Tubes in a computer?

[csalata]

I justed wanted to know what you guys think of the new CoolerMaster Musketeer 3

Note: please direct all rants, raves, etc. at the product, not ME.

Thanks

 

[Jazper]

nope never heard of it.. but there was this around a while ago:

http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Sound...o-Hardware/10/
http://techreport.com/onearticle.x/3670

 

[csalata]

Interesting, I am surprized I missed that one. Do you know how it sounded? And thanks for the REALLY prompt response. It just goes to show that I am not the only one on this website at 1:00 A.M.

 

[Jazper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by csalata Interesting, I am surprized I missed that one. Do you know how it sounded? And thanks for the REALLY prompt response. It just goes to show that I am not the only one on this website at 1:00 A.M.

apparently it sounded pretty good *shrugs* but the dac wasn't anything to write home about.

also it uses a switching power supply (read: bad)

 

[10068]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazper also it uses a switching power supply (read: bad)

all PC's use switching power supply, yet PC soundcards have fought against standalone rigs many times their price. i wish people would stop spreading misinformation.

 

[Jazper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sduibek all PC's use switching power supply, yet PC soundcards have fought against standalone rigs many times their price. i wish people would stop spreading misinformation.

yes.. but the ones that fight against standalone rigs are external

 

[10068]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazper yes.. but the ones that fight against standalone rigs are external

says who? the emu cards battle all sorts of expensive crap. they are internal. as well as lynx and lots of other fantastic-sounding cards.

i warned you about misinformation

 

[Jazper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sduibek says who? the emu cards battle all sorts of expensive crap. they are internal. as well as lynx and lots of other fantastic-sounding cards. i warned you about misinformation

y'have a good point.. you've convinced me

Still the tube motherboard was running off the chipset dac, which was probably cheap and nasty.

 

[10068]

is there any way to find out what DAC it uses?

 

[Jazper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sduibek is there any way to find out what DAC it uses?

from the second link:

Quote:

I peered in through the window for a while trying to find the C-Media chip or whatever it was they were using, but the AOpen rep informed me using the south bridge chip's AC'97 audio. (This is an Intel 845E-based board.)

(note this is a 3 year old motherboard)

edit: review here: http://active-hardware.com/english/r...b-533-tube.htm

 

[stefan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by csalata I justed wanted to know what you guys think of the new CoolerMaster Musketeer 3

Really useful specs include:

Right dial display: Sound pressure meter
Lift window: Vacuum tube compartment
Sound Pressure: (????!!!) -20 to +3dB (up to the input level of the sound card)
Line in level: Depend on line-out output level
Typical total harmonic distortion: 0.3% (typical)
SNR >80dB
Impedance 600 Ohms
Power source Peripheral connecter of PC power supply
Weight 220g

....and the blurb is great....

"Cooler Master Musketeer 3 is a sound quality controller that filters the accurate digital signal of sound to a much more harmonic output in a classical way - Vacuum Tube Technology. With its dial VU meter and cascade volume control at the front panel, Cooler Master Musketeer 3 brings you back to 60’s as well as the ancient-restored vacuum light warming your heart."


So is it a DAC? A line stage? A heart warmer?

priceless.

 

[Jazper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan "..., Cooler Master Musketeer 3 brings you back to 60’s as well as the ancient-restored vacuum light warming your heart." So is it a DAC? A line stage? A heart warmer? priceless.

I say a heart warmer

 

[cosmopragma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazper also it uses a switching power supply (read: bad)

Well, most switching PSs are not suitable for audio applications, but that's true for most of the gazillion traditional PSs, too.
My best DAC is powered by an "Ultra clean switching power supply
with special pre- and post filtering of AC power voltage.
Insensitive to AC voltage distortions, DC fragments, noise and voltage stability."
Actually it seems to be an extremely good PS, plugging the DAC into the power conditioner doesn't result in an audible difference (at least to me).
I'm no expert, but some german engineers told me that they could design a top notch PS both ways, and nowadays the switching PS is despite of more parts cheaper to produce.

 

[OakIris]

This is a rather intriguing product, for those of us that like the sound of tubes....and another opportunity to do some tube rolling, maybe! Even just one tube generates quite a bit of heat - wonder how this gets exhausted out without heating up the innards of the computer?

Holly

 

[grandenigma1]

hmmmm