X-fi as transport?

[Cata1yst]

Alright so im working on a Opus Dac, and was wondering if the x-fi was any good at being a transport.....would it be noticeable from using good ole motherboard SPDIF out? or would i be better off by eliminating both from the chain and just getting the USB module for the Opus?


Thanks a bunch

Cata1yst

 

[infinitesymphony]

It depends on the sound specification that your motherboard's onboard sound follows. What make/model of motherboard is it?

 

[milkweg]

I use X-Fi as digital transport for music and it works well. Added benefit is that X-Fi comes with Asio driver which I found used less cpu resources than the one that came with my EMU0404 USB. I set X-Fi to audio creation mode when playing music and use 44.1 sampling rate and bit match perfect playback, use Creative Asio driver in foobar or MediaMonkey and set them to 44.1 sampling rate too. Feed EMU0404 USB with digtial coax from X-Fi and EMU analog out to amp. This works great for me and I get clean audio out of my PC.

 

[Cata1yst]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif It depends on the sound specification that your motherboard's onboard sound follows. What make/model of motherboard is it?

DFI eXpert, nforce 4 chipset, best overclockers mobo when amd was at its reign...sigh*

I dunno if it uses the Realtek chip before it sends it out...or it communicates directly with the chipset

@ Milkweg

Thanks for the reply....ill make sure to use those settings and not have to post another thread

 

[infinitesymphony]

DFI LanParty NF4 SLI-DR Expert?

If so, it uses the Realtek ALC850, which complies with the AC'97 specification--this means that it's not capable of bit-perfect digital output. So, an upgrade may be worthwhile. Realistically, internal or external won't matter for digital as long as the card is properly constructed/shielded.

 

[Cata1yst]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif DFI LanParty NF4 SLI-DR Expert? If so, it uses the Realtek ALC850, which complies with the AC'97 specification--this means that it's not capable of bit-perfect digital output. So, an upgrade may be worthwhile. Realistically, internal or external won't matter for digital as long as the card is properly constructed/shielded.

Alright ill just use my x-fi then...thanks!