Bogartgl - one of the biggest advantages of PC audio is convenience. Don't underestimate this. It might be easy to think that loading CDs one at a time is no big deal. But when you have your entire library at your fingertips, controllable from your sofa with an ipod or itouch, you find yourself listening to music you haven't heard in years. Another advantage is space - once your CDs are ripped, they can be moved into storage (or sold, if you should choose). Another convenience is portability. If you rip to an external harddrive, you can take your entire library with you (be sure you have a backup plan, with your music existing on at least two different drives). Lastly, sound quality can be spectacular if you pay attention to it. With the right choices in gear, you can get superb sound, and have the ability to chase the Hi-Rez stuff.
Your 2496 has a respectable DAC built in. Just take analog out of it to your preamp, and you're off to a good start.
I used the 2496 for a long time for its digital EQ capabilites. I recently changed to a DEQX which is definitely a bit cleaner, but the 2496 is quite a device.
Your 2496 has a respectable DAC built in. Just take analog out of it to your preamp, and you're off to a good start.
I used the 2496 for a long time for its digital EQ capabilites. I recently changed to a DEQX which is definitely a bit cleaner, but the 2496 is quite a device.