Valve Amp Chassis

[Themis]

Andre, I don't discuss the point that the sound is ok for your setup. It certainly is, you're the best person to decide on that. But the HRT has a -1.8dB on the audible spectrum, this clearly has an enormous sonic signature, very far from any dac in the market...

The only "improvement" I can see is on the dac side : but, then, if you introduce a "neutral" dac, not sure you will appreciate the result.
What are the digital outs of your ASUS ? (I have also an ASUS laptop, but I use it only for Photoshop. Great laptops.)

[Rare Bird]

Yes the technical issue you mention do exist but i've compared this to the Benchmark USB DAC, i'm sorry to say that even though the Benchmark is just suppose to be that a benchmark, i hated the over bright sound..the HRT sound perfect technical spec or not..Never believe what you see in most instances it's bull shit.

Digital outs? if you coming around to ''it's not good taking the power source from down the same USB the signal comes''..That is one of the design features of the HRT it doesnt work like other steamers.Asus are very fast lappies. i have two notepads aswell.Besides laptop aside it's technically only a media library, nothing in there use use to play the sounds it's all outboard..

[Themis]

I don't like the Benchamrk either. You don't have an optical out on the laptop ?

Have you tried the Caiman dac ?

[Rare Bird]

No Demitri.Not intrested in the Caiman or digital outputs..

[Themis]

No problemo. Just proposing to your "how to improve without thousands" phrase.

Have a look at this : http://www.usbdacs.com/Products/Products.html
or this : http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=15185