soloz2

Here's a couple pics of an XtremeMusic I modded





Much more sensible IMO.


Back to the Burson's. They are nice and yes, I do find them better than say a pair of OPA627. But factor in the size and cost and they aren't really a direct comparison. A pair of OPA627 run about $60 where a pair of Burson dual Discrete OPamps run almost $200.
You can spend the money and put them in as many devices and audio outputs as you want, but they still are not a substitute for a REAL discrete output stage. Instead of purchasing a sound card like that I think I'd spend my money on a GOOD USB DAC.

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musicPC

Wo. more beefed up soundcards!

Partsconnexion hasn't come back to me regarding the dimensions of their modified Audiotrak... dam it... I was hoping to get one before this weekend.

As for the Bursons, I am reading more and more good things about these Aussies. Correct me if I am wrong but OPA627 is a single opamp... so comparing apples with apples the Burson an't that expensive ($90 for a pair of singles Burson opamps)

As for the USB over soundcard argument... I think with this Burson opamps added, this Audiotrak is far more complex in design compared to most USB dacs out there. And for $300 I don't think you can get any decent USB Dac + cables + headphone amp + more cables...

To me a soundcard is more convenient and integrated. I think you would agree too since you are hot-roding your soundcards. : )

bigstan

This soundcard, this thread, this forum, you guys rock! I've come to the right place!

ChielScape

great... sound cards beat graphics cards to triple slot.

Chipp

I admire the initiative, but I'd be seriously worried about EMI and RFI having that much discrete gear shoved into a case with all the other things that go in there. Seems like you'd just be begging for interference.

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musicPC

I think that's why those hot rod companies selected the Audiotrak HD2 in the first place. It has a noise filtering network in there that deals with the issues.

Old Hippie

Nice little overall view but I still like the mod pics.

My uber Audio Research, Acoustat, and "preamp of the month", days are over but this stuff is still interesting.

bigstan

I like it. I don't mind 2 channel. (only got 2 ears). This could be a nice second playback source.

soloz2

Yes, opa627 is one channel, it depends on he configuration, when I mentioned the price difference I was referring to the balanced topology in my CDP that uses a two channel op-amp (or two opa627) per channel.

You'll still need some nice cables and that headphone amp with this sound card.

Another thing that stuck out at me when I first looked at the card, but figured size was more of a deterrent.

that, to me, reads: just another unnecessary component/circuit in the audio path...

__________________
Please do not PM me general audio questions that should be asked on the open forum. I reserve the right to ignore your PM's.

Current Sound: SA tweaked Auzen X-Fi Prelude > SA Reference IC > Musical Paradise MP-301 6v6 tube amp> Tekton Designs 4.1 single driver loudspeakers

Feedback: Heatware Ebay

bigstan

to me, a USB dac is just an external soundcard. it's not a magic black box that somehow corrects error, noise etc.

As long as it's a good soundcard, internal, external, same.