envy24/24HT offerings...IMO, the differences between a Revo and Crystal/Cirrus are similar to the differences between entry level CDPs and and modern PCDPs, respectively.

 

[gswpete]

I guess if you compared the TBSC with a Live, it sounds cleaner and more musical. But then when you compare it to something better....