2. pc-audio
  3. 1256294925

Need help setting up new pc audio system

Just purchased a new desktop - Velocity Micro Edge Z55. Didn't get either of the two offered sound cards - both Creative labs products. Went with integrated sound option with intention of purchasing after-market sound card.

Would like to get top notch 2/2.1 channel audio without going too crazy with the $$$. Looking at several sound cards by ASUS and Auzentech and HT Omega. So many options - can't figure out which one to buy. Can someone point me in the right direction. Should I run Firewire/USB out to external DAC? I would prefer to avoid that set-up unless its really necessary.

Also, very interested in new active speakers. Presently have Cambridge Soundworks Microworks by Henry Kloss which actually sound pretty amazing for what they are. Nevertheless, I'm sure I can do much better. Looking at Audioengine 2 which are very well reviewed. Also looking at Dynaudio MC 15 and Quad 11L active. Would love to hear from someone who has heard all three.

Thanks.
deringer
sufentanil's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
sufentanil
782 posts
 
Deringer, could you clarify exactly what you're trying to do? Are you seeking a decent set of speakers for your computer so you can listen to music while using your computer, or do you want to use the computer as a front-end to a larger 2-channel rig? I would suggest a different approach for each of these two possible goals.

1) Good computer sound: Look into some of the active speakers (check the archives for some suggestions). Alternatively, consider a small integrated amp, such as a Creek, powering small monitors.

2) Computer as front-end for other rig: Get an external DAC, with at least coax + Toslink digital inputs (virtually all soundcards have at least one of those), and preferably USB inputs. This DAC will send its output to your rig. You will then need to look into music management software (iTunes, Slimserver, MediaMonkey, etc) to provide easy access to the music.

I hope that helps.

Michael
djohnson54
396 posts
 
Try something like this:
http://www.highresolutiontechnologies.com/products.html

It comes in two models. I've not heard it but it is getting some very good reviews. I don't see how you can go wrong for the price.

Dick
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Firewire to firewire/spdif converter and then any dac you want. Not limited to dacs with usb input and not draining cpu cycles. USB, even in asychronious mode, still transmits packets, while firewire transmits streams.
singleendedsingle
664 posts
 
"Cambridge Soundworks Microworks by Henry Kloss"

The only thing is that, the MicroWorks II is equipped with a less-powerful amp that delivers only 20 watts to each satellite and 40 to the bass unit, far less than the original MegaWorks 210D's.
deringer OP
3 posts
 
So, new pc is here.

Inputs of old sub disintegrated, so definitely going to get new speakers. Have a pair of Audioengine2's being delivered tomorrow, but I have a feeling they are not going to cut it. In the meantime, I am really focusing on the Dynaudio MC 15's.

Question is do I go with a good sound card, or with USB out into Cambridge DACMagic, or something else. My concern is that while the unit is well reviewed, the USB input option doesn't seem to be so great. I'm not sure I want everything upsampled, plus if I understand what I am reading USB is limited in terms of its output resolution. So any high resolution audio files on my hard drive would be downsampled and then upsampled. That doesn't seem very intuitive.

Are there any external DAC's that will accept a firewire input that don't cost $2,000?
More to discover