Gigabyte, one of the PC motherboard manufacturers, recently launched one of the first motherboards for AMD "Kaveri" APU family. Target audience: likely PC gamers.
Skipping most of the computer jargon and related stuff, this motherboard stands out thanks to its unique (amongst other MBs) audio features. From a dedicated USB port for external USB DACs to replaceable opamps on the board itself. That, plus apparently some extra care for noise isolation, "Nichicon Pro Audio Caps", etc. And some marketing ****.
It really seems to go an extra mile wherever possible, USB power to the dedicated port can be disabled in BIOS, ... Extra miles aside, it still uses Realtek ALC898.
Official site: http://www.gigabyte.us/press-center/news-page.aspx?nid=1226
It may still not be hifi-grade, but it may be a step in the right direction - letting unsuspecting PC users know that a properly amplified analog signal at the source sounds better than the regular noisy circuits on today's motherboards.
Its price currently outweights a simple dedicated linear 5V PSU + isolator by a lot, so buying this board wouldn't make much sense for any hi-fi person, but still - it's nice to see some progress.
Just thought I'd let you know.
Skipping most of the computer jargon and related stuff, this motherboard stands out thanks to its unique (amongst other MBs) audio features. From a dedicated USB port for external USB DACs to replaceable opamps on the board itself. That, plus apparently some extra care for noise isolation, "Nichicon Pro Audio Caps", etc. And some marketing ****.
It really seems to go an extra mile wherever possible, USB power to the dedicated port can be disabled in BIOS, ... Extra miles aside, it still uses Realtek ALC898.
Official site: http://www.gigabyte.us/press-center/news-page.aspx?nid=1226
It may still not be hifi-grade, but it may be a step in the right direction - letting unsuspecting PC users know that a properly amplified analog signal at the source sounds better than the regular noisy circuits on today's motherboards.
Its price currently outweights a simple dedicated linear 5V PSU + isolator by a lot, so buying this board wouldn't make much sense for any hi-fi person, but still - it's nice to see some progress.
Just thought I'd let you know.