OK, here's a puzzle:
I've been experimenting with my Yamaha 01X and i88x. They both make usage of the mlan drivers using the firewire port. I initially had an S/N ratio of +/- 76 db, which is not bad. After some optimalisations, I managed to obtain an S/N ratio of 80 db which I consider to be a good result. I still have to replace some cables to balanced cables, so I hope to gain an even extra db's. Note, when turning the volume knobs down on both the 01x and i88x, I obtain an S/N of 86 db (measured in Sonar).
Now the puzzle: when connecting the setup to my laptop (a 3 year old Acer), and using the same driver and software, I measure an S/N of about 69 db
Apparently, the firewire connection is a determined factor for the performance of the sound interface ?
I can't explain this, but according to my measurements, a sound interface will perform differently depending on the PC you are connecting it too.
My advise: don't stare at the technical specs of a soundcard. They don't mean anything. The actual setup will determine how well the sound interface behaves. It is nice to read that the DAC or ADC have an S/N of 110 db, but the whole system will give you very different results.
Still, if someone has made the some observations as I did, or if anyone is interested to explain the phenomenal, I'll be very interested to hear about it.
Moon