Shane55

I bought this card last week and I am extremely impressed. This card has a great input section for recording (in my case, from vinyl), though the difference between it and my Creative Xfi is minimal. What really surprised and impressed me was the difference in Analog output between it and my Benchmark DAC-1 Pre. I was able to compare the two and while close, the Xonar is superior to my ears with my setup. The Benchmark produces a seemingly accurate and tight-clean rendering of everything. I have been amazed at the clarity, soundstage and detail of the music being converted from USB or SPDIF. The Xonar does all that and more. Its tonality is towards the warmer side, but seeming much more 'natural'…not as analytical as the PRE. It has all the detail and soundstage, but with a fullness and body that gives sonority to acoustic music – Guitars, Bass, Viol, etc. I was amazed listening to Tony Rice’s 1930’s Martin on a couple solo tracks from his Unit of Measure CD. Shenandoah simply dropped my jaw! There’s still room and need for my PRE, but it’s no longer used as a USB DAC. shane

Bill.<br /> Thanks for you perspective.<br /> <br /> In the next couple weeks I'll devote a bit more time to these stereo releases. I will listen to them on their own to see how they stand up... without comparing them to the original release. I will also hear them on another system to see if there is more than originally perceived.<br /> <br /> I certainly am looking forward to the mono set!<br /> <br /> Cheers.<br /> <br /> shane

OK... maybe a thong.<br /> <br /> The Tone review states "...the stereo editions, which blow away their 1987 digital predecessors in every imaginable facet."<br /> He could not possible have compared the two. I did with 4 discs and was underimpressed.<br /> See my AVS Forum review:<br /> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17173317#post17173317<br /> <br /> I have not been the only one who, once these stereo discs were released, has openly wondered what all the hype was about. <br /> These releases are for all intents and purposes... exactly the same as the '87 release, just louder and slightly compressed.<br /> <br /> I am a Beatles fan and was hoping for something matching the hype, not (especially in the case of the White Album) seriously negating it.<br /> <br /> I have the Mono on order and because it's a 'different' mix from the Stereo, and because it's getting even GREATER hype, I am hoping to be pleasantly surprised by this release.<br /> <br /> shane

I'm using the Benchmark PRE. Athlon w/ XP SP3 as well. It has only happened once using J River (w/ latest ASIO4ALL). When switching from one song to another, the DAC indicated that there was no signal, blinked and then went into standby. I just re-started the song and the Benchmark clicked-on and worked fine. That said, it happens very often when using Soundforge 9. I'll be editing two music files and will be comparing changes... switching between the two and the DAC will suddenly decide that the USB signal isn't 'good' and I get silence. I just stop and hit 'play' again and it usually comes right back. Usually. Sometimes I need to do this a couple times, but I've never had a situation where I've had to reboot or re-place the cable. I called Benchmark and they said it is not the DAC (of course), it is the signal coming out of the computer. I guess most of the time it's good, but sometimes it is off just enough to not be. I know... I didn't help. Sorry. shane

For example: Many, if not all of my friends would probably classify me as an Audiophile. Compared to most in this forum, I’m a novice at best. To me an Audiophile can be one who does what he or she can to 'perfect' their listening experience - within, and maybe to the maximum that they can afford. Some can spend multi-thousands of dollars on music systems but wouldn't know or recognize the difference between 128k encoded MP3 and 192k/24bit masters. I don't necessarily equate dollars spent with being an Audiophile. Audiophile describes to me, someone who seeks a level of 'perfection' in the sound that their system creates in order to elicit the utmost enjoyment. It also can encompass individuals who seek the ‘better’ sounding concert experience. Perhaps they don’t spend a dime on audio equipment, but know the different concert halls well enough to choose performances in particular venues based on that knowledge. For me, it’s important that my system removes the things in sound reproduction that I consider annoyances or things that I find distracting. I work for hours to remove clicks and pops from vinyl recordings so that the cleanest sound comes through. I use incredible amounts of HDD storage space so that I can record and replay as faithfully to the vinyl as possible. This is just one aspect. I have invested in a DAC in the hopes that it further assists in reproducing sound more ‘faithfully’. That can mean faithful to the vinyl or to the 96k/24bit download, or even to what I imagine is the ‘original performance’. Does the violin sound like an acoustic instrument, or does it sound like a harsh digital ‘imposter’? Does the acoustic guitar sound like it is in my listening room, and can I hear the fingers on the fret-board and neck? Is the sound clear or is it muddied? To me, if you care, and you strive to do something about it… you are an Audiophile. How much so is completely up to you (and your budget). shane

I misunderstood.

I think he's looking to digitize and record to his hard drive, not just play the LP. He's looking for a better Analog to Digital conversion than the Audigy will provide. Once digitized, you are correct, playing out through a good DAC will be the way to go. shane

I do all my recordings at 24/96. I have not been able to hear the difference to 192k, and have yet to hear a convincing argument to do so (but if you have one, please let me know). I down-convert the files to 24/48 and then use Apple Lossless to put it on the iPod. I have found that this preserves the 'goodness' of the sound as well as I would need for 99.99999% of my iPod listening. shane

The last best GD CD was Dookie (in terms of compression sonics). Insomniac, Nimrod, American Idiot, etc., all pumped-up to the extreme. No dynamics, all loud, all the time. Pitty... 'cause the music can be soooooo good ) shane

Nice review. <br /> My DAC1-PRE sits right in front of me and is within reach, so for me, another remote would be a waste. The potentiometer sounds like it would be a nice upgrade as it should render a smooth gradation in volume... no click-stops (even to 11). But for an extra $300, I think I'll sit tight. Same sound, just a little less 'convenient'.<br /> <br /> I have found that the sound I've gotten out of my system with the PRE has been more open and tighter than before (I don't consider that a contradiction). All sources have yielded a greater sense of spaciousness, with the individual instruments being rendered more directionally and less muddy. Just last night my wife remarked on how she could hear the 'studio' on one of my recordings. The instruments on a good ‘acoustic’ recording seem to separate and move forward, exposing the sonic effects of the environment as background and space. <br /> <br /> The PRE does not add warmth or acoustic ‘roundness’ to the sound. It seems to lay bare all the individual details of the original recording without coloration. This is a mixed blessing, of course, as poor recordings will be fully exposed. But what it can do for a good recording is truly wonderful.<br /> <br /> I was skeptical when I first bought the DAC1-PRE (a DAC is a DAC, inside or out!), but after much use and many, many hours of listening, I have truly grown to value this little box. It has great flexibility (i/o’s) and the sound is spectacular.<br /> <br /> In this digital world, we need a good go-between to our analog ears. Benchmark has made excellence (relatively) affordable. <br /> <br /> shane<br />

If you are willing to spend the money (by used?), you might want to look at the Benchmark DAC1. It is one of the few DAC's that gets a high bit rate (24bit) stream out of your computer through USB. Most are 16bit. You might want to go to the site, and/or give them a call. I've spoken to them and they are knowledgeable and very helpful. They should be able to answer all your questions. I am a DAC!-Pre owner and I think it is a remarkable device. Good luck. shane

Ok Chris, I'm gonna sound like a real dufus but does this mean that if I have a playlist that contains songs with various sample rates and bit rates, I tunes plays them all with the same default setting?<br /> <br /> I have tracks I've ripped at 16bit-44.1k, LP's I've recorded at 24bit-96k, etc... many are in the same playlist.<br /> <br /> How does iTunes deal with this, and how do I play them all in the same playlist at their optimal sample rate?<br /> <br /> Thanks.<br /> <br /> shane