My personal DAW solution with external super A/D and D/A converters is in a way ridicules and it more reflects not a need but rather my unhealthy desire to play with margins of possible. Well, perhaps it is a need but it is my own need and I do not plane to convince anybody else - after all use my playback for my own satisfaction and I know what I am getting as the result.  What is interesting - what would be a sane approach to DAW architecture?

Sometimes people ask me if it is possible to have a saner, less extended and more economical version of DAW. My definition of DAW is would include DAW’s onboard A/D, D/A and FM interfaces. So, if someone have tested a very high performing PCI D/A, PCI D/A or FCI FM cards then feel free to share your experiences.

I for instance have a very high regards for Lynx cards. I know that Lynx has reportedly very good integrated cards.

http://www.lynxstudio.com/product_detail.asp?i=11

I heard Lynx D/A a few time, not in my playback. I did not like the sound but it was not my hate of the Lynx cards but my hate of those installations – the owners were clueless what they were doing. In fact I have a hunch that the Lynx integrated cards might be very good – at least much better than the D/A crap that the high end industry produce.

I do not mind to have a good 24bit D/A card and stick it to my work machines, enabling to play 24 bit in my office…