Computer as a prepro

[prerich]

Well it's almost here...I'm thinking about getting rid of my AV receiver! I've played with ambiphonics this weekend as a plugin to jriver and I was quite pleased. Now I'm considering the HTomega Claro Halo (Lexicon) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829271005 as my new sound card... What do you think?

I'm also learning about Covolution and using it to setup DRC. My PC can already perform bass management and serve as a crossover if I wanted it to. If I'm successful it will be bye-bye to the AVR forever! I real hope this works because I was amazed at the numer of people that did everything via a Mac or PC at audio show this year.

This would mean I would only have speakers, amps, and my PC in my system.

[pentatonic]

Sounds interesting. That looks like a really nice sound card, great specs. You're getting the sister 7.1 analog board also?

[prerich]

Originally Posted by pentatonic

Sounds interesting. That looks like a really nice sound card, great specs. You're getting the sister 7.1 analog board also?

Yes, I'm getting the bundled daughter card as well (it comes with the XT version). This is only going to happen if I can master DRC in a PC (or if some one comes out with a good, easy to use plugin). I am excited about losing the receiver altogether though. Can you imagine - never having to buy a receiver or preamp again? Better yet, being able to repair your audio gear and to customize it yourself, add processing when needed, and upgrades won't be as necessary (yearly) - I've been running a Quad core extreme here for a minute and I have no desire to upgrade, I just get new programs (and the programs dictate the need to upgrade).

[prerich]

Well I have only one source in my receiver now and that's my HTPC! Installed new firmware on my HD Homerun Prime and disconnected my cable box ( I believe once and for all). TV audio is much better from the pc than the cable box! I can't wait for my Claro Halo XT to arrive. I thought that not having Audyssey would keep me from trying this but I read an interesting article over at Sound and Vision by Brent Butterworth, he states that EQ is most needed for bass signals - I'm going to use REW and audio tool to help me in my room.

This is more fun than buying equipment to me, it feels like I'm part of the construction process - its my doing! Never knew that having a pc and being a tech would ever be this fun!

[prerich]

Ok I'm going to start experimenting with an older card that I have. I'm going to do this so I can test JRiver's bass management, room correction, and PEQ. If it can fly with an older 7.1 card and sound descent, I'm all in for the Claro Halo XT!!!!

[rarredoa]

Originally Posted by prerich

Ok I'm going to start experimenting with an older card that I have. I'm going to do this so I can test JRiver's bass management, room correction, and PEQ. If it can fly with an older 7.1 card and sound descent, I'm all in for the Claro Halo XT!!!!

Those look like some impressive specs. I am thinking of dumping my X-FI card. It's too buggy and creative does not have any more support for it anyway. Whenever my computer restarts, my sound card defaults are not loaded.

It's as pricey as a good quality pre-amp! I wonder if it will take analog inputs from my technics record player?