Delta44+DMP3 vs. Echo GINA 3G - which one for me?

[LaXu]

I'm planning to get a new soundcard to replace my SB Live Value. I don't wish to use two soundcards at the same time and neither do I need fancy game-fx like EAX and whatnot. My uses would be mostly multimedia (movies, music, games) and occasional recording (guitar and bass miced with a Shure SM57).

Now, at first I was going to grab the DMP3 and an Audiophile 2496 until I found out I can't get my computer speakers (Altec Lansing ATP3, two flat-panel speakers and a subwoofer) and headphones (wireless Vivanco) connected at the same time without using a mixer, which would bump the price into the same class as the DMP3+Delta44. So basically this is what I need:

• Soundcard that works with multimedia apps (so troublefree drivers are a must)
• At least two stereo outputs, no RCA connecters
• Mic preamps, two is enough
• Don't need loads of inputs (both setups have enough inputs)
• Preferably MIDI I/O, at the moment I have no use for MIDI but in the future, who knows..it's one of those "nice to have..just in case" things.

At the moment the Echo GINA 3G seems like a worthy contender, the DMP+Delta44 combo would cost me 346€ while the GINA 3G is 369€. Both really more than I'd like to spend but it hurts only once...
The Echo seems a bit easier to hook up and has MIDI which the Delta44 is lacking. EMU stuff is out of the question (more expensive).

Now I've got a couple of questions:

• Will I notice any sound quality improvements over the SB Live? Recording will be certainly improved but what about playback? I've really had no problems with the SB (using KX Project drivers) but then again a guy who has never seen a car would be perfectly happy traveling by horse and wagon...
• Which one of these setups will offer better value and sound quality?
• Any drawbacks or problems with either of these setups that I might not be aware of?

Experiences of either setup would be much appreciated.

 

[Bulls Hit]

I have the 44 and it's a great card.
Does the dmp3 have 2 pres or just 1?

Another option would be a small mixer like the Yamaha MG10/2 instead of the dmp3. It's got 4 preamps. Costs $96, not sure what that is in euros

 

[alien]

First question: What kind of motherboard do you have (ie chipset)?

 

[LaXu]

First question: What kind of motherboard do you have (ie chipset)?

I've got an Asus A7N8X-X, which has the nForce2-400 chipset. Using an AMD Athlon 2600+ processor (overclocked, 1.9 GHz @ 2.3 GHz). 1 GB of RAM.

Bulls Hit, the DMP3 has got 2 pres, more than enough for me. Over here the Yamaha MG 10/2 goes for 111€ ($138). I need to check into the MG, that would cut costs quite a bit 'cause I could get the Audiophile 2496 and route my speakers and headphones through the mixer, right? How do the preamps on the MG compare to the DMP3 or the GINA 3G, anyone got an idea?

 

[Bulls Hit]

Yeh the mixer gives you lots of routing options.

I know the dmp3 is supposed to be a good preamp. I have the MG12/4 and the pres are also very quiet. Certainly for what you pay you get your money's worth

 

[minofifa]

what is the price of the GINA comparted to the delta 44 and the DMP3 togeter? if they are close i would definately go with the GINA. with the GINA you get ARGUABLY better converters and better preamps, plus you have the option of using ADAT and MIDI if you want in the future.

 

[LaXu]

what is the price of the GINA comparted to the delta 44 and the DMP3 togeter? if they are close i would definately go with the GINA. with the GINA you get ARGUABLY better converters and better preamps, plus you have the option of using ADAT and MIDI if you want in the future.

It's up there in the first post:
"the DMP+Delta44 combo would cost me 346€ while the GINA 3G is 369€"
So the price difference is not much.

The Audiophile 2496+Yamaha MG10/2 combo is very attractive price-wise but the drawback is somewhat complicated wiring and lots of stuff I don't really need. Pondering all these choices really makes time fly.