[lsy84]

Any recommendations for an upgrade? Was thinking of getting 0404 USB is there a difference in sound quality between the USB and PCI version?

 

[poo]

I think there are better options for you in terms of an 'upgrade'. 404 PCI to USB is a bit more of a sideways step compared to other devices. Perhaps consider the 1212m?

What exactly do you want from this upgrade? Different Connectivity? Sound quality improvement? Straight from soundcard or via a DAC?

 

[lsy84]

wanted to get a dac so that I can use it on my laptop as well as pc, better sound quality is also impt to me. I would be connecting it to a headphone amp when using it at home so no issue about not enough power. Is there any other usb dac to recommend besides 0404 usb?

 

[Bootleg]

If your budget can handle it, go for a Benchmark DAC1 USB.

Now that's an upgrade.

 

[lsy84]

wow thats way out of my budget, any cheaper alternative?

 

[ssportclay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsy84 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Any recommendations for an upgrade? Was thinking of getting 0404 USB is there a difference in sound quality between the USB and PCI version?

The newer 0404 PCI cards are now upgraded to the same DAC as the 0404 USB.The 0404 USB has lower noise,volume control knobs and the capacity to run balanced cables to active monitors.

 

[ShanDo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssportclay /img/forum/go_quote.gif the capacity to run balanced cables to active monitors.

whats this feature about? i dont understand what it does with sound

 

[CSMR]

Forget about upgrades. They are both very good. 0404PCI uses more flexible software (patchmix). If you want to connect to a laptop get the 0202 or 0404 USB for that reason. If you want better sound quality look at other ways of changing your set up: change headphones, dsp and possibly amp.

 

[ssportclay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShanDo /img/forum/go_quote.gif whats this feature about? i dont understand what it does with sound

The 1/4" TRS balanced cables will kick up the gain about 3db and minimize signal loss between the card and the monitors.

 

[JDUBS]

The 0404 USB is much better than the 0404 PCI....at least in my experience.

-Jim

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDUBS /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 0404 USB is much better than the 0404 PCI....at least in my experience. -Jim

In what ways? The specs look similar, but if there's a major difference, it's worth noting.

 

[lsy84]

I am using the old version of 0404 PCI, is the DAC used in the USB and old PCI different?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsy84 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am using the old version of 0404 PCI, is the DAC used in the USB and old PCI different?

Yes. Current versions of the 0404 PCI and 0404 USB use the AKM AK4396, while the old 0404 PCI used the AKM AK4395. The 4396 looks to be considerably better, at least in specifications.

 

[lsy84]

ok great thanks for all the help I have decided to sell the pci version to get the usb dac

 

[Gabe Logan]

Keep the PCI and compare it when you get the USB version to see how they stack up just in case you prefer the one you currently got.