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Post by mowglikun on Jul 10, 2016 21:27:16 GMT
Umm, I was "forced" to keep Pulseaudio because Skype needs it to work :-( But with mpv, audacious, mpd (this one can be controlled from your phone like a sonos system!) and kodi I can easily bypass pulseaudio. If you don't really use software that requires pulseaudio to work I would simply remove it, it is a pain in the neck! By the way, I quite like Arch... I removed it to test Debian Jessie when it came out and I am regretting it every day :-P That AUR is like crack! Not having to worry every time you update must be nice though... As for your Skype-Pulse woes, this might be what you're looking for: wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Skype#Skype_soundIt's a package that emulates Pulse without needing to have it installed. Never got the time to try it, but it might solve your problems! Okay, I'll stop before we Linux this thread off-track.
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garyc
contributing
Posts: 45
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Post by garyc on Aug 9, 2016 13:40:54 GMT
Could someone recommend a budget DAC that would be an upgrade to my UCA202 and will match well with a Kameleon or Ember, when I'm in the position to bite the bullet? Source would be PC, preferably USB out. Cheers, Joe. Hi, new here and not wishing to rehash what has already been said on this topic, but I'm just exploring some other possibilities. First, my situation: Windows PC at work, feeding a UCA222 to a headnhifi.com O2 amp, with Takstar Pro80s/Kam HP1s recently usurped by HD662 Evos (which brought me here in the first place, via hovedfi.dk). So far, so pleased with the Evos that I splashed out on a Fiio X3ii to see what the fuss was about with 24/xxx and DSD. Previously I had a Sansa Clip+ which fell into disuse but which I have since revived. At home I have a Dacmagic 100 but that is mainly used for getting TV sound via optical from the back of a Samsung TV, rather than audio playback from a Windows PC for which it was originally intended. Now, I'm only into less than a week of owning the X3ii, but what I've heard so far has made me wonder about replacing the UCA222 to be able to use 24 bit source 'directly' (I use Foobar2000 so I think I could just use a plugin to downconvert to play to the UCA222 right now). Now, of course, I could use the Fiio X3ii as external DAC and I probably will try this out very soon, but I was casting around to see if there was something to replace the UCA222 as a fixed install (I may not always have the Fiio with me), but around the £50 or so mark. I've found the following: Swissonic (Thomann) 24/192 for 35 euros Topping NX2 USB with amp £33 (but 'only' 24/96 Topping D30 does 24/192, SPDIF and USB, supports DSD64 and DSD128 (listed on their website but can find no sellers??? CS4398 DAC kit USB+Optical 24/192 (eBay £21.50 + 4.50 (£23.50 assembled), needs case etc. FX Audio (DoukStore on eBay) 24/192 with headphone amp £42 Douk Audio XMOS 32/384 DSD1796 £53 I think what I'm trying to do is have a fixed setup at work (where I do most of my listening) that can play 24/xxx files. My suspicion is I won't hear any difference over the UCA222, which is why I don't want to spend too much dosh on implementing this experiment. The X3ii with the Evos really caught my attention, but that could be as much to do with the new headphone experience as anything else. I'm aware of the Meyer/Moran view that possibly the real reason HD audio sources sound better is due to the different mastering approach with greater headroom afforded by 24 bit while mixing and less focus on cramming everything into 6dB of dynamic range specifically for CDs (I paraphrase). One distinct option is to hold off buying any more bits, try out the X3ii as a DAC for a while and then maybe ask Santa for an iFi Nano (looks as if it would fit the bill perfectly). Appreciate any thoughts you guys may have on the other options I have found above. Cheers, Gary
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Rabbit
Administrator
Posts: 7,087
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Post by Rabbit on Aug 9, 2016 13:54:54 GMT
I have an NX2 a d personally, I don't use it for serious listening. While it's really good value for money and considering price, built well I use it mainly as a run around unit with easy to drive headphones. normally attached just to an IPod.
The amp section isn't that powerful and it can sound a little thin IMO. I often resort to analogue alternatives in preference actually. I find the analogue NX3 better although it does have an audible noise floor with low impedance headphones.
The NX2 is useful but not really a strong contender as far as DACs go IMO. Also, the vol pot works backwards!!
Welcome to DIYAH. I sometimes take a look on Hoved but language stops me posting. I like Claus a great deal and I believe he's soon releasing his own branded headphone!!!! He said he might send me one to hear but I bet he forgets..... He's very busy!!!!
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garyc
contributing
Posts: 45
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Post by garyc on Aug 9, 2016 16:14:39 GMT
Yes, I read some of your Topping comments on another thread and I do actually have an NX1a on the way in the post as a result (to use as a buffer in my car for my Samsung phone which gives poor results with the line in, level and/or impedance mis-match I think). In any event, I would prefer to keep using the O2 and just feed it with a DAC.
I have actually installed the X3ii drivers and am using it in DAC mode right now, but it would be inconvenient to keep plugging and unplugging it if I were to use it frequently, but it will be useful to compare and contrast with.
Hoved-fi I encountered via Claus' posts on head-fi and his raving (not in a mad way) about Takstar's offerings. I'm (very) slowly improving in Danish, been on holiday there almost every year in the past 14 years. I must take a close look now to see what Claus was promising!
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Javier
Administrator
Digital bytes
Posts: 987
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Post by Javier on Aug 9, 2016 16:54:55 GMT
Welcome to our place Gary!
I own an iDSD Micro and love it, it is a great DAC that supports almost every format and sample rate under the sun and quite nice as an HPA also, IMO the nano would be a great choice but before spending any money I'd try to test it for a few days if you know any seller who has a return policy. Many (most?) people find no differences between DACs when level matched....
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