Mac soundcard

[Clutz]

Hey all,

I had been convinced that I should get an E-Mu 0404 soundcard instead of the M-Audio Revolution 5.1, or 7.1. However, I have recently come to find that the 0404 is not compatible with Macintosh computers- so I was hoping to get another suggestion in the price range of an E-mu 0404 - M-Audio Revolution.

Thanks

 

[3lusiv3]

Are you after a PCI card? Otherwise there's USB, Firewire or even an AirPort Express as an option.

 

[Clutz]

I'm open to USB and Firewire options as well as PCI. I am / have considered the Airport Express- it's an option I'm re-evaluating now that I've decided to first build myself a Cmoy(and then a Cmoy for a few of my friends), and then scale up to building a PPA or a Pimeta - which means I could use an Airport Express in that case. But I would like some other options. I guess I wonder how good a source it can be if it costs $150(CDN) and it is trying to be a jack of all trades and master of none. I realize a lot of people seem to be praising it recently- but I wonder if that is just because it is relatively new?

I'm not sure what to think of something like the M-Audio Revo or USB Audiophile - some people say it'sgood, other people trash it.

 

[blessingx]

Depends on what you're after. If you're looking for the 'jack of all trades' - potentially one that works for more than just music, the Airport Express may be out. Sure it can be somewhat liberated in OS X with Airfoil, but who know what you'll want to use it with (iDVD?) and can't.

If you're only looking for music playback, the shipping at the end of the month, Squeezebox2 looks promising. Looked for other OS X users though for experiences in a recent thread and so far there's not been many.

Never used either solely for a transport, so can't comment there, but straight to an amp, I prefer the Audiophile USB over the Airport Express. Enjoyed the punchiness of the Airport Express, and think it's really pretty good for the price (why I started the best $100 source thread), but there's a smoothness and breathe to the range to the Audiophile USB (at least mine with upgraded PS - and remember base it's twice the cost of APX) that bests it (just spent a night testing last week). Don't know about M-Audios Firewire version. It may be superior to the USB, but its powered by Firewire so without modifying the cable, doesn't have a PS option. Switching the USBs PS to a Stancor pretty dramatically changed the sound, but again maybe this isn't necessary on the Firewire model.

A shop here in SF I stop at occasionally, Computers and Music, lists models and Mac compatibility. You may want to glance at some of the options they list.

 

[Clutz]

I just want to get a soundcard for listening to music with while I am in my office. I spend up to 12 hours / day in my office and so I would like a better source than I currently have (the built in apple soundcard). I do not watch DVDs at work, nor do I have any plans to (it doesn't help that this computer doesn't have a DVD player built in to it). Besides that, at home I already have a DVD Player I'm reasonably happy with.

I can get a good price on the M-Audio Audiophile USB from a local store- so perhaps that is what I will get then, unless people think that the Revolution 5.1 or 2496 PCI card would do a much better job.

Thanks so much,
Cheers,
Cltuz

 

[cupples]

Here's a vote for the M-audio Firewire Audiophile, I've just received mine (thanks Drew!), and I'm rather impressed - it certainly improves on my Mac mini's sound. It's deadly quiet, seems to do a good job of driving my headphones, and when joined up to my DAC, makes good music through my speaker setup too. It might be a bit more expensive than the other options though (well, mine cost $100...)

Blessingx - the Firewire does have the option of using an external PSU, and using a 6pin to 4pin firewire cable (no power, I think). I'm running mine off the the firewire cable, as my PSU is the wrong voltage, but seeing as it takes 12V, 1A, a nice PSU should be easy to find.
Andrew

 

[dotyman]

I bought an M-Audio Audiophile 192 PCI sound card for my Mac G4 (Panther) yesterday and it is an amazing upgrade to audiophile-quality sound. Great, tight bass and crystal highs. As with all Mac products, install and setup took 10 minutes.

I am very pleased with it. Cost was $179 though. Also, I am running analog to an SR-71 amp via L/R 1/4" phono to stereo mini interconnect. Final destination: Ety ER4Ss or CSW (original) mini system. I would consider this card a premium option.

 

[Clutz]

I may have a line on getting an ESI Waveterminal 192K card for a really good price (less than half of it's normal price). It is still more than I want to pay, but about a year ago I passed up an Arcam CDP (I think it was a CD23) for $700CDN because I felt I couldn't afford it and felt like i"ve missed out ever since - so what should I do?