My current system right now is used for movies and music hooked up from my computer via optical cable from sound card built in to my motherboard. I listen to all genres of music and all different quality files from 256-lossless I would say its 75% music and 25% movies on this system.
I was hoping someone could help me out with upgrading. What would be the cheapest upgrade that would give me noticeable gains in sound quality.
Here's my current system
Surround Front - Monitor Audio Silver Rx1's Front Center - Monitor Audio BX centre Rear Surround - Definitive Technology ProMonitor 800 Sub - Sony sa-wm250 Reciever/AMP - Denon AVR - 3805
My budget for upgrading is $400
I posted this on another forum and someone suggested I invest in a DAC(HRT music streamer pro) which started a debate in if a DAC would do anything since my Denon has a built in one. I figured this forum could help me out a little better. Also if a DAC wouldn't be my best option please let me know. Thanks in advance
Unless your computer is very quiet or your music very loud, I would remove the computer to another room and get a transport like a Squeezebox Touch or used Squeezebox Duet.
You could do a lot worse than using an HRT MusicStreamer or MusicStreamer2 USB DAC. Since the + series came out, the first series can be had used for a very good price. Take USB out from the 'puter, use a basic usb cable and the output from the MusicStreamer to analog inputs of your receiver. And maybe some used DH Labs T-14 speaker cables or Blue Jean cables or older model higher end stuff or Paul Speltz Anti-cables. You could do this for under $200.00.
I ended up getting hrt music streamer 2 -belkin gold usb -audioquest sidewinder rca's I also decided to upgrade my speaker wires from the home depot extension cord to anti cable speaker wire.
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