[jisu]

Hi guys, I'm in the market for a sound card.

99% of the time they will be used by a pair of Aktimate Mini's, so headphone amp'age is not really a concern to me.

Which do you recommend?

 

[jjinh]

for a sound card, stx - room to upgrade later

 

[jisu]

really? But i'm hardly ever gonna be using the headphone amp on it.

 

[chipzahoy]

Of all the options on your list, STX offers the best playback quality. However, Musiland 01US with separate PS (or 02US if you don't do DIY) has a cost/performance ratio that's through the roof. FWIW, I consider it the new best budget DAC/external soundcard available.

 

[jisu]

Is this what you're referring to?

http://cgi.ebay.ph/MUSILAND-Monitor-...ht_5446wt_1124


It looks like a headphone amp to me. Can I use it for my speakers?

PS. What's a PS?

 

[lxxl]

STX/ST sounds really good for a sound card, EAX has been nothing but let down.

 

[Geen]

This one seems to have incredible reviews:

HT | OMEGA CLARO 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card
Newegg.com - HT | OMEGA CLARO 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Sound Cards

 

[apatN]

Voted for the DM. A dedicated DAC is better in my book.

 

[chipzahoy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jisu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is this what you're referring to? eBay.ph: MUSILAND Monitor 02 US USB sound card amplifier SKU88 (item 330356775328 end time Oct 31, 2009 14:56:24 PHT) It looks like a headphone amp to me. Can I use it for my speakers? PS. What's a PS?

I'm recommending the 01US (pure DAC) for best value, but if you don't do DIY and can't find someone to add a good linear PS to it, then 02US may be a better option.

PS = power supply.

 

[ear8dmg]

Xonar DX or D1. They're not on the list but FWIR offer analogue sound quality on par with the D2X. Great bang for buck.

 

[chipzahoy]

The DX is a very good card for those who use their PC as a multipurpose machine. I have a DX on my gaming/HT PC, and it performs admirably for its price. However, the 01US (recently found its place in my girlfriend's living room) is better for pure music playback.

 

[jisu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipzahoy /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm recommending the 01US (pure DAC) for best value, but if you don't do DIY and can't find someone to add a good linear PS to it, then 02US may be a better option. PS = power supply.

I have no idea how to add a PS, so probably 02US is the way to go.

But could you answer my other questions? Isn't this a headphone amp? Will it be ideal for for 2.0 speakers? I'll be getting these (AktiMate) which have a 3.5mm plug.

 

[chipzahoy]

I don't think you should be too concerned about the "headphone amp" function of the 02US. Many people only use the line outs of the STX (a card which also happen to have headphone amp section), and they are pretty happy about the SQ.

Do a search on the forums, the 02US owners seem more than satisfied with the performance and value of this inexpensive DAC. Some even think that the 02US is better than the (relatively) pricey Cambridge Audio DacMagic!

 

[Shike]

If you're going for dedicated listening get the DAC.

If you plan on gaming the Prelude is a joy . . . though at that cost you may want to consider the Forte too.

 

[jisu]

I'll be using it for games/music/movies (not in any order of importance).


Is the 02US a good all-rounder sound card?

Also I won't need to buy anything else between the speakers (they are active) and the 02US right?