SM Pro Audio IN5 via S/PDIF to Audiophile 2496

[wheelema]

I'm building a new workstation (2GHz w/512MB, 80GB storage) running Win2K and am leaning towards the SM Pro Audio IN5 (http://www.smproaudio.com/in5.htm) for the pres and the headphone amps via S/PDIF to a Audiophile 2496.

I've heard some praise for the SM preamps. If anybody has heard of any issues with SM gear in general or the IN5 in particular, specially with drivers, I'd love to know about them.

Alternatively, I have been toying with using the Echo Mia instead of the Audiophile 2496, but then I would have to get a separate MIDI card (one that will, like the SB, convert MIDI to audio.... but, please do not suggest the SB).

Thanks for your help

 

[fprod south]

I've got the sm pro audio pr-8. This is an 8 channel pre amp strip. Let's just say they should have called mine the pr-7. One the pre amps hasn't worked since I took it out of the box. Maybe I just got a dud, and I haven't tried dealing with the company because I can only use 6 of the pre amps with my set up anyway.
The pre amps are nothing to write home about. I use the digi001, and the sm pro pre amps are not noticably better than the ones that came with the digi001. The sm pro pres pick up a little more bottom end and are more muddy (depending on if the glass is half empty half full)

Was it worth the $250 I paid? Without a doubt (well, except for the fact that the price came down $50 a month later). Would I recommend sm pro audio? Based on my experience, if price is a major concern, sure.

I don't know anything specific about the IN-5.

 

[wheelema]

Yes, price is a biggie. The IN5 is pretty rich in features that I need; gathers it all together in one place. I liked the Echo MONA, but it was a little too pricey and now it is a little too discontinued. Of course, if the price comes down because of that, well.... I won't be buying anything much before the end of January, so I will have a chance to see what NAMM brings to the table.

If anyone has a ticket to NAMM that they are going to toss, it would be great if you tossed it my way. I'm close to Anaheim, but too poor to swing the cost of admission. Wish that NAMM believed in reasonably priced passes to see the exhibits.