E-MU 0404 USB as a hi-rez bridge from PC to Controller

In your article in the May 2009 Stereophile reviewing the Bel Canto USB Link 24/96, you mentioned the E-MU 0404 as a viable alternative. My desire is to get as high a quality of sound as possible out of a PC dedicated as a music server and connect it to my Anthem D2 via an S/PDIF connection, using the DAC in the Anthem which can handle up to 96/24. I have been looking for good alternatives for this that are not price prohibitive and the E-MU 0404 seemed like a good option.

How can you tell what really sounds good?

I have a set of Klipschorns that I listen to two channel on. I have had them for about ten years. Every other speaker I have listened to has sounded dull and lifeless compared to them. I recently aquired another set of speakers and placed them in the room with the Klipschorns. It is a large room 20x28 and both sets are at the front with the Klipschorns in the corners. The other speakers were about twelve feet apart on the front wall. As I expected they sounded dull and lifeless. One day I was working on the room and let them play as I was busy.

Does a component's industrial design matter to you? How much?

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In a blog comment, reader Henry writes "I won't buy a component that does not look right . . . . It needs to have a look like someone cared deeply about the appearance of the thing as a function of performance." <P> Does a component's industrial design matter to you? How much?

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