Audio Card advice

[dice]

I'm an audiophile to the extreme, but as far as computer sound cards go I don't know much.

I've been having trouble with this Razer AC-1 for years now. Most recently, routing my xbox360's digital audio through it apparently fried all the other inputs on the card and Razer basically told me to go fuck myself because I can't provide proof of a purchase that occured over 4 years ago. I can't swap the input back to my mic or line in, so I tried reinstalling and now the drivers crash on boot-up. If I try to load them manually I get blue screened. I have decided this piece of junk shall be introduced to my sledgehammer before being mailed back to Razer. I might even print out the transcript of my e-mail conversation with support, rub my nuts on it, and include it in the mailing.

I've been to Creative's version of hell before this card and don't plan to go back.

Is there a company out there that actually makes good audio cards with decent drivers?

[ZERO]

As an audiophile I can tell you that you do NOT WANT A SOUND CARD.

If you care anything at all about audio you require an EXTERNAL DAC. You can then connect it to the computer via USB as I do or via coxal or optical. Due to the laws of nature it is physically impossible for a sound card to EVER sound superior to an external DAC.

Depending on how much money your looking to spend you can even get DAC/Amps as well.

First I would recommend searching Head-fi.org for dacs that fit your needs as well as reviews.

Audio Gd makes some great Dac amps like the fun (which is the unit that replaced mine (the compass)) as well as some great sounding dedicated neutral dacs: http://www.audio-gd.com/En%20audio-gd.htm

Little Dot also makes great products like the ones below:
http://www.littledot.net/forum/viewt...2c7f41abb44ebd
http://www.littledot.net/forum/viewt...2c7f41abb44ebd
http://www.littledot.net/forum/viewt...2c7f41abb44ebd

Both of these producers make some great products are very reasonable prices. These companies are well known for producing high value products.

[dice]

I almost bought a dac with my grado sigs but I want something that goes inside my case so its not something else to lug around and quite frankly dacs are pricey.

I've got gear to listen to my music, I don't cream over my records via computer. I just want a sound card whose drivers weren't written by dropouts and has good enough reproduction that I don't cringe when I listen to movies/games.

[ZERO]

You do realize that the first little dot dac I sent you is smaller than a sound card and costs less money...

[DJ_MikeyRevile]

mmm the power of amps and dacs

[dice]

You do realize that the first little dot dac I sent you is smaller than a sound card and costs less money...

Its a vact though, isn't it fragile?

[ZERO]

It would be no different than transporting a glass. Just make sure nothing hits the bulb and your good. Also other companies make small dacs as well just that they cost (possibly also sound) more.

[dice]

Thanks for the tips Z I'll look around for DACs, I might even cheat and find a way to mount it my 5.25 bays

[DJ_MikeyRevile]

Thanks for the tips Z I'll look around for DACs, I might even cheat and find a way to mount it my 5.25 bays

Proactive thinking. Though i recommend not doing that. keep it out and set it someone where flashy =D

[Andrew_Pavlik]

Wow I never new anything like this existed, I will be getting one of these soon.