2. pc-audio
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First Steps into Computer Audio


Hi

I have shifted from traditional rig (first Vandy HT system w/ Arcam receiver, to Acoustat 2+2 with Belles 400 amp), to computer audio.

My main system is a desktop Dell Dimension P4 system, that has a SB Audigy 2 card. Will be listening to lots of classical, jazz, etc, as well as movies. Room is a very small 8 by 5 or 8 by 6 room

I just bought Audioengine A5's with the 25% off coupon, and likely will also buy some Quad 11L's to compare and sell the one I don't like as much.

So chain will be P4 w/ SB audigy 2 to A5 or Quad 11L (I assume the Quad 11L will be way better but will review and let folks know).

Now the question is what next to improve sound (and I will of course wait to do my next upgrade but already planning as most everyone says Audigy 2 is not very good.

I don't need a headphone amp (ok if it comes with) as 95% or more of listening will be done with speakers so I guess I could

1. Buy a better soundcard to output analog to speakers (say Chaintech low end, or 1212M higher end, or Xonar STX not sure my mobo is PCI E)

2. Use a USB dac from the usb ports, and feed speakers

3. Use the CB Audigy 2 digital out (SPDIF) to a DAC, or use the better sound card's digital out to the DAC to speakers.

I think would want very good SQ, but also keep price relatively reasonable.

Thoughts? Opinions welcome

Shriram
shriramosu
jax2
3,031 posts
 
All I said is that cheap USB sucks, but obviously mileage varies. The iRoc is not cheap USB. And I may need to back off my earlier comments a bit after last night, when I was very impressed with the USB input on the Bryston DAC.

Sorry I didn't get your gist - I thought you were making a broader critical statement than that. At the $550 you sold the iRoc for it seems pretty affordable to me, but I guess that's all relative. Cool beans on the Bryston results. Their CD player got a good review in the recent TAS fwiw.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drubin
3,274 posts
 
Yes, the iRoc is a great deal used. It was about $1500 new.

And Jax2, thanks for the invitation. I will take you up on it if the opportunity presents.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 

Drubin

Agreed.

I'm in no mood, nor hurry to make changes in the HDD digital pile up going on around here.

I'm still experimenting in fact... I'm also receeding from living on the bleeding edge tech wise too.

maybe on the next gear-go-round I'll look into another way to do things. right now I am very well pleased.
shriramosu OP
9 posts
 
I think from everything I have read a USB DAC is the best way to go, I have the option to get an EMU 1820 (not M) for around $80, and wondering if thats ok till I get a good DAC. Thinking I can sell it easily for $80.

S
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
$80 ?

I don’t think you’re actually stepping up over the CL card that way.

I think cost is an issue for you for now. If so, and it is for me too now and then, I'd go with as good a firewire or USB (outboard) PC soundcard for now. I have one of those CL cards too.

M audio cards do sound better. No question.
Going out of the card into the exact same DAC, with a different interface (coax) than USB, you will gain more accuracy and depth... or I should say in my case, that's what happened… as I could set the software to emulate upsampling to 24/96 or 24/192.

Also, down the road you can take more time to get a good to great DAC, which will definitely be an improvement.

You’ll also have a fall back unit just in case.

Look at the M audio 24/192 outboard card… About $200… Sam Ash carries them as do many others. I go to Ash ‘cause they’re close by and flexible when you show them cash. Their online outlet is right here in my town, but sometimes they’ll differ on price from their BM stores, so check out both, if possible…

J R music also caries them. Both are price competitive. Both are good places to buy from in my exp.
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