Revolution 7.1 v. Basic $30 SPDIF Passthrough Card for DD/DTS output?

I have a Onkyo DS-595 Receiver with 24/96k DACS and started with a Audigy I sound card and since upgraded to a REVO. My comments are based on the above config. Higher end Audio gear will likely yield different results.


1. I do not believe I could ever hear the difference between the Audigy and the REVO for simple DTS or DD pass thru (Onkyo reciever performs the DD/DTS digital decoding).


2. I can definately hear the difference between the audigy and the REVO for 2 channel audio PCM playback (2 channel music from the PC down the SPDIF and D/A in the Onkyo). This is especially true in 44.1khz material that is horribly upconverted by the Audigy to 48khz.


3. Using the analog outputs of the REVO are a truely wonderful experience. Far superior to the analog sound out the Audigy and even the 2 channel PCM D/A of the Onkyo.


My primary mode of operation now is to use the REVO analog outs (2, 2.1, 5.1 and 7.1) into my 5 channel analog inputs into the amplifier section of the Onkyo (extra 2 channels using an old 2 channel amp to bring me upto 7.1). I use windvd audio filters for DD/DTS decode and winamp 2.81 with a kernal streaming output module for bit perfect 2 channel music playback.

dm - thanks for the very imformative opinions. I have three questions, though, if you have the time:


1) What is the "kernel streaming output module" that you use with WinAmp? I haven't messed around with any plugins for Winamp, as they seem to be mostly glitzy junk. Anything that will improve audio playback, especially with 128k files would be great!


2) How did you convert the analog outputs on the Revo to the inputs (I assume full RCA size) on the Onkyo? I have a Yamaha HTR-5280 which is decent, nothing fancy, but has nice DACs. I would be willing to output to the 6 channel in on the Yamaha if the quality is there.


3) Currently, I use my Yamaha's "5 Channel Stereo" DSP setting for music, as it utilizes all the speakers, and gives a preferable feel for my room, though I know it isn't "pure" stereo. If I wanted that, I would be using SACD not MP3s anyway. Do you think it is worth it to do a full 5 channel output from the Revo with no processing in the receiver, or just use a 2 channel output and let the Yamaha convert it using the dsp?


Thanks a million for helping! This forum is perfect for this kind of detailed explanation that I can't get anywhere else!


RDaneel

RDaneel-


May I have the flame suit please?


I have the Yamaha DSPA1 Integrated Amp (Yamaha's previous top-of-the line HT integrated amp) and the Revo. I have compared the analog Revo outputs compared to the Yamaha's own DA decoding functions using SPDIF. There is NO comparison. The Yamaha's SPDIF DA decoding is much, much quieter than the Revo's analog decoding.


I was using a CMedia based sound card, and the Revo's SPDIF passthrough sounds identical to me. I will say, however, that since the Revo will work with the Reclock audio renderer filter in TheaterTek (and Cmedia cards currently do not), that it's worth the additional cost for that alone.


Just my $.02.

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No flame suit required. I might guess that your top of the line Yama would sound better than the REVO. However, for my middle of the line Onkyo and possible the thread starter's mid-line yama.....The REVO is likely the leader...

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You've practically read my mind with your post... I've been wrestling with htis question my self for a week! But, you just added some important information, where did you find the Revolution for $50...??? Does it have a rebate that I missed? Please share this wisdom. At $50, its a major steal. I'd love to find out about this price point. It would seal my decision. I appreciate your reply and thanks for the post!


Roger

Hey -


I can get the Revo for under $50 by combining an employee discount at CompUSA (my brother) with the $35 mail in rebate (you can find it on the CompUSA site). Unfortunately, you have to buy it at CompUSA (or other retailer that gets the mail in deal from M-Audio) to get the rebate, so you can't buy from a place like Digital Connection. Normally, I would prefer to buy it there... but the price difference is too hard to pass up. The card is about $76 cost, so the total price works out to less than $45, including tax.


If you know anyone at a retailer that gets the mail in rebate, you can get the deal too... Even without the employee discount, the total price is $65 plus tax, which is pretty decent. The bundle with TheaterTek is about $140 iirc from Digital Connection, so that is a good deal too, but if you don't need TT, the CompUSA deal is the way to go. Looks like M-Audio is taking a hit on these in order to get more sales (along with the shelf space and name recognition) at major retail stores.


Good luck!

RDaneel

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I have compared the analog Revo outputs compared to the Yamaha's own DA decoding functions using SPDIF. There is NO comparison. The Yamaha's SPDIF DA decoding is much, much quieter than the Revo's analog decoding.

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Trust me on this one. The DSP-A1 has better DACs then the Revo at $99.00. The Yammy has Dacs that are based on their Pro level gear. I have the Yammy 02R digital mixer in my studio, and I still can't believe how good they sound. And it was designed YEARS ago. (If you want to hear them, pick up the cd - The Song is You by Ancient Greeks. The first commercial release out of my studio, Whoo Hoo!)


Given a choice, I would certainly go with the DACs in a high end Pre or Receiver than a sound card that costs anywhere under $200.


Sam