I've read the reponses in this thread, and I have to recommend to stay away from the Creative SoundBlaster solutions unless you play a lot of games on your PC. If you want high end audio sound from your PC, then consider the RME, Digital Audio Labs Card Deluxe, or even better yet, the Lynx 2 or Lynx 22. These are all pro audio quality cards. To take advantage of the Extigy's higher resolution audio features, you actually have to bypass a lot of the built-in digital sound processors that Creative lumps into their systems. By then, you lose some fidelity. Going to a pro audio solution will provide much better S/N ratios, greater dynamic range and a more natural sound. With the RME and Lynx solutions, you can clock synch the card's digital I/O to your DAC to minimize jitter, a huge source for horrible digital artifacts.
PC to DAC to PreAmp
Boy do I feel basic in my PC audio knowledge. Yes, I read many of the posts and still not sure that I clearly understand clearly how to get the best sound out of the MP3 (I know, will never get "best sound" out of MP3s) collection on my hard drive. Here's what I'm thinkin':
PC with 13,000 songs on the hard drive (most recorded at 320 bps). Use M-Audio 24/96 sound card to an audiophile Kora Hermes tube DAC. DAC to MacIntosh preamp.
Will this work? and is it a good way to go sonically? Since I'm not very familiar with PC audio, the techincal explanations and equipment in previous posts went way beyond me. Please help. Thanks...Jim
PC with 13,000 songs on the hard drive (most recorded at 320 bps). Use M-Audio 24/96 sound card to an audiophile Kora Hermes tube DAC. DAC to MacIntosh preamp.
Will this work? and is it a good way to go sonically? Since I'm not very familiar with PC audio, the techincal explanations and equipment in previous posts went way beyond me. Please help. Thanks...Jim