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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
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.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Sorry, Jax, I haven't checked this thread. I'll see if I can find something and post it.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
The easier, less expensive way to go is getting a firewire to spdif converter. MAudio has the firewire solo for $200-you can get any dac you choose. Aside from streaming & packets, USB uses up CPU cycles, so a 480 usb throughput is actually slower than Firewire 400.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Drubin, it is an undisputed fact that the firewire interface is superior to usb by all computer techs. As I have said, just google it. I don't recall anything specific to dacs, just the interface. Please do a search and you will see what I mean. I am not knocking USB-most here are using it. All I am saying is that firewire, tech wise, is better.
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