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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

Showing 1 response by tok20000

tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
I have been into computer audio for over 6 years.
It all depends how much you want to spend.
If you want serious killer sound, get Empirical Audio's Off Ramp Turbo. This device makes all the sound of the computer come out of USB and it reclocks all of it removing most of the jitter and outputs it through a short RCA cable, so you can use any DAC with it. I would recommend getting a DAC that can process 24/96 as this setup will allow you to output 24/96 (which sounds freakin amazing) through the USB port. The Off Ramp Turbo runs $1k new, but it is worth every penny. They do pop up for less here occasionally.

Keith
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