[virtuousnoob]

Hey guys. After leeching around the forum as a guest for about 3 months and finally getting a taste of the audiophile world with my new purchase of Westone 3's, I finally feel like it's about time for me to join the community.

I use my computer a lot and feel like I need a better source than just the on-board Realtek sound. Right now, I'm considering purchasing the Asus Xonar ST sound card. However, after reading around a bit about the new Musiland 02, I'm a little confused on what to get.

I use my computer a lot for music, but also for general applications and browsing the internet, occasionally playing a few games. I know that the Asus will sound great with all of these. However, will the Musiland 02 work as a general sound card like the Asus, or does it only work with foobar 2000?

Also, will the improvement provided with either of these be very noticeable, since the Westone 3's seem fairly easy to drive by just about anything?

BTW, I'd also like the sound card to have a good line-out for my speakers.

Thanks guys

 

[TStewart422]

If they're the same price, get the sound card. You'll get more uses out of it than with just a DAC with about the same performance...

 

[fenk]

Go to ebay,search,wait,and grab some antique.....It might be better than what you can buy in this price range.(or other 2nd hand site such as AudiogoN)

 

[kite7]

Quote:

Originally Posted by virtuousnoob /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey guys. After leeching around the forum as a guest for about 3 months and finally getting a taste of the audiophile world with my new purchase of Westone 3's, I finally feel like it's about time for me to join the community. I use my computer a lot and feel like I need a better source than just the on-board Realtek sound. Right now, I'm considering purchasing the Asus Xonar ST sound card. However, after reading around a bit about the new Musiland 02, I'm a little confused on what to get. I use my computer a lot for music, but also for general applications and browsing the internet, occasionally playing a few games. I know that the Asus will sound great with all of these. However, will the Musiland 02 work as a general sound card like the Asus, or does it only work with foobar 2000? Also, will the improvement provided with either of these be very noticeable, since the Westone 3's seem fairly easy to drive by just about anything? BTW, I'd also like the sound card to have a good line-out for my speakers. Thanks guys

I've been in your shoes exactly. After much debating with going with STX or Musiland DAC, I ultimately chose the Musiland since it's cheaper and people who have owned both said the Musiland sounded better over STX with upgraded opamps. It works just like a sound card really, an external one albeit. I have permanently replaced my X-Fi Xtrememusic with this DAC and it works great for everything. I also use the Line out of this DAC for my bx5a speakers. The software with the Musiland makes it very easy to switch between headphone and line out.

 

[TeLight]

Gonna try it soon...it looks promising

Newegg.com - HT | OMEGA Claro Halo 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card w/ a built-in HI-FI Headphone Amplifier - Sound Cards

Rollable op amps, and the TPA6120A2 pretty much got me sold

 

[MD1032]

EMU 0404 USB. I seriously doubt any other device will give you this many features and sound this good in this pricerange.

 

[InFn-0]

HT Omega Claro Halo and Asus Xonar Essence STX are pretty much clones, as far as i can understand you will get better bang for your buck with soundcards because of :-
1.) Economies of scale
2.) Competitive market
3.) No enclosure req. (saves money for manufacturers)