Good 24 BIT soundcard?

[metalbob]

I am upgrading my turntable to a high end one. After reading here that my Soundblaster is NOT up to snuff I am looking to upgrade my soundcard to make better quality vinyl transfers. I am not looking to spend a fortune, but a decent card for a decent price. I'd like to get into the 24/96 range.

I actually did a test the other night. After listening to the feed of very clean vinyl through headphones plugged into the soundcard (which was probably already compromised running through there), I checked the playback and it was flat and lost all the dynamic range of the vinyl. I am using Cool Edit 1.x to edit and clean up any clicks etc. recording at 32Bit, so I am assuming it is the card.

[Ronald]

Some musicians I know like the M Audio Audiophile 24/96 digital audio card. It may seem pricey at $180.00 at americanmusical.com (http://www.americanmusical.com) although you can probably search elsewhere for it. However, many people feel the card is well worth the money. The card has both SPDIF input/output and RCA analog input/output.

There are other M Audio Cards available but they are definitely aimed at professionals and their prices reflect that.

There is a 24/96 a/d d/a converter, but I don't know what engine or chip it uses for the sampling and conversion.

I don't have any experience with the card, but I am in the market for one to create well mastered CDs from LPs for listening in the car.

There are probably a number of opinions in audioasylum.com (http://www.audioasylum.com) and audioforums.com (http://www.audioforums.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/forumdisplay.cgi?actio)

Hope this helps.

[rontokyo]

I use and like the M-Audio Audiophile 2496, but be warned that you can't adjust recording levels from your desk top [as you would with almost all soundcards]--you need a preamp. If your analog signal is coming from an integrated amplifier, you'll need to use your tape player's recording level knob to adjust levels [and arrange cables accordingly].

[metalbob]

So, I would need to adjust the volume of the amp or pre amp to adjust the volume? That stinks.

Do you think using it this way effects the sound quality in any way?

BOB

[rontokyo]

Adjusting the recording level via your preamp [if you've got one] is the cleaner of the two options. The analog sound has got to get into your computer from your stereo--using the preamp to adjust the level is a straight shot and should have no effect on sound quality.

If you're using an integrated amp [like me] then you need another way to adjust the recording level. I've found using a tape player's "recording level" adjustment knob works just fine. [And the analog sound you're recording will go from the tape player to your computer.] But you're addinng another component into the chain which certainly won't help sound quality any. But to what extent it degrades the sound. . . I really can't say.

[metalbob]

After reading your post, I did some more reading. It seems like there is a way to adjust the levels with software, but it is rather difficult to find. According to this article, "the layout and functionality of this Panel is great and well thought-out." I think this might help you out:

http://www.tweakmax.com/html/ap2496/ap2496-4.cfm

BOB

[rontokyo]

Bob:
Yes, I'm familiar with the "monitor mixer" pictured on the site you provided. And believe me, I played with that thing for many hours--trying every possible configuration so as to adjust the recording level. I finally contacted the audiophile techie at some on-line site who had originally recommended the card and was told I'd need a preamp [he assumed I had one when he first recommended the card to me]. So rather than either lose the card or completely reinvent my system with an amp/preamp combo, I hit upon the idea of using my tape player's recording level knob to adjust volume. Works fine.

If you've got an amp/preamp setup, then go ahead and get the card [and adjust levels with volume knob on your preamp]--I don't think you'll be disappointed. But go ahead and check with the manufacturer [M Audio]. If I'm found to be wrong, no one will be happier than me.

Near as I can figure, the card serves two tpyes of users--those recording analog sound from their stereo [as in vinyl] and those recording outboard musical instruments. For the former, M Audio probably figured that the stereo system would be somewhat "high end" and use a preamp. The "monitor mixer" provided in the software provides level adjustments for the latter [musicians].

[Edge_88]

Hey I have Van Halen DCC cd it rocks