Your PC Speaker setup!

[Vinnie the Wop]

damn you guys are gettin all kinds of fancy

[prerich]

Originally Posted by quikblend

that was my first choice but i decided to run fiber optic to my pioneer elite receiver since the asus is more built for internal use only so i run my music (if i want) out to my B&W speakers. the asus wouldn't have been able to do that with stereo (analog) red white plugs.

If I'm not mistaken the Essence SXT does have analog RCA outs for 2 channel stereo to go into a receiver or amp that powers traditional speakers

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Jim Hawkins

So i have a mix here. Im using a pc inconjunction with my HiFi setup. I have a U player in there as well.

AV123 Rockets RS 760 = $600
Yamaha MX 800 Power Amp = $100
Pioneer Dvd player DV-47Ai = $60
Marantz SR4023 (preamp) = $350
ENCORE ENMAB-8CM 7.1 (DAC) = $30

I know, I keep thinking about getting another DAC but its hard. I know there is a difference. Just not sure how far up the ladder I need to go.

You can see pictures in my Gallery.

Any suggestions?

If you want 7.1 there are only a few viable options out there. The exasound e18 eight channel DAC is currently the "holy grail", the Essence ST pci version with an add-on H6 card or a HT Omega Claro Halo XT are great cards. The next level would be your creative cards and the Omega Eclaro (you will need special 3.5 to RCA cables fi connecting it to your prepro). If its 2 channel, you have a world of asynchronous USB dacs out there that will do an impressive job!

[pentatonic]

Originally Posted by prerich

If I'm not mistaken the Essence SXT does have analog RCA outs for 2 channel stereo to go into a receiver or amp that powers traditional speakers

yep it does and quality ones at that, it's a fantastic card well worth it's $200 price tag

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by prerich

If I'm not mistaken the Essence SXT does have analog RCA outs for 2 channel stereo to go into a receiver or amp that powers traditional speakers

Originally Posted by pentatonic

yep it does and quality ones at that, it's a fantastic card well worth it's $200 price tag

I can indeed confirm that it has analog RCA OUT on the Essence STX. I'm sure there are better soundcards, but the Asus does everything I need it to do and I love it.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

I can indeed confirm that it has analog RCA OUT on the Essence STX. I'm sure there are better soundcards, but the Asus does everything I need it to do and I love it.

As far as sound cards go.....no there is none better (unless you start including RPE cards and Lynx but that's pro level gear that cost more than a fully tricked ou PC). You have the best sound card out! The e18 is an external 8 channel USB DAC.

[mutelight]

I have my gaming PC connected to my home theater.

https://www.blu-ray.com/community/ga...mber=mutelight

Then for work I use my MacBook Pro Retina with my 30" Apple Cinema Display and AirPlay to my Apple TV for audio on the bedroom system.

[hamilton02]

Here is where I spend most of my time listening lately

2012 Imac 27", Audioengine A2, Audioengine D1 Dac/Headphone Amp, Energy ESW8, Grado SR60i, Belkin PF30, WD 1TB HD.
All cds are ripped using XLD and running Bitperfect and Fidelia.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by hamilton02

Here is where I spend most of my time listening lately

2012 Imac 27", Audioengine A2, Audioengine D1 Dac/Headphone Amp, Energy ESW8, Grado SR60i, Belkin PF30, WD 1TB HD.
All cds are ripped using XLD and running Bitperfect and Fidelia.

Sweet setup you've got happening there Doug! Is it located upstairs or in the basement?

[hamilton02]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

Sweet setup you've got happening there Doug! Is it located upstairs or in the basement?

Thanks John. This is on the main floor. For the basement Im using a dedicated laptop running Foobar to a Grant Fidelity DAC11.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by hamilton02

Thanks John. This is on the main floor. For the basement Im using a dedicated laptop running Foobar to a Grant Fidelity DAC11.

I'm guessing that with the baby you and Wendy aren't spending too much time downstairs anymore.

[hamilton02]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

I'm guessing that with the baby you and Wendy aren't spending too much time downstairs anymore.

Not nearly as much as we used to which is totally to be expected with a new baby but I find it makes me appreciate it much more when I do get time and it seems to always sound better after a week of not listening to it.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by hamilton02

Not nearly as much as we used to which is totally to be expected with a new baby but I find it makes me appreciate it much more when I do get time and it seems to always sound better after a week of not listening to it.

I agree with you there...it's the old absence makes the heart grow fonder thingie.

Does the A1 DAC handle up to 192khz?

[hamilton02]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

I agree with you there...it's the old absence makes the heart grow fonder thingie.

Does the A1 DAC handle up to 192khz?

Yes, it does using SPDIF and 96 with USB. Im using USB as I only have a handful of 192. For the price its hard to beat. $169.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by hamilton02

Yes, it does using SPDIF and 96 with USB. Im using USB as I only have a handful of 192. For the price its hard to beat. $169.

If you like classical at all you should download the free files from Nordic 2L.

Go to the top right corner and select TEST BENCH from the dropdown menu. You can download every file there in the format of your choice.

Even if you don't care much for classical, it'll let you hear what a good high-quality recording can sound like. Well worth it, and especially since its FREE!.

[hamilton02]

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

If you like classical at all you should download the free files from Nordic 2L.

Go to the top right corner and select TEST BENCH from the dropdown menu. You can download every file there in the format of your choice.

Even if you don't care much for classical, it'll let you hear what a good high-quality recording can sound like. Well worth it, and especially since its FREE!.

Thanks John, I have all the free 2ls already. Ive scoured as much free hirez files as possible so far. Im looking for the new Mark Knopfler release but can't seem to find it in Canada yet. I wish we could use HDTracks. I have heard of others here being able to do it with Paypal. Im going to look into how to do it.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by hamilton02

Thanks John, I have all the free 2ls already. Ive scoured as much free hirez files as possible so far. Im looking for the new Mark Knopfler release but can't seem to find it in Canada yet. I wish we could use HDTracks. I have heard of others here being able to do it with Paypal. Im going to look into how to do it.

Use a hotmail addy....

[Spurrier Sucks]

Originally Posted by hamilton02

Here is where I spend most of my time listening lately

2012 Imac 27", Audioengine A2, Audioengine D1 Dac/Headphone Amp, Energy ESW8, Grado SR60i, Belkin PF30, WD 1TB HD.
All cds are ripped using XLD and running Bitperfect and Fidelia.

Slick looking setup!

[hamilton02]

Originally Posted by Spurrier Sucks

Slick looking setup!

Thanks Spurrier. Most appreciated.

[hamilton02]

Well, after upgrading to the 27" mac as the server it didn't take long to realize the smallish A2's looked out of place. Just grabbed the A5's today. Very happy with the purchase.

Im waiting for the Littledot MkIII tube pre amp to come and this computer setup will be all set, for a bit at least.