Don't get me wrong....the empeg delivers a very good quality sound (at least to my ears) but always wondered what a Stereo Link would do to my empeg. At least for home purposes...

http://www.stereo-link.com

I think it would do nothing to your Empeg, since the two cannot connect at all.

Cheers

If you are questioning which will sound better, Empeg or Stereo Link, I would assume it depends on the DAC in the Stereo Link. From what I know (which is not a lot), the Empeg's DAC is on the higher end of the quality spectrum.

As a side note... I never understood the usefulness of this thing when you can buy a sound card with digital out for $7.99.

Think Laptops. You can't easily upgrade the sound in a laptop.

Calvin

If this thing is only good for people using a laptop of all things as an MP3 server, then they must be running a lot of ads in mental hospitals.

Well, I know a few people who set up home based music servers. They pick up a very bare bones box, like an old laptop that is easily concealable in the stereo rack, and then wireless network that to a file store. And these older machines can't upgrade as easily to better sound.

Why is that crazy?

Calvin

Why is that crazy?

Because laptop drives are exponentially more expensive then desktop drives. Also the fact that even ATX-based "classic" Pentium machines have USB ports.

This is the setup i have, a laptop next to the stereo is connected to the network with all the music. I chose to buy the JVC RX 8010V receiver that has a USB input. Audio is sent to the reciever via USB, and the DAC in the receiver is used. This also avoids all the nasty ground loop problems involved with hooking up a computer to a stereo.

I wonder if there are digital PCMCIA cards that would have a direct digital sound output? That would have to be cheaper than a stereo-link!

-Ted

I had the JVC RX8010V and agree that just getting a receiver with a USB port is better than spending $150 on the Stereo Link.

Or... an even better idea is to pick up a Rio Receiver.

I said networked to a file store. You can pick up a cheapie laptop for under 200 bucks.

Would I do this myself? Nope. Do I think it's crazy and therefore not worth trying? Nope.

Calvin

I said networked to a file store.

Ok, sorry I missed that bit of info. That is not a bad idea since laptops are quiet, but Rio Receiver is still better and cheaper.

I agree with you there Rob.

Calvin

Quiet? I wish mine was! My Inspiron sounds like a jet engine taking off when both fans get going!

Rio Receiver is also better in that it's designed to be on all the time. Laptops weren't designed for this sort of thing. Especially since some overheat if you close the lid when it's running.

- Trevor