Architect7

So I'm still researching options including Focusrite, Presonus, etc. I keep coming back to the M-Audio 1010 because they are so inexpensive and give me the extra two balanced outputs which I now need because i am building a cardioid bass system (one open baffle 18", one sealed 18") so I'll need to correct them independently. Does anyone have experience with the Delta 1010's sound quality? Thanks! Also keeping an eye out for a RME FireFace 800, looks like a nice unit if I can find one for a good deal

Awesome, thanks everyone. I am looking at older RME to get a higher quality unit at an affordable price. Which of their offerings would best fit what I am looking for? Thanks! Edit: That TC Studio Connect looks very cool!

I am looking for a sound card with a great DAC/opamp section with 6-8 balanced outputs. The Creative 1820M looks like a great option but it is older and no longer supported. Any modern options? It will be used with Jriver in my active 3-way dipole speakers with one Hypex amp per driver. Jriver will handle crossover duties sending each passband to each balanced output to drive each amp/driver. Thanks!

Thanks for the replies. Just canceled my order for the Xonar cards as I just found out the Emotiva XMC-1 with Dirac Live ships in a couple weeks.

Hello Everyone, I am planning a mid-end HTPC and will likely start out with the ASUS Xonar Essence ST with 7.1 H6 add-on card for surround sound. Does anyone else use this sound card combo with Dirac Live 8 channel and Jriver? I'd be using the analog outputs from the Xonar cards to go directly to my Rotel amps. Thanks!

Cool, thanks for the reply. Does anyone use HDMI input on their computers and then use a capture/media player program to decode audio from that HDMI source? Thanks!

I just upgraded from my Rotel RSX-1056 to a Denon AVR-X4000 and although I like some things that Audyssey XT32 does for movies, I am not especially thrilled with music. It seems too sharp/embellished at times. So I am thinking about trying Dirac on my PC and I would like to know if there is a sound card out there that can decode HD surround like Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master to analog so that I can send the output directly to amps instead of investing in a receiver. Is this possible?