htpc stereo analog question?

[pentatonic]

Originally Posted by prerich

How much are you looking to spend?

For now that's my problem as this wasn't in the plans as my E-Mu as given many great years. Really sad that E-mu couldn't survive as they had really good products. The 0404 used the AKM AK4396DAC and Burr Brown/TI PCM1804 ADC. But it was their implementation and absolutely awesome software controller that made it the best kept secret for so long.

So I want something of at least this quality, and since it really is for the htpc a sound card with good analog outs would be best. I knew I was going to change though as I will be putting WIN 8 Pro on there at one point and no way in hell will there be win8 drivers, it took Creative a stupid amount of time to give beta win 7 drivers. It could be USB (I'm keeping an eye out for a 0404 USB or 0204 usb they are still ccheap and decent). But I might like having a good 7.1 or 5.1 analog out section for my mutlitracks as to be honest, I don't know what my Old Denon 987p uses but I think I could do better.

So basically what is the best sounding cheap solution out there for minimum 2 ch analog and if the premium isn't huge, good multi channel analog, but 2 ch comes first. And all that in let's say the $140-150 range/used market.

Originally Posted by prerich

A simple solution would be the Dragonfly DAC http://www.amazon.com/AudioQuest-Dra...=dragonfly+dac

That's if your budget is around 250.00. Others in this price range would also include the Halo Claro XT (which would provide you with 7.1 also). http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829271005

I just saw that the price of the Halo Claro XT has come down to 200.00 and some specs exceeds those of the XDA-1

The Asus is an awesome card, but there are a few options out there.

Oups forgot this part, hehe, thanks for the links.


Edit: forgot to ask you about your thoughts on the Xonar D1 or DX with the same ASUS AV100 High-Definition Sound Processor as the Essence?