Hi,
I am looking to buy a USB DAC for my laptop (Asus UL50VT, Intel U7300 @ 1.3 GHz, 4 GB RAM, Windows 7)...
I am using the built-in realtek sound, using the SRS because its flat-and-dead-sounding without it, and read endlessly the suggestions to get myself out of that and into a USB DAC. I want to make a small purchase right now.
I came across the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD (
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102032) for around $100 at newegg, and noticed it also has a phono input on it. So I can use this also with another input on it? That sounds very useful for me for records.
Some folks say (in reviews) they have a tough time with the software/drivers for this. It seems many people say they get it working ok, but a couple complain "without EQ". I don't want to do anything fancy, but it would be nice to be able to turn the bass down while listening to a movie off the PC. Btw: Can I play a movie in the web browser (netflix) and the sound goes out the USB DAC? Should I be able to add software with an equalizer that sees an ASIO device with this device?
Do the phono inputs work well for sound, has anybody here tried this?
Are there other (such priced) USB DACs that have phono inputs on them? That I should know about?
I also read wonderful reviews of the HRT Streamer II asynch USB DAC, at $150 (amazon -
http://www.amazon.com/HRT-Music-Streamer-II-Resolution/dp/B0038O4UFQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1300631925&sr=8-4). Some folks calling it as good as the $300 Music Fidelity V-DAC... Any idea of the difference in sound quality between the HRT and the Creative mentioned above?
TIA, and cheers,
Mark
