I have found that an external DAC, when the file source is internal or external hard drives, is my preferred option. I use a USB powered hub to avoid noise from computer electronics. Currently waiting on a Furman power strip to quiet it further.
Anyway I have
JRiver Media Center 27> HRT Streamer HD USB DAC> NHT PC Passive Volume Control> KRK Rokit 8 sub>ADAM Audio T7V monitors.
Waiting on a Luminous Audio Axiom II preamp to be able to use the HRT Streamers (and KRK and ADAMS) balanced inputs and outputs.
I decouple the monitors with Auralex foam.
Very happy with this setup, hoping the tweaks of the Axiom and power conditioning clean things up even more.
Anyway I have
JRiver Media Center 27> HRT Streamer HD USB DAC> NHT PC Passive Volume Control> KRK Rokit 8 sub>ADAM Audio T7V monitors.
Waiting on a Luminous Audio Axiom II preamp to be able to use the HRT Streamers (and KRK and ADAMS) balanced inputs and outputs.
I decouple the monitors with Auralex foam.
Very happy with this setup, hoping the tweaks of the Axiom and power conditioning clean things up even more.