computer dedicated for audio playback/ audio analyzer tools

[kartsmart]

I need to get set up for a pc based audio RTA spectrum analyzer and thought that while I was going to need to purchase a interface like M-audio that maybe some thought should be going using it for sound card ,audio playback. Is there a interface that has better ad-da converters? usb vrs pci for faster speed? what is working for others here on the forums?
last but least what analyzer software gives a bang for the buck?

[MikeBrewster77]

I need to get set up for a pc based audio RTA spectrum analyzer and thought that while I was going to need to purchase a interface like M-audio that maybe some thought should be going using it for sound card ,audio playback. Is there a interface that has better ad-da converters? usb vrs pci for faster speed? what is working for others here on the forums?
last but least what analyzer software gives a bang for the buck?

Purely in terms of the sound card itself, I have a Sound Blaster X-Fi card in my tower and have been happy with the sound quality. It was certainly an improvement over the stock card. I mean, we're not talking audiphile quality here (and these things -- like everything in audio -- can get stupidly expensive) but I listen to music through it 5 days a week while working, and it gets the job done.

[just4kinks]

I'm using an ART USB Dual Pre:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/615405-REG/ART_USBDUALPREPS_USB_Dual_Pre.html

It's a very nice unit and IMO the best available for the price. 24 bit would have been nice, but quite a bit more expensive.

[SEAWOLF97]

Whatever you do..dont use the AC97 built into the PC ....sucks up CPU cycles.

I have a SB Audigy 2ZS in the tower and am happy with its quality.

For streaming...a big Sony laptop with optical out..fed by Toslink to an outboard DAC really makes Pandora sound great thru the 250Ti's. :bouncy:

[Eaulive]

I have a Lexicon Lambda (http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=8), I use it for RTA, it has phantom power and professional quality audio (which I trust more than the "audiophool" stuff :D )

[kartsmart]

I have a Lexicon Lambda (http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=8), I use it for RTA, it has phantom power and professional quality audio (which I trust more than the "audiophool" stuff :D )

price sure seems good at 150.00 , as of using a sound card not good idea being I must have phatton power supply . The goal here is money well spent , I want to get the best music play back using the usb or pci interface.is there any interfaces sound much better than others?