Which soundcard with balanced outs has the best SQ and is less than $250?

MikeHunt79 · 24th October 2007, 11:14 PM

So far I've narrowed it down to the E-mu 1212m, the E-mu 0404 USB, and the M-audio delta audiophile 192...

All of these have balanced outs and seemingly good DAC's, and cost around the same amount. Does anyone know which would give the best sound quality, or are they pretty closely matched...

FWIW, my system isn't mega-high end:

Soundcard > balanced headphone amp > Re-terminated HD-600's

but I'm looking for an improvement over my current (aging) M-audio delta 44.

ak_47_boy · 24th October 2007, 11:57 PM

I think you might be better off with a digital coaxial audio output to a DAC.

MikeHunt79 · 25th October 2007, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ak_47_boy
I think you might be better off with a digital coaxial audio output to a DAC.

I've had a look, but I cannot find any DAC's which are under $250 and have a balanced output? Unless there is a DIY route I'm not aware of?

jcx · 25th October 2007, 02:18 AM

esi juli@ is very competitive at ~US$130

protos · 26th October 2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeHunt79

I've had a look, but I cannot find any DAC's which are under $250 and have a balanced output? Unless there is a DIY route I'm not aware of?

I think twisted pear have what you want --balanced diy dac .A bit on the expensive side but interesting.

protos · 26th October 2007, 01:39 PM

There you go.Actually not so expensive if you factor in all the modules.You just need a case.
The best bang for the buck USB-DAC-Headamp-headphones.
http://www.twistedpearaudio.com/opus/opus.aspx

ssmith · 28th October 2007, 08:26 AM

I'd go for the 0404USB -- lots of modding potential too.

The Twisted Pear Opus looks like an excellent choice, though all the modules+transformer+case+connectors would probably push it over budget.

MikeHunt79 · 28th October 2007, 05:19 PM

Wow, the Twisted Pair kit looks very good... I've bookmarked their site.

I managed to pick up a 2nd hand 1212m in the end, as I managed to get one at a good price (£73).

24th October 2007, 11:14 PM	#1
MikeHunt79 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bristol, UK	Which soundcard with balanced outs has the best SQ and is less than $250? So far I've narrowed it down to the E-mu 1212m, the E-mu 0404 USB, and the M-audio delta audiophile 192... All of these have balanced outs and seemingly good DAC's, and cost around the same amount. Does anyone know which would give the best sound quality, or are they pretty closely matched... FWIW, my system isn't mega-high end: Soundcard > balanced headphone amp > Re-terminated HD-600's but I'm looking for an improvement over my current (aging) M-audio delta 44.

26th October 2007, 01:39 PM	#6
protos diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Athens+Addis Ababa	There you go.Actually not so expensive if you factor in all the modules.You just need a case. The best bang for the buck USB-DAC-Headamp-headphones. http://www.twistedpearaudio.com/opus/opus.aspx __________________ ``The author always assumes that when power is applied , the amplifier will explode or ,at the very least, catch fire.´´ Morgan Jones, Building Valve Amplifiers.

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24th October 2007, 11:57 PM	#2
ak_47_boy diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2006	I think you might be better off with a digital coaxial audio output to a DAC.

25th October 2007, 02:18 AM	#4
jcx diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: ..	esi juli@ is very competitive at ~US$130

28th October 2007, 08:26 AM	#7
ssmith diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Paris	I'd go for the 0404USB -- lots of modding potential too. The Twisted Pear Opus looks like an excellent choice, though all the modules+transformer+case+connectors would probably push it over budget.

28th October 2007, 05:19 PM	#8
MikeHunt79 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bristol, UK	Wow, the Twisted Pair kit looks very good... I've bookmarked their site. I managed to pick up a 2nd hand 1212m in the end, as I managed to get one at a good price (£73).

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