[Xakepa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003 A good DAC is much better than any good sound card.

Sad but true

 

[TBSN]

Although i'm sure better soundcards than the X-fi series are easily found, Creative basically has the monopoly in that basically all games use EAX. Therefore getting a card that can process that is important for gaming. Buying a better CPU doesn't replace having a sound card that can do EAX effectively, right?

Quote:

Best bang for gaming isn't buying a soundcard to process EAX, but buying a equivalent without DS3D/EAX processing and put the price difference in your (future) CPU.

 

[Chri5peed]

Theres no PC signal-fiddling if the soundcard does bit-perfect.

So at a guess I'd say a gaming card that does bit-perfect is okay in both audio worlds?

 

[FA22RaptorF22]

the best way imo is to use the optical out on either say the macbook or numberous sound cards and then run it into a dedicated amp with a fiber in.....thats how i roll

 

[maarek99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azultra About EAX HD, tell your dumb game editors to stop using a dumb ultra-closed proprietary "technology", and use Miles or other better and generic alternatives instead.

Oh come on, Miles is miles away from EAX. There are no better generic alternatics.

 

[Nasir]

Elaborating on the OP's question, which would have the best sound quality: ESI Juli@ or Chaintech AV-710 => Entech Number Cruncher 203.2?

 

[skeeder]

I'll go ahead and comment.

I originally had the Audigy 2 ZS platinum (front bay with sad amp) I got the HD600's...AWESOME! I used it on the front bay for about a year straight. Then a buddy of mine got an amp, and I realized how underpowered mine were, I bought an amp...I ran that for a long time too. Finally swapped for a Entech NC 203.2 and AV710, and the week I had just the AV710 I was in the clouds, but the DAC put me in heaven! it gave way more detail to the music espically in the midtones and bass counterparts. For the $60 I spent on it...way good buy. Considering audio wise there is not much you can get for $60 to drastically improve your sound like the DAC can.

I'd highly recommend buying it. if you don't notice a difference or like it, I'm sure it wouldn't take long to sell here on the forum.

 

[Xakepa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeder I'd highly recommend buying it. if you don't notice a difference or like it, I'm sure it wouldn't take long to sell here on the forum.

OK than. I just got one off Amazon.

I'll put it agains my heavily moded 710, and if it's could clear that mark (which I doubt), I'll keep it. If it can not, it'll go to the sales corner. Modding a $50 DAC is not much tempting.

Eighter way, I'll post the results

 

[oqvist]

why is something like the headroom micro dac better then an elite PRO using the same DAC?

 

[cotdt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oqvist /img/forum/go_quote.gif why is something like the headroom micro dac better then an elite PRO using the same DAC?

the analog output and power supply has a larger effect on the sound than the DAC chip used. while the DAC chip used does influence the sound of the DAC, any DAC can sound wonderful with a good power supply and analog output stage.

I've never heard the MicroDAC but based on its specs, it has a better output stage, and a better power supply, and no nearby graphics card to produce tons of EMI.