Balanced 6-8 channel sound card options?

[Architect7]

I am looking for a sound card with a great DAC/opamp section with 6-8 balanced outputs. The Creative 1820M looks like a great option but it is older and no longer supported. Any modern options? It will be used with Jriver in my active 3-way dipole speakers with one Hypex amp per driver. Jriver will handle crossover duties sending each passband to each balanced output to drive each amp/driver.

 

Thanks!

[DigiPete]

Cost / quality range?

Other specs?

 

Something cheap like: Beringer FCA610

USD 250,-

 

Something affordable like: TC Studio Connect 48

USD 900,-

 

Something middle of the road like: Lynx Aurora 8

USD 1800,-

 

Something expensive like: Metric Halo ULN 8

USD 4500,-

 

 

Also, as I guess you are in the USA, check out Vintage King Audio

 

 

Overviews:

 

Vintage Audio AD/DA

 

Thomann USB AUdio Interfaces

[Audio_ELF]

EMu 1616 offers 6 balanced outputs.

M Audio Delta 1010 offers 10 balanced outputs.

 

Both at the more budget end; above the RME offer various options.

 

Plus the options Pete suggested.

[pooger]

I'd recommend Apogee Symphony series and MOTU also. From a cost point of view, you may want to look at "professional" level equipment that's a few years old rather than a new "consumer" grade piece. I'd recommend Sweetwater as a good dealer.

[pooger]

Cost / quality range?

 

Also, as I guess you are in the USA, check out Vintage King Audio

 

 

Thanks for the link! I had never heard of them, and even though I just recommended Sweetwater, am always interested in other options.

[Architect7]

Awesome, thanks everyone. I am looking at older RME to get a higher quality unit at an affordable price. Which of their offerings would best fit what I am looking for? Thanks!

 

Edit: That TC Studio Connect looks very cool!

[Architect7]

EMu 1616 offers 6 balanced outputs.

M Audio Delta 1010 offers 10 balanced outputs.

 

Both at the more budget end; above the RME offer various options.

 

Plus the options Pete suggested.

 

So I'm still researching options including Focusrite, Presonus, etc. I keep coming back to the M-Audio 1010 because they are so inexpensive and give me the extra two balanced outputs which I now need because i am building a cardioid bass system (one open baffle 18", one sealed 18") so I'll need to correct them independently. Does anyone have experience with the Delta 1010's sound quality? Thanks!

 

Also keeping an eye out for a RME FireFace 800, looks like a nice unit if I can find one for a good deal