RME Soundcards for HTPC

[shezzy2k]

Hi, I wonder if someone can clear something up for me. I am in the process of building a HTPC purely as a music server, I intend to copy my 400+ Cd collection to hard disk, and would like to add a high quality soundcard to deliver analog stereo. I have no interest in multi channel audio at this time or the near future. I have been reading about the RME soundcards on this forum, and would like to know the difference between the DIGI 96/8 PAD which I can get for less than £150, and the RME 9636, and 9632.

Thanks in advance for any response.

 

[Molly]

The 9632 is the new version of the DIGI 96/8 PAD ie analog out etc with upgraded hardware. What is the quality difference? You would probably need a good power amp and speakers to hear the difference.

Is the 9636 digital only?

 

[RobsterD]

What will you be connecting to ?
I have the 9632 into a valve amp and am very happy with SQ,not heard or had any experience with the 9636 or DIGI/PAD.
Rob

 

[Steve Bate]

Shezzy2k,

I've got a 96/8 PAD in an audio PC playing ripped APE encoded audio via SP/DIF to my AV32R and a <£2000 CD player and consider the RME to be better with ripped audio, its more expansive and vibrant.

Source is either TAG Cd Player, AV32R, Rotel Amplification, Kef Ref 2.2's or my HCPC playing ripped audio from a networked AVServer storing APE lossless encoded audio into the AV32R

As with all things HCPC YMMV

HTH

Steve

 

[shezzy2k]

What will you be connecting to ?
I have the 9632 into a valve amp and am very happy with SQ,not heard or had any experience with the 9636 or DIGI/PAD.
Rob

I Will be connecting to a Roksan Kandy Amplifier for now, but will be looking to upgrade with an additional power amp later this year.

@ Steve Bate
Thanks for the tip...I was looking to follow the same route using ape lossless encoding.

BTW - Thanks to all for the replies...will probably go with the 96/8 PAD...For Now


Regards,

Shezzy2k

 

[Ken]

Steve, how do the DAC's in the RME compare to the DAC's in the AV32R?
Have you compared the cd player and the RME in the analogue domain?

Ken

 

[Molly]

Shezzy2k

Look at Xlobby as a front end for you system. Once you get the bug you'll expand to a multi room system using the Rme expansions boards. I have multi room sound in the living room, kitchen and garden (outdoor speakers from ebay).

You can use ape files with a winamp plugin.

Good Luck

 

[shezzy2k]

Shezzy2k

Look at Xlobby as a front end for you system. Once you get the bug you'll expand to a multi room system using the Rme expansions boards. I have multi room sound in the living room, kitchen and garden (outdoor speakers from ebay).

You can use ape files with a winamp plugin.

Good Luck

Thanks, looks interesting...I'll give it a go!

 

[Madders]

Or you can just buy my HTPC currently for sale in the classifieds and you'll be "good to go"!

 

[shezzy2k]

Or you can just buy my HTPC currently for sale in the classifieds and you'll be "good to go"!

Hmmm....very tempting, but it'll be too easy that way. I'll never have as much satisfaction as knowing that I put it all together myself.

Also this case HERE looks like being the one to have.