[ben9999imsc]

USB or firewire

only for playback, must better than 1616m cardbus

i am using denon D5000 and voyager

only listen to classical music


budget around $300-500, used items are also ok

THX

 

[mrarroyo]

The USB or Firewire connection will limit some of your choices. You could consider adding a Trends UD-10 convert from USB to Optical or Coaxial and thus expand the number of DAC's available.

The Trends UD-10 retails for about $150, if you go this route the Oritek V4.1 DAC retails for $529 plus S&H. However used it can be found for under $500. I am also very partial to the Lite Dac-Ah with the passive mods, after buying an used Lite Dac-Ah for $125 I did the mods and I have less than $200 into it.

Good luck.

 

[ben9999imsc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo /img/forum/go_quote.gif The USB or Firewire connection will limit some of your choices. You could consider adding a Trends UD-10 convert from USB to Optical or Coaxial and thus expand the number of DAC's available. The Trends UD-10 retails for about $150, if you go this route the Oritek V4.1 DAC retails for $529 plus S&H. However used it can be found for under $500. I am also very partial to the Lite Dac-Ah with the passive mods, after buying an used Lite Dac-Ah for $125 I did the mods and I have less than $200 into it. Good luck.

should i use expresscard to optical or coaxial? would that be better?

 

[Solan]

Apogee Duet or mini-DAC seem very, very good.

 

[ben9999imsc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solan /img/forum/go_quote.gif Apogee Duet or mini-DAC seem very, very good.

better than 1616m cardbus?

via usb or firewire?

 

[CSMR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben9999imsc /img/forum/go_quote.gif only for playback, must better than 1616m cardbus

You haven't told us: what is wrong with the 1616m cardbus?
Quote:

only listen to classical music

The hardware produces a waveform from a digital input in a standard way; only one way is right basically. Effects can be added in software and that is where you can experiment and choose based on your tastes.

 

[souperman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben9999imsc /img/forum/go_quote.gif should i use expresscard to optical or coaxial? would that be better?

It does not matter. It is transmitting digital nubmers (1's and 0's). However some swear by one or the other, saying coaxial sounds more analog.

 

[SamNOISE]

I take it you already own a 1616 Cardbus? Sounds like a kick-butt device to me, whats wrong with it?

E-MU Systems - 1616M CardBus - Laptop Digital Audio System

Andrew D.
Canadian Audio Video

 

[1UP]

Don't think you'll improve much on the 1616m for your budget

 

[ben9999imsc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamNOISE /img/forum/go_quote.gif I take it you already own a 1616 Cardbus? Sounds like a kick-butt device to me, whats wrong with it? E-MU Systems - 1616M CardBus - Laptop Digital Audio System Andrew D. Canadian Audio Video

have terrible noises