Seeking entry-level USB DAC (w/phono in?)

Markgm · 03:33 AM

Hi,
I am looking to buy a USB DAC for my laptop (Asus UL50VT, Intel U7300 @ 1.3 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7)...

I am using the built-in realtek sound, and read endlessly the suggestions to get myself out of that and into a USB DAC. I want to make a small purchase right now.

I came across the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD for around $100 at newegg, and noticed it also has a phono input on it. So I can use this also with another input on it? That sounds very useful for me for records.

Some folks say (in reviews) they have a tough time with the software/drivers for this. It seems more folks say they get it working ok, but a couple complain "without EQ", which I don't want to use. I really only want to use this for playback.

Do the phono inputs work well for sound, has anybody here tried this?

Are there other (such priced) USB DACs that have phono inputs on them? That I should know about?

I also read wonderful reviews of the HRT Streamer II asynch USB DAC, at $150 (amazon). Some folks calling it as good as the $300 Music Fidelity V-DAC... Any idea of the difference in sound quality between the HRT and the Creative mentioned above?

TIA, and cheers,
Mark

VictoriaGuy · 21st March 2011, 05:13 AM

I noticed in the SoundBlaster specs:
"To install the card, you'll need an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent processor, 2.2 GHz or faster"
I don't know if this is going to be a problem for your laptop?

BTW, I think that the 'phono input' is feeding an ADC. If you want to convert LPs to digital (not clear what resolution/quality?) it could be very handy.
If not, perhaps a straight DAC would do the job?
There are certainly lots of them available.

Markgm · 21st March 2011, 12:25 PM

I've heard cards like this have been used with less powerful PCs.

There certainly are a lot of straight DACs, but I paused with this phono idea.

Another thing I want to be able to do is manipulate sound coming from, say, a web browser playing a movie, such as to cut the LF when someone is sleeping in the next room (at night). That occurs to me - would be an EQ or compression ability.

VictoriaGuy · 21st March 2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markgm

Another thing I want to be able to do is manipulate sound coming from, say, a web browser playing a movie, such as to cut the LF when someone is sleeping in the next room (at night). That occurs to me - would be an EQ or compression ability.

EQ is generally a software solution/issue, I think.
I think a better solution to the 'person sleeping in the next room' problem would be a good set of (closed) headphones.
Some DACs have reasonable HP amps included.

21st March 2011, 03:25 AM	#1
Markgm diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: VT, USA	Seeking entry-level USB DAC (w/phono in?) Hi, I am looking to buy a USB DAC for my laptop (Asus UL50VT, Intel U7300 @ 1.3 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7)... I am using the built-in realtek sound, and read endlessly the suggestions to get myself out of that and into a USB DAC. I want to make a small purchase right now. I came across the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD for around $100 at newegg, and noticed it also has a phono input on it. So I can use this also with another input on it? That sounds very useful for me for records. Some folks say (in reviews) they have a tough time with the software/drivers for this. It seems more folks say they get it working ok, but a couple complain "without EQ", which I don't want to use. I really only want to use this for playback. Do the phono inputs work well for sound, has anybody here tried this? Are there other (such priced) USB DACs that have phono inputs on them? That I should know about? I also read wonderful reviews of the HRT Streamer II asynch USB DAC, at $150 (amazon). Some folks calling it as good as the $300 Music Fidelity V-DAC... Any idea of the difference in sound quality between the HRT and the Creative mentioned above? TIA, and cheers, Mark Last edited by Markgm; 21st March 2011 at 03:33 AM.

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21st March 2011, 05:13 AM	#2
VictoriaGuy diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC	I noticed in the SoundBlaster specs: "To install the card, you'll need an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD equivalent processor, 2.2 GHz or faster" I don't know if this is going to be a problem for your laptop? BTW, I think that the 'phono input' is feeding an ADC. If you want to convert LPs to digital (not clear what resolution/quality?) it could be very handy. If not, perhaps a straight DAC would do the job? There are certainly lots of them available.

21st March 2011, 12:25 PM	#3
Markgm diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: VT, USA	I've heard cards like this have been used with less powerful PCs. There certainly are a lot of straight DACs, but I paused with this phono idea. Another thing I want to be able to do is manipulate sound coming from, say, a web browser playing a movie, such as to cut the LF when someone is sleeping in the next room (at night). That occurs to me - would be an EQ or compression ability.

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