[Audio18]

Hi all. Had the 5.1 card for a while now, and I still think it sounds great. The analog output has kept me happy for about a year now. I find it more clean, and realistic compared to the iPod Shuffle's output (which to me, can sound a little sloppy and lack of warmth at times). However, I think it's time for an upgrade. I know the EMU 0404 is a popular card, but I am really low on money right now, and I do not want to have to spend extra cash for an interconnect to plug my Swans M-200 into (they use RCA). How is the M-Audio Audiophile 2496? The idea of it having RCA inputs implemented in the card is great -- less interconnects to fuss with. Is there a big improvement in the sound? Any more options I should be looking at? Thanks!

 

[Zorander]

Get a DAC instead. Plenty of choices out there.

 

[evilgnome]

Im in the same position. Have a Revo 5.1 and looking to upgrade it to something better.

 

[sgrossklass]

If your budget is that limited, forget about an upgrade for now. The Revo 5.1 still is one of the best-sounding sub-$100 cards.

 

[Audio18]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgrossklass If your budget is that limited, forget about an upgrade for now. The Revo 5.1 still is one of the best-sounding sub-$100 cards.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Do you know how it compares to the Audiophile 2496 card, though?

 

[evilgnome]

Well I recieved my Emu0404 today. Having spent a good 3 months with the Revo5.1, I can say that the 0404 blows the revo out of the water.

When I first heard the Revo I thought it was brilliant. But the switch to the 0404 is like night and day. Music sounds so much more "natural" now, where as the revo now sounds well odd.

Was it worth the switch?? Well it only cost me about $20AUD to switch over and I am more than happy with the sound. I was only expecting a minor change but I am just so impressed with the sound.

My 600s really sing now.

 

[jboehle]

If you don't have an amp, sticking with the Revo 5.1 might be a better choice than the EMU 0404, which really needs an amp to sing.

 

[spike33]

Revo is terrible, so lifeless. M-audio products just aren't musical. I highly recommend esi juli@, can't go wrong with emu 0404/1212 either. You will hear a huge improvement.

 

[Zorander]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike33 Revo is terrible, so lifeless. M-audio products just aren't musical. I highly recommend esi juli@, can't go wrong with emu 0404/1212 either. You will hear a huge improvement.

That's a statement I find completely untrue.

 

[Tachikoma]

Quote:

When I first heard the Revo I thought it was brilliant. But the switch to the 0404 is like night and day. Music sounds so much more "natural" now, where as the revo now sounds well odd.

When I switched from my M-Audio Super DAC to the 0404... well it was the exact opposite of your impressions, in short

 

[that_aznpride101]

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilgnome Well I recieved my Emu0404 today. Having spent a good 3 months with the Revo5.1, I can say that the 0404 blows the revo out of the water. When I first heard the Revo I thought it was brilliant. But the switch to the 0404 is like night and day. Music sounds so much more "natural" now, where as the revo now sounds well odd. Was it worth the switch?? Well it only cost me about $20AUD to switch over and I am more than happy with the sound. I was only expecting a minor change but I am just so impressed with the sound. My 600s really sing now.

I know the E-MU 0404 has the reputation as the best sound card, but I must ask:

Is there anybody else that moved from Revo 5.1 ---> E-MU 0404 that can confirm this kind of difference before I make my next upgrade?

 

[Dead Ghost]

Is M-Audio Revo 7.1 better than Revo 5.1, in terms of SQ?

 

[that_aznpride101]

bump

 

[parrot5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dead Ghost Is M-Audio Revo 7.1 better than Revo 5.1, in terms of SQ?

The opposite is true. Revo 5.1 uses better opamps than Revo 7.1. There were a couple of threads that mentioned this issue.

 

[Zorander]

I doubt the improvement from the Revo 5.1 to the E-MU 0404 warrants the investment. As I said before (and I'll repeat it), a new stand-alone DAC will bring your source quality to a higher level than the 0404 will. Your choice of DACs depends on your budget but you do get what you pay for (taking into account the effect of diminishing return).

Regards.