[MagusG]

Ok, dont ridicule me, my only source right now is the headphone jack on my SoundBlaster LIVE! value. I'm using the audigy 2 drivers and have all the recommended input and output plugins for Winamp(no i wont switch to anything else). I was wondering if there are any additional measures I can take to improve sound? Would it make the sound much better if I got a DAC and used the spdif out of a nice sound card connected to a headphone amp? I know this sound like a lot for a computer but it is definitely my entertainment hub and will be for a long time to come. I just want to maximize the sound as much as I can. Hi-fi computer sound? is it possible? recommend products as well as any other possible solution or suggestion? I'm on a budget so nothing too expensive.
-Mag

 

[briano]

Check out the Sonica from M-Audio. I use it all the time with my META42 and ER-4s headpones. It has no detectable noise and is very clear. Not expensive either.

 

[MagusG]

I was just looking at that when I found that you had posted. Does it acctually do a 24/96 conversion to analog? Does it replace your soundcard or work with it? How does the sound quality compare to the headphone out of a PC?

 

[MagusG]

Can anyone reccomend a good quality inexpensive DAC? I want to pair it with a M-Audio Revolution and a super mini amp to get excellent sound from my computer.
-Mag

 

[lan]

If you're going to get a Revolution, then hold off getting an external DAC until you hear it. It's supposed to be pretty good and way better than SBlive. I think your SBlive system is pretty maxed out already.

 

[briano]

Quote:

Originally posted by MagusG IDoes it acctually do a 24/96 conversion to analog? Does it replace your soundcard or work with it? How does the sound quality compare to the headphone out of a PC?

It sounds much better than my built in laptop soundcard and it acts as a replacement. When the sonica is plugged in, no sound from the regular jack. Also software using the sound card must be stopped and restarted when you plug/unplug it. I'd have to look at the specs to answer the 24/96 question.