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Need some feedback about what to buy

201.253.223.221

Hi, I'm new to this forum, found it today and I've been reading a lot. I've been using my PC with Linux and Amarok audio player to play my music for some time but I'm not satisfied by the audio performance I get from it. My soundcard is an M-Audio Revolution 7.1 and my stereo setup is a NAD 317 integrated amplifier with a pair of B&W's 802 S2.
I'm very happy with my stereo but I have much better sound from a consumer level CD player than from my computer. So I decided I should get a USB DAC, I didn't even know these existed until I got to this forum and in fact I really don't understand whats the difference between an USB DAC and a USB sound card if this one is used for audio playback only. Some clarification is appreciated.

So, I think an USB DAC would be the best because I'm planning to get a laptop for audio reproduction and I found two choices in this forum:
* Firestone Fubar II (http://www.firestone-audio.com/cgi-bin/product.asp?pdtseqnm=2#)
* Stereo-link 1300 (http://www.stereo-link.com/Static/1200Desc.html)
* Anything else you can sugest in the $100 - $200 range.

The first one is almost half price and most suited to my budget really, but I can make an effort to buy the most expensive one if it's really worth it.
The problem is that I didn't found reviews on them and I need someone that knows about them if you can sugest if they are worth the price and if they will be ok for the equipment I have. I'm not an audiophile (and I don't have much money), so I'm not looking for the perfect DAC, just something that works really well and that fits my current equipment sonic quality.
Thank you very much.

Francisco

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Topic - Need some feedback about what to buy - FranciscoHS 15:41:23 04/14/07 (13)
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