Which A/D converter for my setup?

[visionary432]

I'm currently in the process of upgrading my preamp to the True P-Solo, and my soundcard is an M-Audio 2496. To further improve my sound, I'm thinking of purchasing an A/D converter so I can get an improved digital signal. My price range is $400-700. I'm not looking for any features, just a clean transparent signal. What would be some good converters in this price range? Thanks

 

[LeeRosario]

hmm...I dunno, man.


When you're talking about A/D conversion, it's either A) The A/D converters on the interface are horrid (ex. 888 units) or B) you're convinced the 10% improvement is absolutly nessessary. You're talking audiophile icing on the cake.

And I'm refering to more expensive setups. So if you're a mastering engineer or a high end studio owner, then yeah...A/D converters are worth your while.

I'm not convinced that you would be pleased with the expected results of a 700dollar A/D converter unless the M-aUDIO A/D conversion is *that* horrible. Probably better to spend it on additional channels of good preamps (focusrite stuff sounds good), or a good mic.

My two cents.

 

[BigRay]

Actually, the mytek stereo 96 is stellar...around that price.

 

[Robert D]

Hi vis, You didn't mention your monitoring setup, and you specified only an A/D upgrade. Your thinking is probably to put the money into the front end, that D/A isn't in the recording chain, and so is less important. Sound logic, but let me just warn you that without both a solid monitoring system and equally good D/A, you're going to have a hard time hearing your A/D investment pay off. You might want to check out the Lynx L-22 card. It's around $650, and will give you both A/D and D/A that is both "mastering quality" (Bob Katz), and "true audiophile quality" (Audiophile magazine artical on if audiophile quality is possible from a computer).

 

[FALKEN]

often a good AD converter will have a better clock than your DA converter and will thus improve it nicely. at least that's what i banked on.

 

[RezN8]

Also look into RME and Apogee products.

You're going to LOVE that P-Solo BTW.

 

[visionary432]

Also, I forgot to add this question. My current mic for vocals is an Audio-Technica AT3035. Would I be better off using the money for a high end mic or a converter? Thanks for the responses guys

 

[xstatic]

Getting a better mic will definately make more of a difference than just adding a better converter. That being said, if you can get into a Mytek for under $700 that would be a great deal, and will grow with you where your current mic may not. You should also be able to easily find a Lucid in the $500 and under category as far as converters go, but I would still go with the Mytek. You will be hard pressed to find one of the better Apogees in that price range though.