Notice of SMP Sale!

[Gurm]

Folks,

Since nobody actually GOES to the "Happy Shopper" forum, I figured I'd announce it here... my SMP rig is officially for sale. To learn more, go to the Happy Shopper forum, and then e-mail me!

- Gurm

[isochar]

(I'm not interested in purchasing it)

Are you selling it because of the instability problems with audio cards and SMP setups?

If so, this very well may be the solution: http://www.stereo-link.com

I have the unit on my desk now and tinkering with it. Unfortunately, I don't have an SMP system to test stability... I'm under the assumption that there should be no problems since the device works without any sound drivers.

[isochar]

One thing I found interesting were these devices around all the wires (except power):

[Gurm]

Isochar,

Those devices are de-ferroting (sp?) coils, or rings. They make sure you get no magnetic interference or crosstalk. Low-tech solution to a high-tech problem... big hunks of iron.

Anyway, how does this device do with directsound, and whatnot? Games? I don't REALLY care about 3D sound, but environmental audio is nice, etc. etc.

- Gurm

[isochar]

So the SMP/Audio Card problems are the reason for your sale?

The directsound works well in everything. I haven't noticed any stutters in audio playback at the desktop even with heavy file swapping. Ditto for Starcraft and Unreal Tournament. (Only games on my system) Haven't tried any Environmental Audio playback.

As far as the sound quality, I can't hear the difference between the Stereolink and an Audigy. (PS. there is definately an audible difference between the Live! and the Stereolink.) Next in line is a test using my Sennheiser HD600s, once I figure out why the headphone out on the Stereolink doesn't work...

[isochar]

Does anyone know the exact name of these lead "filters"? I'm probably just going to stick with the audigy and buy these. (Much cheaper)

[Gurm]

Well, if you're gonna stick with the audigy... send that stereolink this way!

Seriously though, there are other reasons for my sale. Audio is one big one, considering that I have a surround-sound speaker system devoted exclusively to the PC... but there are others.

Lots of stuff just DOESN'T WORK in SMP.

Sony stuff, in particular. Pain in the rear end.



Plus every time I put in a new piece of hardware, I can GUARANTEE that it won't work with SMP out of the box. Pretty terrible, if you ask me. But that's the way it is.

- Gurm

P.S. Go to Radio Shack and ask for deferriting (sp?) rings. They'll know what they are.

[Rags]

Radio Shack, you've got questions, we've got blank stares.

Rags

[isochar]

Stereo-link has a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can buy it and try it out for 2 weeks. (I'm not sure if they'll refund shipping, but $8 bucks is a small investment if it's something that you may like)

I did call Radio Shack, but the individuals there were "uninformed". They transferred me to the tech-savy department which was closed.

[Greebe]

They are typically called EMI supression cores... they are made of ferrite

[Greebe]

Gurm, they are not "big hunks of iron". they are made of ferrite... same stuff that AM radio antenna cores are made from and are not attracted to magnetic fields

[Greebe]

http://www.alliedelec.com/catalog/pf.asp?FN=601.pdf

[Gurm]

Ferrite, Iron... same element, different alignment.

- Gurm

[Greebe]

Bullshit... but I am way to tired at the moment to pull your head out, so I'll jump back in your shit in the morning

[Rags]

Originally posted by Gurm
Ferrite, Iron... same element, different alignment.

- Gurm

Not true, unless you are referring to ferrite magnets, in this case they are iron oxide and boron.

But the ferrite suppressors are not made of soley iron oside, most are made of oxides of manganese and other elements, usually zinc.

Rags