PC-AudioEnthusiast
New Member
- Joined
- May 10, 2020
- Messages
- 3
- Likes
- 2
I currently connect a Sound Blaster X-Fi SB0880 Titanium Fatal1ty directly to an ADCOM GFA7607 power amp and a SVS PB2000 Subwoofer, however I'm looking to replace it, mainly because every time I install a major Windows update, it screws-up my audio requiring an arduous driver & application reinstallation and setup, and every week or so it starts to crackle & pop and I'm forced to reboot the PC to fix it.
I'm satisfied with the sound-quality when it works -- it's extremely loud when maxed-out, and I can rarely & barely notice any noise or distortion -- and I can't notice it at all if the heat-pump is on.
I'm willing to consider either a new high-end PCI-E soundcard or a USB DAC. I've heard that the sound quality of USB DAC's can be a lot better than soundcards, and that they can be less hassle. I'm thinking that I'd probably prefer a plug & play, driverless DAC, and I'm willing to settle for 'Class 1' USB audio (24-bit/96kHz), but I'm also interested in a 'Class 2' (24-bit/192kHz) USB audio DAC that does require drivers & applications if there's one that can survive a major Windows-update and is highly application-compatible.
Volume control, either via Windows or built-into the DAC is essential, because the ADCOM doesn't have volume control.
Maximum loudness is important to me because I don't have a preamp, and I'd rather not fork-out for one.
Stereo-upmix to 7.1 channels, with an approximately equal output volume for every channel is essential, as I've got full-range speakers all-round and the amp has seven identical output boards.
Bass management (crossover frequency & gain) are also highly desired, but I can use Equalizer APO if required, and the sub has gain-control & crossover built-in, and my surround channels will handle sub-bass.
Must be 240v 50hz compatible if it requires mains (alternating current) power, happy to shop separately for a power adapter if it requires DC power.
Budget: There's no way I'm spending over US$700, I'll be very reluctant to spend over US$500, and I'd like to spend less than US$300. I'm willing to buy second-hand from eBay using PayPal so feel free to recommend products with a slightly higher recommended retail price, particularly commonly available ones. I prefer Australian sellers but I'm willing to shop internationally.
Any product recommendations and advice or corrections of misconceptions would be much appreciated.
I'm satisfied with the sound-quality when it works -- it's extremely loud when maxed-out, and I can rarely & barely notice any noise or distortion -- and I can't notice it at all if the heat-pump is on.
I'm willing to consider either a new high-end PCI-E soundcard or a USB DAC. I've heard that the sound quality of USB DAC's can be a lot better than soundcards, and that they can be less hassle. I'm thinking that I'd probably prefer a plug & play, driverless DAC, and I'm willing to settle for 'Class 1' USB audio (24-bit/96kHz), but I'm also interested in a 'Class 2' (24-bit/192kHz) USB audio DAC that does require drivers & applications if there's one that can survive a major Windows-update and is highly application-compatible.
Volume control, either via Windows or built-into the DAC is essential, because the ADCOM doesn't have volume control.
Maximum loudness is important to me because I don't have a preamp, and I'd rather not fork-out for one.
Stereo-upmix to 7.1 channels, with an approximately equal output volume for every channel is essential, as I've got full-range speakers all-round and the amp has seven identical output boards.
Bass management (crossover frequency & gain) are also highly desired, but I can use Equalizer APO if required, and the sub has gain-control & crossover built-in, and my surround channels will handle sub-bass.
Must be 240v 50hz compatible if it requires mains (alternating current) power, happy to shop separately for a power adapter if it requires DC power.
Budget: There's no way I'm spending over US$700, I'll be very reluctant to spend over US$500, and I'd like to spend less than US$300. I'm willing to buy second-hand from eBay using PayPal so feel free to recommend products with a slightly higher recommended retail price, particularly commonly available ones. I prefer Australian sellers but I'm willing to shop internationally.
Any product recommendations and advice or corrections of misconceptions would be much appreciated.