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Ho Say
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Joined: 31 May 2003
Posts: 49
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 Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2010 9:37 am Post subject: Computer Speakers and Sound Cards |
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I just purchased a new computer and was looking into purchasing new speakers and a sound card. I don't do gaming or watch DVDs on my computer. I would be looking for something for playing CDs or internet radio while working, or watching some music videos. I'm thinking one of these 2 speaker and subwoofer packages, and an "audiophile" type sound card as I see they are referred to. I'm looking to spend $300-400.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Ho Say |
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bjh
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Joined: 05 Feb 2006
Posts: 653
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| Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 4:18 pm Post subject: |
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Since you've had no responses I'll throw out a completely different scenario...
You could go with a USB Thingee (High Output version would be best) and then get a decent inexpensive used integrated amp. The Thingee as full USB DAC ... USB cable between Thingee and computer, standard interconnect between Thingee and integrated amp ... is capable of surprisingly good sound. For speakers your options are open but a small mini-monitor type would be the logical choice for office usage.
The advantage of that route would be that when home you could plug the Thingee into your main system ... again I think you'd be surprised how good it is. |
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Chowder_head
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Joined: 29 Apr 2005
Posts: 617
Location: Copenhagen
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| Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: Computer Speakers and Sound Cards |
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| Ho Say wrote: | | and an "audiophile" type sound card as I see they are referred to. I'm looking to spend $300-400. |
I agree with BJH because there is no thing as an audiophile sound card and how are you going to get the digital signal to your speakers? You'll still need a preamp + amp, or integrated amp.
So do as he says, get the FLT connect it to a used integrated with a pair of ICs and connect the integrated to the speakers with a pair of speaker cables.
I mean: we haven't quite reached the "beam me up Scotty" stage with PC audio. |
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Ho Say
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Joined: 31 May 2003
Posts: 49
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| Posted: Mon Jul 05, 2010 10:27 am Post subject: Computer Audio |
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Thanks for your input. I ended up going with the ASUS Xonar Essence STX sound card and a pair of Swan M200MkIII Active Loudspeakers.
Apparently there is an "Audiophile" category of sound cards that caters to headphone and home recording enthusiasts, and this card was consistently rated outstanding in the mid price category. It has a set of RCA line level outputs that I will run to active monitors.
I had gotten a tip from someone we all trust that this would be a good way to go  |
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nikki
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Joined: 20 Jan 2007
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 6:05 am Post subject: |
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Keep an eye out for the new ASUS 32 bit ASIO driver. They released a beta version a couple of months ago, but it has some glitches and doesn't work for my configuration so my card is still sitting in the box. They also claim to have improved latency.
All drivers prior to that are only 24 bit. |
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Ho Say
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Joined: 31 May 2003
Posts: 49
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| Posted: Tue Jul 06, 2010 7:01 pm Post subject: Sound Card |
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I received the card a day after my PC Tech was here to help me set up my machines and wireless network.
I was able to get the card installed OK, and went online to get the drivers. My computer has Windows 7 (64 bit) and the drivers at the ASUS website were Beta Version (issued 5/5) in a zipped file that I was able to download and get installed.
At this point it seems to be working, although I don't know if I have it set-up optimally. I purchased a book on Windows 7 that I will peruse when my speakers come.
I've been somewhat stubborn on making the transition to "Pooter" music. I have a lot to learn now. |
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Chowder_head
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Joined: 29 Apr 2005
Posts: 617
Location: Copenhagen
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| Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2010 8:00 am Post subject: |
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Good luck. I guess a lot has changed since I looked into this.
I am slowly becoming more favorable to the hard disk as a source for digital music, but with an outboard Dac doing the DA work.
As a member of "the less mobile" generation, I still prefer good CD players or transport + DAC arrangements for the home and an IPOD with Apple Lossless for mobile listening. |
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nikki
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Joined: 20 Jan 2007
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:13 am Post subject: |
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| Spinning discs with my CD player still sounds quite a bit better than using my PC server (optimized for music) as a transport ... but you know what, I'm using the server significantly more than flipping CDs because of the convenience/fun factor. I am discovering music that I didn't even realize I had because I have never bothered pulling them off the shelf. |
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Gilbert Y
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Joined: 27 May 2003
Posts: 2290
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| Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 7:06 am Post subject: |
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| nikki wrote: | | Spinning discs with my CD player still sounds quite a bit better than using my PC server (optimized for music) as a transport ... but you know what, I'm using the server significantly more than flipping CDs because of the convenience/fun factor. I am discovering music that I didn't even realize I had because I have never bothered pulling them off the shelf. |
I am totally agree. However, I like to add one thing to make it more clear. In my opinion, with not so top end CD transports, PC server can sound better. With a very good CD transport spinning at 16/44, it can still sound better than 24/96 files from the pooter.
Lo can argue wif the fun factor dough. Dat's what I am doing lite lau. Pooter and hard jive. Even a simple laptop with no special treatment and a hard jive, it can sound very very good. |
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nikki
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Joined: 20 Jan 2007
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2010 8:19 am Post subject: |
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| Gilbert Y wrote: |
I am totally agree. However, I like to add one thing to make it more clear. In my opinion, with not so top end CD transports, PC server can sound better. With a very good CD transport spinning at 16/44, it can still sound better than 24/96 files from the pooter.
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Yes, sorry you are so right. When I still had my Classe CDT-1 transport, I compared it to the server and the server was a little better. For the cost of a computer, I don't think you will find a transport that will better it at the same price.
Just remember to keep the computer faaaaaaar away from the audio gear. |
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nikki
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Joined: 20 Jan 2007
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2011 7:08 am Post subject: |
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I recently changed to a SSD in my music server and what a big jump in detail and clarity. I'm guessing the lower power requirement and decreased RFI are the reasons for the improvements? I now use an external HD to store the music which allows me to move it even further away from the audio equipment.
The sound quality is getting ever so close to my optical transport now! |
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Valvefan
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Joined: 07 Nov 2004
Posts: 185
Location: Calgary
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:28 am Post subject: |
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Hi Nikki
I had the same experience when I built a new server with an SSD and no fans. How do you connect the external HD to the server? I use conventional HDs in a network attached storage device which is connected by ethernet cable to the server through a router.
Valvefan |
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nikki
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Joined: 20 Jan 2007
Posts: 197
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2011 2:19 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Valvefan,
Currently my external HD is hooked up via the eSata port. My music server is based on the cMP solution, so I have a very minimal XP install where I have stripped the OS of any network support amongst other regular Windows functionality. It does become a nuisance at times when I need to do some simple tasks.
I like these SSD drives and they are really coming down in price. I think I'm going to put them in all our computers. |
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