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Topic: M-Audio Revo 5.1 vs. 7.1 (Read 3332 times) previous topic - next topic
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M-Audio Revo 5.1 vs. 7.1

Hello all,

I apologize for my probably dumb question, but I'm having a real trouble choosing between these two to use with Linux/ALSA. My budget is around $100 and M-Audio Revo 5.1 seems to be well respected here on HA... But I didn't manage to find much information on the 7.1 model.

From what I've read, 5.1 is "better" due to a single (and generally better) DAC, that's also used in Audiophile 192. But then again, 5.1 has some kind of "hacked" wiring (for the headphone output), hmmm...

I'm very interested to hear opinions about pros and cons of both models before I make a decision. Thanks in advance for any replies.

M-Audio Revo 5.1 vs. 7.1

Reply #1 –
Quote
I'm very interested to hear opinions about pros and cons of both models before I make a decision. Thanks in advance for any replies.


One thing the Revo 5.1 is cheaper and has a nifty mixing console, which can be altered for different speaker setups. It has a SPDIF digital I/O coaxial, 6 analog inputs, and some limited gaming features like EAX, which is not terrible important if you are just listening to music (it can support OpenAL too with custom drivers  from website, which is more of a software thing). They both use the Via Envy24 chipset like most hi-end cards. One feature that is missing from both of them I believe is the fact that there is no optical output, which a lot of folks prefer, which is why they go for the Chaintech AV-710 and other cards.
budding I.T professional

M-Audio Revo 5.1 vs. 7.1

Reply #2 –
Quote from: HotshotGG on
It has a SPDIF digital I/O coaxial, 6 analog inputs, and some limited gaming features like EAX, which is not terrible important if you are just listening to music (it can support OpenAL too with custom drivers  from website, which is more of a software thing). They both use the Via Envy24 chipset like most hi-end cards. One feature that is missing from both of them I believe is the fact that there is no optical output, which a lot of folks prefer, which is why they go for the Chaintech AV-710 and other cards.

Hmm, I always thought, EAX, Sensaura, etc. are some kind of software thingies... As for the optical output, I was unable to find something like Prodigy7.1 (which has it) in russian e-shops, so I'm choosing between Revo5.1 and 7.1. Actually, what's the buzz about optical out? If I ever decide to buy digital amp/speakers, can't I just use the coaxial cord??

EDIT: have just read in Wikipedia that "Adaptors do exist to convert the coaxial RCA Jack S/PDIF to the optical TOSLINK S/PDIF and vice versa (though most individual adaptors are one-way only)."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spdif

M-Audio Revo 5.1 vs. 7.1

Reply #3 –
Quote from: HotshotGG on
One thing the Revo 5.1 is cheaper and has a nifty mixing console, which can be altered for different speaker setups. It has a SPDIF digital I/O coaxial, 6 analog inputs, and some limited gaming features like EAX, which is not terrible important if you are just listening to music (it can support OpenAL too with custom drivers  from website, which is more of a software thing). They both use the Via Envy24 chipset like most hi-end cards. One feature that is missing from both of them I believe is the fact that there is no optical output, which a lot of folks prefer, which is why they go for the Chaintech AV-710 and other cards.

Though the 5.1 is cheaper, the 7.1 also has a nifty mixing console. (probably the same software..?)

Never had any problems with mine. 

Edit: the 7.1 also works fine under linux.

M-Audio Revo 5.1 vs. 7.1

Reply #4 –
Yeah, I'm also waving to 7.1 more and more... After all, Envy24 is a 7.1 chip, right? And I don't want any hacked down 5.1 version even if it's said to have a superior DAC!

M-Audio Revo 5.1 vs. 7.1

Reply #5 –
Thank you Krazy and HotshotGG! I am ordering 7.1 after all, hope it arrives soon  (sorry for double posting)

M-Audio Revo 5.1 vs. 7.1

Reply #6 –
Quote
Yeah, I'm also waving to 7.1 more and more... After all, Envy24 is a 7.1 chip, right? And I don't want any hacked down 5.1 version even if it's said to have a superior DAC!


The Envy24 chip is top notch DAC used in most hi-end soundcards. Does it have a difference on the output and overall sound quality? That's the big question that a lot of people discuss when it comes to audio hardware, etc but several tests have proven this to be the case via Rightmark Audio Analyzer and other types of software. It's just a better overall experience as well seing that will last you for a long time.
budding I.T professional