2. digital
  3. 142605-124125

Advice needed: am I going in the right direction?

I'm new to hi-fi sound world and spontaneously bought myself Yamaha NS BP200 passive speakers and Onkyo A-9030 amplifier, because I thought that connecting it to a PC will be a piece of cake - just buy some external sound card and you are good to go!

However after doing some research I found out that it's not that simple and now I'm kinda lost: does it (PC -> DAC or sound card -> amp -> speakers) even work like this. So, my question is:

Am I going in the right direction? And if yes, maybe you can suggest some DAC/external USB sound card that could suit my case (budget is about $150)?

jassblack
erik_squires
16,058 posts
 
The amp does not appear to have a digital input.

What I would suggest is you start with the PC's speaker/headphone outs to your amp first. At least play some music!

After this .... I prefer USB output, but it can be complicated. If you have a rear S/PDIF connector that will expand your possibilities to getting an older DAC without a USB input.

Best,
E
jassblack OP
3 posts
 
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I though that a DAC/sound card will transorm digital signal from PC to analog and then I could connect DAC/sound card to an amp through a stereo cable. Is it wrong?
big_greg
6,628 posts
 
That amp has multiple RCA inputs. 

You run a USB cable from your computer to a DAC.  The DAC will have RCA outs that you can connect to one of the RCA inputs. 

You don't need digital inputs on the amp.  Not complicated at all. 

I don't have any recommendations for a DAC in that price range, but I know there are lots of choices available. 
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
Your PC may even have an optical out, which I think is better than USB- though some may disagree.
But, big greg is correct, use a USB or Optical cable to the DAC of your choice. The rest is like the usual stereo connections.
As for a sound card, I wouldn't bother. Just use the PC to DAC.
There is a program that doesn't cost much called Fidelizer. It really made a difference for the better.
For a good inexpensive DAC, I would get a Schiit Multibit or Gungnir.
They are available used at a great price, too. Just make sure it is using the current most current updates. But, even if it isn't you can send it in to be upgraded. Great company.
Bob
More to discover