Topic: M-Audio Audiophile 2496 vs M-AUDIO Audiophile 192

[leehookem]

trying to decide which one to buy.  I only record at 24/48, so neither 96/192 is that big of a difference to me.

Eventually (after Christmas) I plan on buying either a pair of AKG K701s or Sony MDR 7506.  I will either get a headphone amp or a nice DAC (probably a Mytek Stereo96).  The sound card will be the first step.  with this setup the 2496 will be fine.

Does the breakout cable on the 2496 add any noise or problems.  on the 192, the digi coax plugs directly in the card.  one less connection to worry about.

Another scenario would be monitors.  I know most have XLR connections, how does the Mytek fit in?  What if I skip the DAC?  I have seen plenty with TRS connectors (192 would be better).  Do any monitors have RCA inputs (2496)?

HELP???

[leehookem]

did I just answer my own question?

[Brian Skalinder]

What's your budget?

I mixed up my office listening playback a long time ago and ended up running PC > M-Audio Audiophile 2496 digital out > Mytek Stereo96DAC > AKG K-501 headphones for quite a while.  I think the Mytek sounds great.  And I really like the K-501s.  But I eventually grew weary of wearing headphones all the time, even though the circumaural K-501s (the cushion surrounds the ear, doesn't rest on top of it) are mighty comfy.  I picked up a pair of monitors a while back (thanks, Heath!) and now run PC > M-Audio Audiophile 2496 digital out > Mytek Stereo96DAC > Alesis M1 MK2 Active Monitors.  I'm glad I did - while I really like headphone listening, I prefer monitors.

FWIW, I also have a pair of Sony MDR-7506.  And while I like the Sony's, IMO the K-501s blow 'em away in both sound and comfort.  Not surprisingly, since the AKGs are open and the Sony's closed.  Also, while the Sony's are also considered circumaural, I'd classify them as a circumaural / supra-aural hybrid, i.e. they rest both around and on my ears:  the diameter of the oval pads are too small to encompass my ears without parts of my ear touching the pads; and the pads aren't very deep, so my ear also hits the soft fabric on the inside of the cup.  (And no, I don't have particularly large ears.)

Oh!  As for the soundcard - I'd go with whatever is least expensive and accomplishes your goals.  An external DAC makes a big difference, I think, so if you go that route - anything with a digital output will do the trick.

[jbraveman]

If you are going to get an external DAC you should stick with the 2496 and save some $$ or even get something cheaper.  All you really need it to do is pass bits.  

[leehookem]

< $150 for the sound card.  I think i've decided on the Audiophile 2496.