Encore Electronics is a well known company for making affordable electronic peripherals that is distributed around the globe. From wireless, Ethernet networking solutions for Small Office Home Office (SOHO) to home multimedia products for PC to Macintosh platforms.
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| Encore Enma Review! |
In this review we will explain more about the Digital Audio Converter (DAC) from Encore Electronics which is in layman's term it's called the USB External Soundcard.
What is DAC? (Digital
to Analogue Converter) is the piece of equipment in the chain which
decodes the digital data and converts it to an analogue waveform. You
cannot hear digital audio data unless it is passed through a DAC for
conversion. Audio devices from CD, DVD player, mobile phone or computer are able to play digital audio files but they must have a DAC built into it - making
the sound noticeably more enhanced from the source.
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| The packaging! |
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| Inside the Box |
This hidden gem will blow your mind while playing your everyday favorites on your Mac or PC. The connection comprises of the USB connector Type B for PC and also S/PDIF In and S/PDIF Out on the rear on the left hand side dual mono microphone output for those who are into recording on the cheap this will be your best buddy!
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In the front panel
you will see are the headphone input, line-in input, the surround speaker connection inputs. FYI, it may depend on your configuration, likewise I just use the
2.1 since I’m using the M-Audio AV30 bookshelf speakers which is a 2.0 speaker setup.
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| The back side of the Encore ENMAB-8CM |
General Impressions
Look
- The design is common for DAC's from other brands like the old school Creative DAC's or from the NuForce.
- The design is common for DAC's from other brands like the old school Creative DAC's or from the NuForce.
Build
- It feels sturdy enough to last for a good while.
- It feels sturdy enough to last for a good while.
- Connectors are very tight and it gives good connectivity.
Light Indicator
- Blue Light
- Blue Light
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| Trying it out! |
Music
For audiophile enthusiasts, you'll be surprised with the improvements with soundstage, I have used a 2.0 Setup on M-Audio AV30's separation of the instruments that I noticed when I have played Franco's Beautiful Diversion from Apple Lossless format which I bought from iTunes. The sound production is much more like a "3-D" sounding, and it makes the listening experience much more enjoyable because of the soundstage and separation impressions I have stated above.
For audiophile enthusiasts, you'll be surprised with the improvements with soundstage, I have used a 2.0 Setup on M-Audio AV30's separation of the instruments that I noticed when I have played Franco's Beautiful Diversion from Apple Lossless format which I bought from iTunes. The sound production is much more like a "3-D" sounding, and it makes the listening experience much more enjoyable because of the soundstage and separation impressions I have stated above.
Gaming
Powerful drive on speakers raising a bright impression as well as good production on mids and lows by this product matches other sound cards / DAC on the Market. On Crysis 3 via Windows 7 - the performance is mind-boggling, eargasmic feeling. Trust me you will be amazed of the sound production enhanced by the USB Sound Card than Realtek which is out of the box from the motherboards in today's PC market.
Powerful drive on speakers raising a bright impression as well as good production on mids and lows by this product matches other sound cards / DAC on the Market. On Crysis 3 via Windows 7 - the performance is mind-boggling, eargasmic feeling. Trust me you will be amazed of the sound production enhanced by the USB Sound Card than Realtek which is out of the box from the motherboards in today's PC market.
Movies
I have used an old mini component with BBE and Dolby Digital on board. The Separations and Soundstage is very noticeable making the ENMA a steal for HTPC Setups via Windows Operating System if you use the 5.1 Home Theater Audio setup. It has the same effect in making the "3D sounding" experience.
I have used an old mini component with BBE and Dolby Digital on board. The Separations and Soundstage is very noticeable making the ENMA a steal for HTPC Setups via Windows Operating System if you use the 5.1 Home Theater Audio setup. It has the same effect in making the "3D sounding" experience.
Operating System Support
Ubuntu recognizes it very well and it shows a HUGE set of audio In Out Options. Sadly, it only goes up to digital 4.0, while the analog goes all the way to 7.1. For Macintosh 10.5 to 10.8. It also supports Optical In and Optical Out and analog output via 2.1 which works out of the box. Same goes for Windows 7 - I suggest that you need to use it out of the box, no software installation for just basic "Tune up" adjustments.
Ubuntu recognizes it very well and it shows a HUGE set of audio In Out Options. Sadly, it only goes up to digital 4.0, while the analog goes all the way to 7.1. For Macintosh 10.5 to 10.8. It also supports Optical In and Optical Out and analog output via 2.1 which works out of the box. Same goes for Windows 7 - I suggest that you need to use it out of the box, no software installation for just basic "Tune up" adjustments.
Verdict
This small sound device can deliver good Drive on your Speakers from Bookshelf Setup to Home Theater setup making the Separations and Soundstage much more noticeable and making a Huge Experience for Audio Hi-FI on the Cheap Experience a pleasant one for Starters and the price is a steal too.
This small sound device can deliver good Drive on your Speakers from Bookshelf Setup to Home Theater setup making the Separations and Soundstage much more noticeable and making a Huge Experience for Audio Hi-FI on the Cheap Experience a pleasant one for Starters and the price is a steal too.
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Price
For just the price of PHP990.00 on which on retail via CDR-King it is highly recommended must grab product!
