2. pc-audio
  3. 1305888478

Help me build a fine PC sound system


I’m looking for current suggestions to a great sounding desktop audio outfit which is pc driven or based completely.
!
Currently I’m using a Creative labs $50 USB sound card, and an Altec Lansing 2.1 desktop speaker system $200..

It really isn’t bad, and loads of fun. It allows me to play back lots of files & CDs I probably would not play too often on my main stereo.

So… I'm looking for recommendations of USB sound cards and a 2.1 speaker setup. Prefferably with both mechanical and software vol control, which will noticeably improve upon the aforementioned gear..

Noticeably.

What are your picks for:

USB sound card
2.1 speakers
2.0 speakers
Subwoofer

…… that will sound better than my above listed stuff? Actually it’s OK, but playing a setup disc it is easy to perceive how many areas of the bandwidth simply aren’t being honestly reproduced… but that’s about the only way to really highlight it’s shortcomings. Otherwise.. it’s well, fun…. And inexpensive.

Mainly the focus is for PC but if it will work with Macs too, that's great!. If it can integrate into a preamp or receiver or DAC too, that would be very nice, but not an absolutely necessary option.

Remember, the idea is a stand alone very, very nice sounding PC sound system first! It should be capable too of replaying file types from 16/44 to 24/192.

Do try to make the rig as inexpensive as is possible, so some reasonable and thoughtful blend of value to performance should be the real guideline.

I’m thinking too, as full range as is possible and likely a sub needs be in the mix… but nothing nutso.

Over achieving and high value items, front and center!

This might be fun…. Wadaya think?

Many thanks!
blindjim

Showing 8 responses by cerrot

cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Jim, I run a PC with firewire going to an MAudio firewire to spdif converter, into a Music Fidelity XDacV3/PSU into a Cayin A-50T which powers B&W 685 speakers. Windows7/J River 15. The sound is pretty excellent considering the cost. PC is a custom Gateway, Twin internal 300Gig 10,000 rpm WD Black drives, 4 gigs ram, quad core Intel. I like the MAudio converter so that (1)I keep away from the dreaded usb protocal and (2)I am not limited to any dac with either firewire or usb input. With the spdif converter, I can have anything (except the Ayre, which I think sounds poor anyway).
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I just made some sweet changes on my PC rig. I just ordered the ESI Juli@ but, in the interim... I reinstalled the Sigma Tel Audio which is on the motherboard. I never knew it was capable of 192/24. I got rid of the MAudio firewire/spdif converter and replaced the MF XDac V3 with a Benchmark Dac. The benchmark is driven directly off the board via spdif. I must say, the improvement in sound is excellent. I am enjoying some nice hires recordings. (The Maudio maxed at 96k). I should have the Juli@ by the end of the week.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I am a firm believer that USB sucks and was just never intended for audio. The new Berkeley appears to be the first to finally get around USB's technical inferiority. I look forward to a listen of a mac mini and the berkeley USB interface.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Steve,

USB was neber designed for audio. That's a basic premis. Data is transmitted in packets - not good for an audio signal. USB is just another example of trying to make ther best out of something not very good.

I have not heard the Berkeley, but know people who I trust who have heard it, thus it is on mny short list.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Steve, My opinion is NOT based on misinformation that I have read on forums. I am a hard core PC user, have 30 years experience and have custom built over 30 machines - all cutting edge. I ahve also been an audiophile for that many years and have learned how to listen. I have also been experimenting indepth for many years with PC audio interfaces. You can keep USB. I will use USB for my mouse and keyboard.

I do agree with ethernet being an excellent platform. I had predicted about about 5 years ago that within 10 years, ethernet would be the standard. I do believe we will see it.

USB, however, sucks. I think your company makes a decent run at it but it is still, lets say, lipstick on a pig.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Steve, I don't know how you can possibly defend USB with an argument about how a TAS reviewer uses it as a reference. I listen with my own ears. TAS also gave a great review to the Berkeley - actually saying that the berkeley/usb/berkeley dac blew away the prior PC with the Lynx sound card. You see, I take the reviews with a grein of salt. They always have the newest, bestest and only talk about the shortcomings of the newest and bestest when something newer and better come along. It is all subjective.

I remember reviewers saying that CD's were all the rave about 25 years ago. I didn't bite then, either.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
My PC goes via squeezebox into an Esoteric upconverter/clock into a berkeley dac direct to my amps. It sounds great. But, better than vinyl?

I still have not found that but will keep listening.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I've just completed my project of installing the ESI Juli@ in my PC and running J River 16 via a 10 meter aopgee spdif cable into Esoteric clock/upsampler into Berkeley dac direct into amps. Very easy to hear the new set up totally trounce the SB Touch. The soundstage is wider and deeper, with more detail and much better resolution. And much more transparent. This is with reqular 44.1/a6 files. The 192/24 bit (and other hi res) sounds absolutely incredible. I will be uninstalling the Touch soon.
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