[linux-audio-user] External DAC for mastering use?

[Daniel James]

> Why do
> you want to do D/A. I would maintain digital all the
> way unless I've got some external analog gear that is
> very high quality.

Well, in your mastering room I know you've got Mackie powered 
monitors, so I'd expect you're using a digital input on those and the 
D/A I'm talking about is taking place on a board inside the speaker.

In my case, I already have some good amps and passive speakers - I'm 
intending to use a Cyrus Two amp and a pair of Tannoy Cheviots, which 
have the 12" dual concentric HPD drivers, a later version of the 
Monitor Golds. These are much better than most target listening 
devices, and since my house isn't very big the mastering suite has to 
double as the lounge! (Some acoustic treatment will no doubt be 
required, as I can hear flutter echoes at present.)

The source material is recorded on a Delta 1010, so I'm now thinking 
an appropriate setup on the mastering machine would be an Audiophile 
PCI, with maybe an external DAC upgrade later. The plan is to make 
the mastering box (which will be an Opteron 240 with 1GB RAM) run 
headless with a wi-fi card, so the display is on a laptop or tablet.

Then I'll be able to sit on the sofa and listen away from the 
nearfield, and tweak settings without having a large noisy machine 
between me and the speakers. That's the theory, anyway... 

Thanks for all the advice!

Daniel