2. pc-audio
  3. 1116866611

Playing Websites Through My System

Hey everyone,

I am very new to the concept of PC Audio. There are alot of website broadcasts that I listen to on my home office PC that I would really like to listen to over my stereo system. What do I need to do in order to make this happen? My stereo system consists of a Cary 303/200 CD Player and a Plinius 8200 Integrated Amp. The Cary CD Player allows for a digital coax input; the Plinius Integrated has RCA inputs. Now, according to the instruction manual the Cary CD Player can be used as a DAC so that seems like the way to go.

(1) What do I need in terms of computer hardware or software to make this happen?

(2) What impact will a long run of coax have? My computer and stereo are in separate rooms.

(3) Given the setup that you suggest, would I also be able to play MP3's stored on my computer's harddrive? I usually listen to them (and the website broadcasts) via WinAmp.

Thanks in advance for any input you can provide.
portugal11
ancient_tones
11 posts
 
Check out HiFi-Link by Xitel.
portugal11 OP
52 posts
 
Ancient Tones,

That's very interesting... Seems like a 1 box solution... I just plug one end into the PC and the other into the Cary... Do you have any experience with the unit? How's the sound quality?

Thanks!
ancient_tones
11 posts
 
I bought the $50 version and use the little DAC that comes with it. I bought it at Circuit City thinking I could return it if not satisfied. It was a no-brainer to keep it. Instantly I knew it sounded better than the y splitter cable I had been using to connect my computer speaker output to my aux inputs of my stereo. Yes, better bass and more musical.

The $100 version looks light it comes with a little more substantial DAC even though it's probably the same chipset. Would get better fidelity using your Cary dac? I don't know. Just buy it somewhere that has a good return policy and play around with it. There may be other solutions, but this works well and was easy. I have a home office and listen all day long. Good Luck!
mcmanus
82 posts
 
The AE does not have a digital coax out which I found out AFTER I picked by DAC so I had to buy a used Monarchy Upsampler and another cable for about $300 more. You can get an older Monarcy DIP for about $100 on th is site and a used cable for probably $50. There are other options. You can get your AE modified and a coax jack added. I do not know the cost. There is an audiogon member that does it (Audioengr) Or you can get a converter for about $50 but I believe the quality would reflect the cost.

Another option is the new model of the Squeezebox. It is a one box solution for $300. It has both digital output options.
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