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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
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
Hi Shriram.

> The Quads are not active (self amplified) speakers like the Audioegines. You would need a preamp plus amp or an integrated amp to run the Quads.

> IMHO, the digital to audio converrsion should take place outside of the PC where, like Jax2 wrote, its too noisy.

> If you are running WMP (Windows Media Player) you should download a better sounding player (for free)like JRiver Jukebox, Media Monkey or Fubar.

> If your OS is Windows XP, you should download (free, again) ASIO4ALL which will improve sound by bypassing the Windows kernel mixer.

> The speakers and the electrics depend on you budget. USB DACs(most of which also have optical and/or coaxial inputs)start at about $150 and run to over $5000. AGon always has a good assortment of used DACs up for sale. If you give your budget, I'm sure a number of Forum members will make good recommendations for products in your price range.
mmarvin19
157 posts
 
I was mistaken about the Quad 11L - it is indeed self-powered. I was thinking of the old 11L which was no active.
reubent
7,005 posts
 
There are two versions of the Quad 11L speakers. One is a traditioanal small monitor/bookshelf speaker and one is an active version with built-in amplification.....

TIC
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,760 posts
 
Two all-in-one amps with built-in DAC's that you could consider are the Nuforce Icon and the Peachtree Decco. I have both and think they're wonderful products for the money.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 

go outside of the PC tower with your card at least.

Past that a better driver for it will help. many USB sound cards will also have updates on their websites even though you just bought the thing new... so do look there too if you go USB sound card.

Past that... an independant USB DAC/Sound card driver like the german version sold for $70 or so will really help too.

A DAC with USB if money permits is also a thought.

In any case... DAC or Card... the better, the better. Apogee & Lavry make some nice units for under a grand with lots of flexibility and fine support.
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