Venro
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So I'm thinking about ditching my Soundblaster Live and going with this popular AV-710. I'm using a Grado SR-60 and am not using an amp. Will there be a significant difference? And if so, why?
Soundblaster Live --> Chaintech AV-710 w/Grado SR-60: worth it?
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comabereni
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Quote:
I entered the world of decent PC headphone listening going this route. It will sound much nicer than your SB Live!. You will almost certainly discover you want more volume as well as a fuller sound than a naked AV710 can provide, even with the SR-60. If you're trying to do this on-the-cheap, I recommend adding the $65 Headsave Go-Vibe to the mix. I think you'll be quite happy with the final result.
-coma
| Originally Posted by Venro So I'm thinking about ditching my Soundblaster Live and going with this popular AV-710. I'm using a Grado SR-60 and am not using an amp. Will there be a significant difference? And if so, why? |
I entered the world of decent PC headphone listening going this route. It will sound much nicer than your SB Live!. You will almost certainly discover you want more volume as well as a fuller sound than a naked AV710 can provide, even with the SR-60. If you're trying to do this on-the-cheap, I recommend adding the $65 Headsave Go-Vibe to the mix. I think you'll be quite happy with the final result.
-coma
S_Dedalus
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The biggest difference will be the lack of soundcard induced noise. Beyond that, the av710 has a better dac, and will have better overall sound. If you're just looking for something cheap without an amp, it's the way to go.
If you plan on getting an amp, you'd be better of saving up for an e-mu 0404, as I think it offers better value, despite being $70 more.
If you plan on getting an amp, you'd be better of saving up for an e-mu 0404, as I think it offers better value, despite being $70 more.
bassd00d
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YES, there should be a big difference! I had an SB Live! 5.1 card with a Grado SR-80, but recently upgraded to an EMU 0404. It was a pretty huge change. The SB Live is very muddy sounding, and it's not something I can go back to. I'm sure that the AV-710 will provide a pretty big difference also. However, I don't know if an amp is required.
The only thing that I didn't like when upgrading from the Live card is that the sound seemed thinner. The Live card has bloated, muddy bass, so the bass might be something you'll miss when upgrading to a better quality sound card. It's still worth the upgrade though.
| Originally Posted by Venro So I'm thinking about ditching my Soundblaster Live and going with this popular AV-710. I'm using a Grado SR-60 and am not using an amp. Will there be a significant difference? And if so, why? |
YES, there should be a big difference! I had an SB Live! 5.1 card with a Grado SR-80, but recently upgraded to an EMU 0404. It was a pretty huge change. The SB Live is very muddy sounding, and it's not something I can go back to. I'm sure that the AV-710 will provide a pretty big difference also. However, I don't know if an amp is required.
The only thing that I didn't like when upgrading from the Live card is that the sound seemed thinner. The Live card has bloated, muddy bass, so the bass might be something you'll miss when upgrading to a better quality sound card. It's still worth the upgrade though.
uzziah
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just wanted to make a generalized note on how to save money on audio (and other) formats.
look for used components. get a general idea of the components you'd consider, and keep looking online constantly for deals
check:
audiogon.com
ebay.com
make sure you go to the for sale part of head-fi and put a "want" add up ("wtb"). i'd really second the emu 0404 choice. put up a "want to buy" add, tell them you're an impoverished dude, and need help to be catapulted into the world of hi-fi audio. you never know, someone may give you a deal; i'm sure you'll find the folks here to be really great people. if you can afford the 0404, it should be a huge improvement over the chaintech.
last question that pc-audio folks don't really want to ask is: is your pc quiet? because if you're using open headphones (such as grados), i'd say; either make your pc quiet, or get a dedicated cd player. of course, if you spend most of your time listening to music while also on the pc, then you might as well go pc audio anyway. just make sure you understand the noise concern. even a little noise can be bothersome
peace
look for used components. get a general idea of the components you'd consider, and keep looking online constantly for deals
check:
audiogon.com
ebay.com
make sure you go to the for sale part of head-fi and put a "want" add up ("wtb"). i'd really second the emu 0404 choice. put up a "want to buy" add, tell them you're an impoverished dude, and need help to be catapulted into the world of hi-fi audio. you never know, someone may give you a deal; i'm sure you'll find the folks here to be really great people. if you can afford the 0404, it should be a huge improvement over the chaintech.
last question that pc-audio folks don't really want to ask is: is your pc quiet? because if you're using open headphones (such as grados), i'd say; either make your pc quiet, or get a dedicated cd player. of course, if you spend most of your time listening to music while also on the pc, then you might as well go pc audio anyway. just make sure you understand the noise concern. even a little noise can be bothersome
peace
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