[montigo]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a new soundcard for my laptop (and optionally an external DAC/Amp) which can properly drive the 3 following things:

1. My headphones - AKG K501 120ohm, Beyer DT990Pro 250ohm.
90% in domestics 220v AC use. 10% for mobile use.

2. My car stereo - the laptop has to provide analog signal to the car stereo's AUX input. Got a pretty good/revealing SQ system in my car.
100% in car 12v DC use.

3. My studio sound card - Behringer BCA2000, which has analog inputs, RCA digital inputs, and optical digital inputs. The BCA2000 drives my monitor speakers. Maybe I can use the laptop onboard audio digital output for that.
100% in domestic 220v AC use.

I would prefer to have 24bit support, as well as 96/192KHz support.

I decided to limit myself to a $500 budget, how should I spend it?

 

[montigo]

Anyone?

What is the best combination of USB/Firewire DAC/soundcard and headphone amp I can fit into a 500$ budget?

In any given time, I will listen through headphones or connect it to a line-in of another device.

24bit/96khz is mostly welcomed.

 

[Jay B]

For $600 you could go for the HeadRoom Micro DAC/Amp combo.

I also like the Musiland MD-10, but I don't think it could handle 250-ohm headphones. Edit: Nevermind, don't think it supports 220V.

 

[Jay B]

Quote:

Originally Posted by montigo /img/forum/go_quote.gif 3. My studio sound card - Behringer BCA2000, which has analog inputs, RCA digital inputs, and optical digital inputs. The BCA2000 drives my monitor speakers. Maybe I can use the laptop onboard audio digital output for that. 100% in domestic 220v AC use.

Yes, you could use your laptop for that, granted it has digital out.

 

[montigo]

Thanks Jay!

The voltage is not a major issue. I can buy a 220v to 110v transformator.
The fact that it cannot drive250-300ohm cans is a problem

The headroom DAC+Amp combination sounds like an option which will provide a good sound quality / amping, altough a bit pricey for me.
The crossfeed option is nice to have, too.

Any additional ideas?

 

[zhefei]

how about the EMU 0404 usb, M-Audio or Edirol USB/Firewire options, or any other USB or FW solution? Seems like any of them will work. You would also have budget left over to find a good amp (using the sound card as a DAC) to drive your headphones.

The real question is, do you want to carry all that around between home/car/studio/travel?

 

[montigo]

Yeah, I'm cosindering buying an headphone amp, in addition to a "regular" audio card, such as the M-Audio offerings (Fast Track USB/Pro, Audiophile Firewire/USBTransit, Firewire Solo), Edirol (UA-25, UA1AX) or Echo (Indigo IO, Audiofire 2).

The EMU 0404 USB is a bit expensive around here

Does any of the above have a good DAC like the EMU's?

 

[NiToNi]

Oh, that's easy; The new Monica 2 USB from diyparadise.com for $145.

As Yeo himself proudly proclaims, "The search for an audiophile soundcard ends HERE!"

Runs of 12-18 VDC - I'll be putting one in my own car!

 

[montigo]

Whoa, I found some really raving reviews on the net (Monica DAC).

I never heard a non-oversampling DAC!

Sound quality wise, do you think the EMU 0404 USB or the Monica USB is better?

 

[montigo]

Thanks for your advices guys.

Just ordered an assembled USB Monica DAC.
I will add some proper casing and wiring when it gets here.

Next stage: finding an apropriate headphone amp!

 

[NiToNi]

Montigo,

I ordered mine not only assembled but also in a case for USD 105 more than just the PCB alone. Figured it'd be worth it, once I started adding up the cost of the RCA connectors, enclosure, time and hassle etc.

Don't forget you need a power supply unit. I got the SMPS 2.5A that DIY Paradise sells for USD 40 to go with it. I'll play around with battery power at some point but for now, plug-and-play.

Mine's burning in as I type but I have to say the sound's beautiful already now thru a IBM X60 laptop on battery => XXHighEnd software player => Belkin USB Signature cable 5 ft => Monica USB 2 DAC => Crystal Cable Standard Interconnect => Cayin HA-1A headphone amp w/NOS tubes => HD-650 w/stock cable (for now). This is my first NOS DAC as well and it takes all but 10 seconds to realise it sounds very "analog", relaxed, organic, non-offensive and non-fatiguing.

I'll try it in my main system once it has burnt-in properly (300-400h) and will (initially) compare it against a Cayin CDT-17A CDP (modded w/NOS tubes and OPA624BP gain and buffer stages) that sounds very nice (especially for the money). Other digital sources in house include a HTPC with a HDSP 9632 soundcard, an iMac with an RME Fireface 800, a Nuforce AVP-16 pre/pro and a Pioneer DVDP 989, but none of these compare favorable to the Cayin really...

I hope you'll be happy with your purchase - I can't see how you couldn't if you match it with a good head amp. The Cayin's got some serious grunt to drive my Senn 650's to ear-splitting levels even with the Monica's relatively low output but make sure your choice can do the same (depending on your cans). Singlepower or Woo Audio maybe?

 

[montigo]

Hi NiToNi.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

In terms of money, I think you are right - ordering the version with the case for an additional $100 is definitely worth it.
But I didn't really like the wooden case. I prefer a plastic/metallic black case.

I recieved my Monica USB couple of days ago, and did some initial wiring.
The Corda Move hasn't arrived yet.
So far - the Monica sound really good, but I prepare to do some serious comparison once my headphone amp arrives.

Oh, and my new DT990 are so wonderful!