M-Audio Soundcard vs. Good CDP for transport with ART DI/O

[dd3mon]

I've asked similar questions several times in various threads, but I've not been answered yet (most likely due to asking in somewhat off-topic threads), but I KNOW there are at least a few of you who have this information.

I'm planning on purchasing an M-Audio Revolution card as soon as it becomes available. The digital signal is untouched by the dacs (unlike my current audigy) and the analog signal is also reported to be excellent (better than the audiophile 24/96 and other M-Audio delta products).

I'm wondering how the digital signal from the coax out of this card (read: any good sound card that doesn't resample the digital signal) would compare to a good quality transport. If someone could compare these two side by side (or has done so in the past) it would be greatly appreciated.

Part two: if the untouched digital out from a good soundcard is indeed inferior (very possible) - could this descrepancy be alleviated by using a device such as a Monarchy DIP that reclocks the digital signal? Any comparison between a good soundcard and good cdp transport using a DIP or similar device would also be greatly appreciated.

BTW - For all of us patiently waiting for the Revolution to ship, I found this huge 800+ post thread detailing on the Revolution, including two posters who already have test copies of the card!

Thanks in advance,

-dd3mon

 

[stallion11msu]

bump...I am wondering this myself in fact...

 

[Ph34rful]

Almost exactly what I was wondering.

 

[fierce_freak]

Thanks for providing the link to that thread, dd3mon. I'm in the process of wading through it.

I'm also interested in this. I'm sure the answer will be almost universally no, but I would like to hear how it stacks up. My profession keeps me chained to my computer, and that also is where I find the majority of my entertainment. Having a seperate audio system seems wasteful, unless I sat it right next to my computer.

 

[dd3mon]

Bump - obviously this is a subject of interest for several people

I know there are people on this forum with the equipment necessary to do this comparison, just a matter of ya coming out of the woodwork to talk about it

-dd3mon

 

[dd3mon]

bump.. (read the first post in this thread)

please?

I've heard from some that using a good dac (such as a modded DI/O) and a Monarchy DIP, one source is 99% as good as any other. True/False?

-dd3mon

 

[blip]

bump... I'm curious too.

 

[AdamZuf]

bump!
(just for my knowledge)

 

[Solude]

Alright you asked, now receive

A computer makes an incredible DATA transport. The signal has rediculously low data jitter but... the electrical jitter is through the roof. So... if you use the coax connection you'll a DIP if you get the bigger M-Audio cousins you can use the optical out and avoid the electrical troubles all together.

 

[Nick Dangerous]

Interesting. Optical yields a cleaner signal.... hmmmmm. Regarding the PC vs. transport option, I TRIED IT.

PC -> M-Audio Delta DIO -> Art DI/O vs.

Pioneer DVD player -> Art DI/O

Sad to say, the disc-spinning, cheap-ass Pioneer was noticeably better. The PC spat out a thinner sounding audio stream... lacking the 'presence' of the CD-transport. A coaxial digital cable (from Boldercables) carried the signals from the source to the Art DI/O.

Damn. Because of this, I'm going to let my M-Audio card go since I sold my Art DI/O.

 

[AdamZuf]

Quote:

Originally posted by Solude Alright you asked, now receive A computer makes an incredible DATA transport. The signal has rediculously low data jitter but... the electrical jitter is through the roof. So... if you use the coax connection you'll a DIP if you get the bigger M-Audio cousins you can use the optical out and avoid the electrical troubles all together.

what's DIP, excuse me?
would you please explain more about electrical jitter ?
will it be an issue with external USB transports?

 

[lan]

Yes the internal soundcards do have high electrical jitter. I've found the way to solve this by clocking my Audiophile 24/96 with an external device. Unfortunatly you can't do this with many sound cards. It has to be a "pro" one.

 

[AdamZuf]

ain't Audiophile 24/96 an external USB soundcard?

 

[lan]

No, there are 2 products,

Audiophile USB and Audiophile 24/96 which is a PCI card.

 

[AdamZuf]

oooo i get it

so anyway, external USB transports/DAC's won't suffer from electrical jitter?