2. pc-audio
  3. 1217720492

God this is overkill

I got tired of my PC's Klipsch ProAudio 2.1 setup being driven by some mediocre sound card. So after getting a raise last month, I decided to do something about it.

Enter the Nuforce Icon with upgraded power supply. Enter Kimber USB cable, apparently built to the highest possible USB spec. Enter Purist Museaus interconnects.

And finally...enter Mackie MR8 speakers. These things are are nearly 11"x14", and are literally right next to my 39"x24" computer cart-type desk. Try to envision this. I would post a picture, but I'm almost ashamed. This is in my 12x14 foot bedroom, too.

What can I say? Once I started the project, I just wouldn't let it go until I felt like I was legitimately finished. Oh...and of course, audiophools are never really "finished," in the true sense of the term. Next up? When I move to Purist 20th Anniversary interconnects in the big rig, I'll bring the Venustas into the PC setup.

I know you're laughing at me. But I also know you know what I mean! You've been there, right? At some point, in one way or another?
thedautch
rowanh
1 posts
 
2 months ago ebay'd my Tannoy Reveal 5a's (one tweeter blew) and followed this path:

- the Icon and borrowed some Def Tech Promonitor 800's from the basement
- then decided they weren't good enough so found some Energy RC-Mini's (after deciding I'd get killed by buying Totem Mite's...) paired with Mirage 8" Sub
- Bass of speakers, even isolated on the desk was a bit boomy, so built some solid maple 'mini' stands for the speakers to get them at ear level and away from desk. Rearranged office. Eliminated boom, and now look cool as all hell.
- they (RC-Mini's) were good enough but mismatched with the Icon so introduced a higher noise floor than normal with the icon, perserved through numerous replacement boards on the icon, till it's apparent it just ain't going to work with these speakers
- discovered Audiogon and bought a Sophia Baby amp yesterday. Should be arriving shortly ..

Planning to do Mac > Icon > Headphone out > Kimber Kable Mini(maybe!) > Sophia > ? cable > Energy's (wired inline with Sub)

Also going to get a solid hunk of reclaimed timber as a shelf to mount the Sophia, Icon etc on above desk. Should look awesome.

Any more and I'm in serious trouble - my saving grace is that I'm pretty much 100% home office so it's somewhat justifiable.

The only problem after the Icon/Energy combo is I head to the basement and (I know I know, this is a journey of enlightenment) the ole Polk/Yamaha combination sounds exceedingly muddy.
henryhk
648 posts
 
I use Mac itunes-Benchamark UBS DAC Pre-Dynaudio MC15-Dynaudio Sub250. The USB Cable makes a difference?
docmark
21 posts
 
Not laughing here either. I run Toslink (Audioquest) out of my desktop Mac into a Benchmark DAC1, then Audioquest Sky interconnects, then to a pair of Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 3 speakers & and a BeoLab 2 subwoofer. Awesome sound.
interlochen
40 posts
 
I thought I was alone. The best sound in the house is now at the desktop.

DIY Epox/Intel Win2000Pro machine. Turtle Beach Santa Cruz card analog outs directly driving a Clayton S-40 which fuel my former main system speakers -- Ellis 1801Bs, at arms length, head headphone style.

I primarily listen to RadioIO.com's 128 kbps Jazz and classical streams and it is just wonderful. The main system is now a perpetual disappointment. Mush.

I record at 16/48 using Total Recorder V4.5.

Upgrade time! The old TBSC SC sounds wonderful, but I'm looking at an M-audio at al, or -- an Icon for its DAC and Pre capabiilites alone. Old TR and MP9 may need a good replacement as well.

It's a riot. ...

Dave
(I had a Mac-Mini, but am afraid I'm just not a Mac man. Sounded great though.)
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