2. pc-audio
  3. 1172946593

General question on PC audio set-up

I've been using my Toshiba Qosmio Notebook(NB) and a 500 gig external hardrive for playing mostly flac and shn (but some wav and mp3 files). I have been very happy with the sound quality and haven't done anything exotic in the set-up.

I use the single external stereo speaker output on the NB and use a splitter with RCA plugs connecting to an Aux input to my ARC SP-12 preamp. I cannot notice any sound quality difference between playing the digital files and a CD. Not using any special cables for speakers or interconnects other than a higher end pair between the pre and the ARC D-90 amp. Use Focal bookshelf speakers and the sound is very good.

The only question is that I've read a lot of forums where people are using D/A converters and a lot of other components for their PC systems and I'm wondering if I'm missing something. Again, I'm quite happy with the current sound and have listened to many systems including others I've had over the years but not through a PC. This one sounds as well as I can expect.
jamesk58
jamesk58 OP
73 posts
 
Thanks RW, you sound reasonable too. My basic issue was that the PC files sounded equal to my CD's so why add all the converters and so forth to the PC end? I am using Winamp and play the flac and shn files along with WAV's that can play on Windows Media- they all sound good based on the quality of the original source.

I'll have to investigate the MusicBridge. Not exactly sure what you mean by the "pre-pro" and how it interfaces with my notebook, or if I even need a pre-processor but the cost certainly seems worthy of a look.

I really can't justify spending huge bucks on more gear, cables, interconnects etc. Don't care that much, but if there is an inexpensive but hi-value upgrade I'll cerainly go for it. Especially if it removes the splitter and audio output from the PC.

I believe the soundcard in the Qosmio is one of the better stock ones you can get already installed. Not interested in another $300 card either.

Thanks for the response back and not being another "mortgage the house for the best system" tweeker!
cinnamonandgravy
5 posts
 
i sincerely think you need to spend AT LEAST $20k to get decent sound; its just the way it is -- it was proven by science. as for all the countless upgrading required to reach any small mote of audiophile bliss, audioengr hit the nail on the head, hit it so hard, it went through the wood of dracula's coffin and straight through his heart. btw it was a nail made of $2k silver ICs.

as a general rule of thumb you can NEVER have too many silver ICs. i mean, copper? c'mon. copper was so 90s. its called progress people.

"My question to you would be "Why mess with a good thing?""

thats what audioengr said fyi
jamesk58 OP
73 posts
 
"My question to you would be "Why mess with a good thing?""

I believe that's what RW said. Anyway, think I'll look into the MusicBridge and come over to your house if I want to hear "audiophile bliss."
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