Sound card suggestions (music only)...

[stech1]

I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask this, but in my upcoming computer build, I need recommendations for a sound card. I'm using an old mx300, which at the time was supposed to have an excellent DAC, but I am sure things have gotten allot better since then. I don't game; I will not being using this for anything but music. I will likely be hooking it up to a tube integrated amp, running 2 Kef Cresta 2's. So,quality music is my only concern.

Perhaps I need to check out some of the HiFi forums, but thought I would ask here first. You guys are sharp, so any help is appreciated! Oh, and I am not opposed to a USB or Firewire solution either. And, I don't use headphones, if that matters.

 

[Numenorean]

Wow...tube amp and high quality music. Will this work?:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Digital.html

Otherwise:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Digital.html

 

[stech1]

Your first link is just a little bit out of my price range...

But, the second one looks like a good choice!

Wow...tube amp and high quality music. Will this work?:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Digital.html

Otherwise:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...e_Digital.html

 

[Numenorean]

I was kidding with the first one

E-MU makes some good stuff. It should work quite nicely for just about any audio need.

 

[stech1]

I was looking at some amps in that price range, but I don't think I want to spend that much right now. But, the E-MU card is right down my alley, and definitely in my price range.

 

[weovpac]

Check these out also: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ame=HT%20Omega

Mainly this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829271004

 

[mfenn]

Does your integrated AMP have S/PDIF inputs or is it analog only?

it uses S/PDIF, then no need for a sound card, just run an optical or coax cable from the mobo.

If it is analog only, I would say to get a USB or S/PDIF DAC. I'd check out the Super DAC Pro 707, though really any of the S/PDIF or USB DACs on that site are quite good.

 

[Morphine06]

I love my Asus Xonar Essence STX. You can change the opamp to suit your preference.

 

[stech1]

The amp I'm looking at does have S/PDIF inputs... I am not sure about onboard sound. Maybe its gotten better over the years.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Anyone have experience with this product: M-Audio US41750 Audiophile 192 Hi-def Audio Card

 

[mfenn]

The amp I'm looking at does have S/PDIF inputs... I am not sure about onboard sound. Maybe its gotten better over the years.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Anyone have experience with this product: M-Audio US41750 Audiophile 192 Hi-def Audio Card

Just use the S/PDIF output on the mobo then. Digital is digital, all the chipset is doing is taking the binary stream straight from the CPU and translating it into light pulses. There is virtually no processing that occurs on the chip.

 

[mnewsham]

I like this one myself paired with this. A fairly inexpensive (for some) solution. but probably a bit over the top for you