windows xp

[mancalledaerodynamics]

I'm buying a new cpu, and I have a choice between windows xp pro, or home edition. I want to start sending my final mixes into my computer to burn them, and maybe down the road, begin to actually record on the computer instead of my fostex fd-8. Which OS is the safer bet? I also realize I have to replace the soundblaster card that comes with it, possibly with the audiophile Dio card? It has the spidif and optical ins I am looking for, but I don't know if it is compatible with xp, or if this card is sufficient for other applications besides recording.
Also, it comes with speakers, but they have a 1/8 " micro jack. Is there an adaptor I can get so I can use them with a high end soundcard that has rca outs?
The system comes with a Phillips 40x CDR-W. will this be comparable to the plextor I was going to buy? I have so many questions, but will stop here and thank everyone in advance for their patience and help. Getting ready to embrace this world of PC recording, just want to make sure I get it right before I start burnin' cash.......

 

[elevate]

First off, I would say go with XP Pro, but it's not that big of an issue (unless you plan on using more than one processor or plan on doing a bunch of networking). If you wanna save a few bucks, go with the Home edition.

I also realize I have to replace the soundblaster card that comes with it, possibly with the audiophile Dio card? It has the spidif and optical ins I am looking for

I'm not sure which card you're referring to. There's an Audiophile 2496, a Delta DiO 2496, and a DiO 2448. Either way, they're all M-Audio products and I believe M-Audio has XP drivers for most of their product line, if not all of it.

Also, it comes with speakers, but they have a 1/8 " micro jack. Is there an adaptor I can get so I can use them with a high end soundcard that has rca outs?

I can only imagine what kinda speakers are coming with this computer, and only bad things pop into my head. You're gonna want to get some speakers more suited to the task of audio production, even if they're just some home stereo bookshelf speakers - they're probably gonna be better than some computer speakers.

The system comes with a Phillips 40x CDR-W. will this be comparable to the plextor I was going to buy?

You probably won't notice any difference whatsoever. You may burn a few more coasters a year than you would if you had a Plextor, but it's not a big deal. I've got a cheap-O AOpen CDRW that hasn't burned any coasters since I figured out my PCI IDE controller doesn't play nice with CD burners.

 

[mancalledaerodynamics]

Thanks for the info elevate. The speakers are Harmon Kardon H-395 with a subwoofer, so yeah, they will have to be relaced soon. I'm a little confused about how other high end speakers will connect to the soundcard. The soundblaster Live has a 1/8" jack, and I think the higher end speakers hve rca connections. But if I use stereo speakers as you suggested, would I need to power them?

 

[johnzo]

I realise this is an old thread... but i also want to ask a question relevant here.

1) Are home stereo speakers always better quality than PC speakers? (So an old pair of home stereo ones... be better than my $70 PC speakers)

2) Say i wanted to keep my PC speakers, do these stereo 1/8" female - 2 RCA male adaptors exist??

 

[Monkey Allen]

johnzo it depends on what kind of home stereo speakers i guess. And about your cable, I am pretty sure that if a cable like that does not exist for sale, that it could be made up or adapted. Seems to me you can start and end with all kinds of combinations of plug.

I have a Kenwood home stereo...a little one...the speakers are really good. I also have a TEAC or something like that which is a big boofy shiny blinky nooby stereo... the speakers on that are not all that good. So, it dependes on what kind of speakers, like I said

 

[bennychico11]

i'd recommend going with XP home instead of Pro. For the homerecording stuff you want to do, i'm assuming you won't want to or NEED to get into dual processors or a ton of networking options (which you should keep your computer off the internet anyway).

as far as the cable...yes you can buy an adapter at radio shack or make a cable yourself. just remember, "tie lo to ground".

 

[MichaelM]

I realise this is an old thread... but i also want to ask a question relevant here.

1) Are home stereo speakers always better quality than PC speakers? (So an old pair of home stereo ones... be better than my $70 PC speakers)

2) Say i wanted to keep my PC speakers, do these stereo 1/8" female - 2 RCA male adaptors exist??

1> Thats a very vague question, there are pretty good PC speakers around with subs and things, and there are shit ones. The same with home stereo speakers. You want to know if YOUR old stereo speakers are better than YOUR PC speakers. Why don't you just A/B them and see which ones you like the sound of. I find my PC speakers are terrible for ear fatigue at medium volume levels.

2>Yes they exist. You can get the leads from any electronics store like Radio Shack.