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Topic: What do people think of this - MSI Media Live DIVA (Read 2356 times) previous topic - next topic
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What do people think of this - MSI Media Live DIVA

Hey all,

I'm helping someone build a HTPC and I recently came across this motherboard the MSI Media Live DIVA. It has the option of a 5.1 amplified output, direct to speakers via a daughterboard which is what I'm interested in. http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=pr...mp;prod_no=1654 (some specs there, I believe this is also of significance http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread....m#post15349393). It uses a D2 Audio DAE-3 http://www.intersil.com/audio/ unfortunately the datasheet is only available to a 'select few'.

Since the people I'm putting the HTPC together for have no need for a receiver, this is an interesting option. Price wise, it's a rather expensive motherboard even more so here in NZ since it's not normally available and it needs to be a special order. But from what I've seen it won't be more expensive then adding a entry level receiver to the set up. So one of the things I'm wonder is, how it compares to a receiver (with an all digital pathway from the PC) in audio output. I've seen some people claim it compares to they $1000 receiver but I obviously take such claims with a grain of salt without good evidence. Unfortunately I haven't come across any ABX testing although I have found that most people who've used it have been impressed by it, whether it's because their expectations were low or because it's only something a niche market is interestedin or whatever I'm not sure.

I'm presuming/hoping it's at least as good as an entry range receiver. Do people think I'm right? Would I have to go very far up the price range to get something much better in terms of audio output? Obvioulsy a receiver will have other things, input from multiple digital sources, HDMI pass through, DVD player, may be even 1080p up conversion, etc but I'm not considering these at the moment.

One of the things I'm most interested in are the specs. I know specs are usually fudged anyway but I've seen some people comment that from the specs it doesn't seem that good. However knowing how much crap some 'audiophiles' spill (OFC cable, differences in the same bitstream audio quality) I'm looking for a better audience which is why I came here. While it's very difficult to comment on something without listening since there doesn't seem to be any good reviews it seemed better then nothing.

BTW the spec sheet is fairly limited. I don't know enough to ask resonable questions but if there's anything you want to know which will help form you opinion, ask and I'll look in to it. There is someone who was involved in the design who frequents a number of forums particularly the AVSforum so I can ask there to try and find out. Obviously some spec coming from a random invidual is even less reliable then from the manufacturer but I guess it's better then nothing.