[brodgers]

I know this isn't technically "HTPC" related, but it's close. I am building a dedicated computer to act as a preamp for audio only. (I am using a computer rather than a commercial pre-pro because I want to be able to pull from my library of ripped CD's on the media server). This computer will run windows 2000 and the cinemar suite of applications and will do nothing but play audio. Down the road, I might have it distribute a RGB signal to my TV to play ripped DVD's. (7.1 would be nice, but stereo is my primary concern right now). So, my questions are:


1) What is the best sound card out there for 2 channel playback (must have balanced XLR output)?


2) Do any of the cards have a separate output for a sub woofer?


3) Will I ever approach the audio quality of my Bryston preamp?


4) What are the minimum processor specs given that I would like to have the ability to output an RGB signal?


5) Yes, I have searched the archives and previous discussions (that I could find) have centered around 5.1 or 7.1 cards only.


Thank you in advance...

 

[Madders]

Hi Mate,


The Lynxtwo soundcard would fit your needs best. Check out www.lynxstudio.com


When connected via its balanced XLR's direct to my Bryston amp it actually sounds better than my Bryston SP1.7!! (This processor in analogue bypass is recognised as just as good as a BP25 stereo preamp.)


Hope this helps...as you didn't mention anything about budgets....!


Another option to consider is the RME-Audio cards, These cards have balanced TRS analogue outputs so you can easily get TRS to XLR cables. The cards are a lot less expensive than the Lynxtwo card and some reviewers on this very forum prefer the sound of the RME over that of the Lynx. I have used both and wouldn't change my Lynxtwo for anything!!


Steve

 

[brodgers]

If its a good "value" I'll look at any price range. I took a look at the Lynx website. Admittedly, I am new at this... When it says that the Two has "Six 24-bit balanced analog inputs and two 24-bit balanced analog outputs ("C" Model)" does that mean I could plug external sources (tape, phono, CD, etc.) into the card and then have the computer send the signal to the amp?


Also, I noticed on their website the AES16 card with 16 channels of output. Could I put this in my media server and distribute directly to my amps and effectively have 8 different "zones"?


Thank you again for your patience...

 

[brodgers]

Man... This board moves fast enough that it doesn't take long to find yourself three of four pages back. Just a friendly "bump" to get me back on top.


Thanks.

 

[WT-46809]

carddeluxe has a great reputation - do a google search fro reviews. they list for $399 but can be had at auction for about $200...

 

[Socio]

You might want to check out the DIGI96/8 PAD which has XLR capabilities.

 

[WT-46809]

from the reviews i have read on forums and trade magazines, it seems hard to go wrong with any of the cards mentioned here. i also think it is important not to get too hung up on "must have balanced XLR output" as there are quality audio adaptors available for most every need. for example, the pictured adaptor could be used to convert a 1/4" tsr jack into an xlr jack quite easily....

http://media.zzounds.com/media/fit,3...5/CBIAN424.jpg

 

[brodgers]

WT-46809 - Thanks, that is very helpful. I had assumed that there would be adapters available, but feared there would be a degradation (even if slight) of the signal. I have always been of the mindset that the fewer the connections, the better. Are these adapters of high enough quality that there won't be any signal loss?


Most of the reviews I have found on this board and others talk about having an external card (USB or firewire) to get the D-to-A conversion outside of the noisy PC environment. This leaves me with a few new questions:


Has the technology progressed enough that a PCI card now sounds as clean as an external one? (Are any of the external models rack mountable?)


Are there any high quality amps that accept a digital connection directly?


Finally, I am still wrangling with the AES16 inputs/outputs and whether that would allow me to use this one card to do a whole house distribution system (8 zones).


Thanks again.

 

[Madders]

Not too sure on the AES16 - I thought it was just a purely digital card with no analogue outputs - just digital XLR's. however I have the LynxTwo B which has 2 analogue inputs and 6 analogue outputs that can be configured as 3 stereo outs or, the way I use it, as 5.1 analogue outs.


With regards to a noisy pc environment, all I'll say is when hooked up via the balanced XLR breakout cable direct to my Bryston 9B ST, my speakers (M&K S-150's) have absolutely no hiss at all - it's almost eerie!

 

[Socio]

brodgers


Are all 8 zones stereo?


If so then you could go with a RME Hammerfall DSP 9632 and get two RME AEB8-O expanision boards which would give you 8 stereo analog outs then I believe you you can set the output to "servo balanced" and use the XLR jacks that WT-46809 posted about for bllanced connections to your amps.

 

[nadroj81]

Quote:

Originally posted by Madders Not too sure on the AES16 - I thought it was just a purely digital card with no analogue outputs - just digital XLR's. however I have the LynxTwo B which has 2 analogue inputs and 6 analogue outputs that can be configured as 3 stereo outs or, the way I use it, as 5.1 analogue outs. With regards to a noisy pc environment, all I'll say is when hooked up via the balanced XLR breakout cable direct to my Bryston 9B ST, my speakers (M&K S-150's) have absolutely no hiss at all - it's almost eerie!

I am going from my carddelxue analog to Denon Reciever to Def Tech PBtl towers, and with the volume maxed out there is a slightly audible hiss. But anywhere within reason of listening range (And even pumping loud volume) with no music there is no hiss. Quite nice!

 

[Madders]

I was talking about when my ear is right up against the speaker

 

[Kensai]

An E-mu 1818m, perhaps? I haven't gotten to play with any of the brand new E-mu cards yet, but the mod-happy folk over at www.headfi.org are really into them. The 1818m is the big brother of the new batch of cards that has a breakout box where all the DAC happens. 8 channels out, I believe, and only about $400, so seems to be something you might want to look at.


Good luck.


Kensai

 

[nadroj81]

same.

 

[brodgers]

How does the RME Digi card connect using balanced outputs. The optional XLR breakout cable looks like it only has one male XLR and one female XLR?

 

[Madders]

The XLR's are balanced connections.

 

[brodgers]

I guess I get confused because I was expecting the dongle to have 2 male XLR's, one for left and one for right. Does the 1 male XLR that is provided carry a stereo signal that i need to somehow split?


Thanks.

 

[Socio]

No XLR is left and right in one cable so you run it to your XLR input on your amp and you will get balaced left and right audio out of your left & right speakers hooked to that amp.

 

[RayL Jr.]

If you're into it & to answer question "2) Do any of the cards have a separate output for a sub woofer?", you can just run XLR to an active crossover and bi-amp (2-way crossover) with the sub or even tri-amp (3-way crossover) if you wish. I like the ones with DSP's such a BSS & dbx DriveRack, though you could use analog units from Marchand, Behringer, even Bryston, etc. for use with just a sub... Most of these also use balanced connections anyway, so you'd be in luck.


PS - the Creamware series of sound cards also can do all this INSIDE the PC, but with 24/96 DACs I believe. The BSS 3-way "all digital option" is close to $3,000, but the digital pipeline is still "limited" (SPDIF...).... I'd hold off and get the analog model.

 

[brodgers]

Socio - I'm almost with you on this one. My bryston amp has two female XLR connection (presumably one for right and one for left). Are you telling me that I only need to run one cable from the dongle to one of the inputs on the amp and it will take care of both right and left sound?


I apologize for the newbie questions, but I want to be sure I get this right...