Onkyo SE-U55SX vs EMU 0404 USB2

[Halqyon]

Hi everyone! I've been lurking on these boards for a couple of weeks now, trying to find info on which phones to choose, and today I bought the HD595's

Anyway, I'm looking for a soundcard for my laptop and 360 (gaming, movies), so which of these are most suitable for me?

Thanks

 

[Halqyon]

Bump, anyone?

 

[sejarzo]

I don't think anyone knows much about the Onkyo......a Google Shopping search turns up no vendors.

Unfortunately, I only use my 0404 USB for straight-up stereo listening and thus have no idea if it would meet your gaming needs or interface well with the 360.

 

[Halqyon]

Thanks for the reply

So there aren't lots of people that have the Onkyo SE-U55SX? Cause I know it's hard to get a hold because it's only sold in Japan, Pricejapan.com to be exact.

 

[Fungi]

Typically Onkyo USB devices are said to have decent line outs but mediocre headphone outs.

 

[Halqyon]

Ah, thanks for the heads up, I'll probably go for the 0404 then.

 

[milkweg]

Don't you want 5.1 for your 360? EMU 0404 is 2 channel audio only.

 

[maarek99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fungi /img/forum/go_quote.gif Typically Onkyo USB devices are said to have decent line outs but mediocre headphone outs.

Typically Onkyo does have better components than the cheap-o-0404.

 

[Capunk]

I prefer Onkyo SE-200 sound over 0404, and SE-U55SX is the external version of that soundcard... which makes onkyo totally a versatile soundcard/dedicated DAC/headamp.

But personally I would never use the built in amp...
I better off get a dedicated amp for it.

 

[Halqyon]

Would the iBasso D1 be a good choice for both music and gaming?

 

[Capunk]

Music.. definitely
Gaming... depend, are you satisfied with stereo setup? (2 channel only)

 

[Halqyon]

I'm using the HD595's when i play on my 360, through the tv's headphone jack. So is it possible to get 5.1 with a proper DAC?

 

[sejarzo]

Not on headphones.......some people want a set up that works with cans for 2.0 listening plus can drive a 5.1 speaker system. The 0404 USB only 2.0 outputs.

 

[Halqyon]

Ah, ok

So I'm now considering the iBasso D1 and the Emu 0404, which sounds better?
How does the installation work (usb on my laptop) ? Are there jitter problems?

Thanks

 

[sejarzo]

I am unsure about the iBasso; all of my experience is with the 0404 USB under XPSP2.

The 0404 USB uses device-specific drivers and handles the audio data transfer via USB "block mode".....it's transferred in chunks to a buffer in the external box, from which it is reclocked to the DAC, thus avoiding the jitter issues that can/may affect a Windows USB Audio Device that operates "driverless" under that standard.

The advantage is that one avoids those problems, disadvantage is that it takes more CPU cycles. Another advantage is that the 0404 USB can handle 24/192 data streams, while a standard USB audio device is limited to 16/48 (the Benchmark DAC1 notwithstanding, but it uses a proprietary firmware solution and is rather pricey compared to the 0404 USB.)

On my Compaq Athlon 64 desktop or Turion 64 notebook, I have hardly any issues. Just don't try to transfer large files to/from an external USB drive while listening....that's been the only time when I have noted gaps in playback.