Looking for a computer>headphones solution and more...

[XTC_Rider]

Hi, this is my first post, so sorry if I ask stupid questions, I am really not an audiophile.

I'm looking for for a solution between my computer and my headphones.

I currently have a A7N8X-DL motherboard with soundstorm, newly bought MDR-SA3000 headphones and Z-5450 logitech speakers.

My games and movies are taken care by the soundstorm digital out and Z-5450 (not really great, but ok for me for right now). I don't need EAX.
So, I'm looking principally for a better music solution only.

I listen mainly to trance, electronic, trip-hop, newage, rock.

So, what is the best solution for me?
1)new sound card
2)new sound car + amp
3)USB DAC
4)USB DAC/amp combo
5)USB DAC + amp

I would like (but not necessary) something of versatile that I could perhaps upgrade later. e.i. using the dac into a new amp to power speakers.
I like the idea of interchangeable desktop/laptop -> USB
Being portable would also be a bonus with my nano for exemple but really not necessary.

After looking through a lot of threads, I've come down to these solutions.
1) Headphonia with USB DAC
2) EMU 0404 USB
3) HeadRoom Total BitHead
4) PORTA CORDA MkIII-USB
5) UD-10 USB Audio Converter
6) AV-710 (+ amp?)

However, I'm open to any other suggestions. My budget is only around 200$ CAN as I'm still studying. (could be more if it's really worth if or let me a lot more place to upgrades) Also, tips on where to buys theses from canada would be appreciated. Thanks.

Btw, I read that they were adding a bass booster to the headphonia.
How would that affect my SA-3000? I find that their "deep bass" in trance and electronics is delicious but newage songs "less deep bass" is really "subtle". I tried adding bass with the nvmixer, but it sound kind of distorted. Could it be that I'm too used to exaggerated bass from my z-5450?

Also, I could possibly upgrade or buy other headphones in the future, so versatility of the amp would be appreciated.

Sorry for asking so many question at the same time, but every component seem to be "tie" together.

 

[pompon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by XTC_Rider /img/forum/go_quote.gif .

Just buy a good soundcard like Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1. It's your price range and you will not find something better ...

 

[pftrvlr]

I am using a Musiland MD 10 to play FLAC files from USB. It comes with a built in headphone amp too.

 

[XTC_Rider]

First of all, should I have post thin in computer as source?

The Musiland MD 10 looks pretty interesting. Does anyone know how it compares to Headphonia, Emu 0404 and TBH?

I really like the idea of not being limited to one computer, so USB solution is a big +.

Also, I don't mind spending more than 200$, I'll just wait longer until I get the money. I don't mind waiting to have good stuff. I hate buying cheap and selling back.

 

[XTC_Rider]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pompon /img/forum/go_quote.gif Just buy a good soundcard like Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1. It's your price range and you will not find something better ...

If I buy that card, do I need an amp? My SA3000 are "only" 70 ohms.

Do you know how it compares to the USB DAC/AMP solutions soud quality wise?

Also, for that price (MSRP 199$ US), wouldn't I be better buying something like an Audiophile 2496? (MSRP 129.99$ US) + an adapter?

Also, while browsing through M-audio website, I found the "Transit High Resolution Mobile Interface". Anyone know what it's worth? (it's only 99$ US).

Thanks

 

[MaloS]

for 200 u can't go wrong with emu 0404 usb >.<

All of these products were discussed fairly quite a bit in the 'computer as source' forum.

 

[XTC_Rider]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaloS /img/forum/go_quote.gif All of these products were discussed fairly quite a bit in the 'computer as source' forum.

Ya I know, I read almost all of those threads but they never directly compared theses products between each other. Also, from what I read, certain of these products can drive higher impedance headphones while other don't but they never clearly state how much ohms is a high impedance phone...

Anyways, can any mod delete this thread? I'll ask a clearer question in "computer as source".

 

[pompon]

I can use my HD650 or DT990 directly on soundcard without problem.

I own Citypulse DA7.2x with the clock upgrade (330$ us). DAC is definively not an upgrade ... it's inferior in every way to X-Meridian (with stock opamp!).

Audiophile 2496 is an "old" soundcard. X-Meridian is more recent.

I own a good Cd player "http://www.audioresearch.com/CD3.htm" (5500$ us)... what I can tell you, this CD player is not an upgrade from the soundcard. In fact, I am not able to tell wich one is playing (x-meridian with the lm4562 opamp installed). With the stock opamp, the CD player show better bass extention and control and better dynamic. With the 4562 opamp ... for me, it's the same thing.

With the stock opamp, me and one friend was not able to tell if soundcard was playing or his Musical Fidelity A3.2 cd player (2000$ us) ...

If other soundcard are able to do better ... tell me!

When I use amp (Singlepower MPX3-Slam) vs soundcard, I got better result using amp to drive my headphone. It's not so easy to tell if I listen through amp or soundcard (depending wich recording I listen).

Quote:

Originally Posted by XTC_Rider /img/forum/go_quote.gif If I buy that card, do I need an amp? My SA3000 are "only" 70 ohms. Do you know how it compares to the USB DAC/AMP solutions soud quality wise? Also, for that price (MSRP 199$ US), wouldn't I be better buying something like an Audiophile 2496? (MSRP 129.99$ US) + an adapter? Also, while browsing through M-audio website, I found the "Transit High Resolution Mobile Interface". Anyone know what it's worth? (it's only 99$ US). Thanks

 

[justhavingfun]

MisterX's XP amp and Alien DAC for your budget. I am not sure MisterX is still making Alien DAC anymore but that is my favorite computer music combo on the budget and simple setup. XP amp is also doing double duty as portable setup as well when I am not at my computer.