[MarkgM]

Hi,
I just got my (first) USB DAC for the laptop, a Creative HD.  Over the realtek audio built-in, there is a move to a better resolution, giving a smoother response and nicer tones, which is enjoyable, but there seems to also be a bit of fuzz or incoherency or veil with it, albeit subtle, and I'm guesing... Is that a need for break-in?

I'm curious if I should expect a break-in period with a USB DAC.

Cheers,
Mark

[NekoAudio]

There can be, and normally I'd suggest asking the manufacturer. You might try asking on their support forums; there appear to be some admins there answering questions.

[MarkgM]

It is breaking in nicely. 

I'm signed up at the creative forums, but it won't let me post a new message there.  I don't have enuf privileges.

Well, I am finding out about Creative and how bad they are about trying to keep software away from their sound cards.  This includes EQ.  I think these people are at war with their customers.  I found that there is a patch by daniel_k who was a systems engineer for Creative, I believe.  But there are also multiple patches - for different cards, such as "audigy".

I am confused at this point at what I am looking at.  I have a Creative SB x-Fi HD (USB).  It is model SB1240.  I am trying to figure out which group of cards this goes with.  The fixes by daniel_k are scattered around on torrent sites, I think. 

At this point, I would love to have an EQ. 

[MarkgM]

Here's a link for all daniel_k versions of Creative drivers...

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=327083

Mine is a USB one - they are not on the list.  I will have to send him my DAC, so he can have it to make drivers for.  I'm curious if anyone is getting ticks, pops, or  wow-n-flutter in your sound, whether playing from hard disk or or a CD drive, with a creative x-Fi card?

Cheers,
Mark