Hydrogenaudio Forums > Audio System Setup

MLP

Jan 12 2006, 07:52

Hi guys, here's my issue:

- I have a Pentium III, 512 meg RAM that I'm not using anymore.

- I'm thinking on buying a good audio card and using this pc as a music player.

I need some advice here, which would be the best option?

1- Buy a very good audio card, buy excellent speakers and connect everything to my old pc.

2- Buy an amplifier, get excellent speakers and connect my pc to the amplifier.

3- Don't use the pc, buy cd player, amplifier, speakers.

4- None of the above. Pls, explain why.

Thanks for your help.

CSMR

Jan 12 2006, 08:13

QUOTE(MLP @ Jan 12 2006, 05:52 AM)

1- Buy a very good audio card, buy excellent speakers and connect everything to my old pc.

2- Buy an amplifier, get excellent speakers and connect my pc to the amplifier.

3- Don't use the pc, buy cd player, amplifier, speakers.

4- None of the above. Pls, explain why.

Thanks for your help.

I suggest you rule out option 1 since you won't get any sound that way. You need to get an amplifier and speakers one way or another. The choice is between a CD player and a sound card.
Going with a PC
- time to rip CDs
+ convenience of having CDs on hard disc
- PC noise
+ good sound cards cheaper than good CD players

BeerCan

Jan 12 2006, 12:44

I say option 2.

Get a chaintech av710 for your PC, use the rear outs in hirez. Buy a good amplifier -- I suggest a used classic to save $$ but either way get a decent one. Get decent bookshelf speakers -- Again I like used but it all depends on what you can find.

MLP

Jan 12 2006, 12:58

I have a Technichs SUV 5 amplifier that I bought in the 80's.

I guess that it would be an insult to music to connect my pc to such an old amplifier...what do you think?

NappyHead

Jan 12 2006, 16:02

QUOTE(MLP @ Jan 12 2006, 05:52 AM)

Hi guys, here's my issue:

- I have a Pentium III, 512 meg RAM that I'm not using anymore.

- I'm thinking on buying a good audio card and using this pc as a music player.

I need some advice here, which would be the best option?

1- Buy a very good audio card, buy excellent speakers and connect everything to my old pc.

2- Buy an amplifier, get excellent speakers and connect my pc to the amplifier.

3- Don't use the pc, buy cd player, amplifier, speakers.

4- None of the above. Pls, explain why.

Thanks for your help.

Buy a good Amp, a good pair of speakers and connect them to the PC using a SlimDevices's Squeezebox

I have this setup and its flawless

ToS_Maverick

Jan 12 2006, 16:25

what about studio monitors?

you'll get good quality ones, that aren't expensive and you don't need an amp

BeerCan

Jan 12 2006, 18:36

QUOTE(MLP @ Jan 12 2006, 02:58 PM)

I have a Technichs SUV 5 amplifier that I bought in the 80's.

I guess that it would be an insult to music to connect my pc to such an old amplifier...what do you think?

My PC is connected to an amp that is 30 years old

If it sounds good use it!

wandrrnsc

Jan 12 2006, 21:42

I second BEERCAN. I use the AV710 with the pcm out to my Onkyo receiver driving my excellent AR 2ax speakers. With kernel streaming setup per the guide found here on HA for the card and drivers for FOOBAR, my friends ask me, "Did those speakers sound THAT good when they were made 30 years ago?"

I just have to laugh.

daphy

Jan 13 2006, 07:49

The main question is - how much money are you willing to spent for this project

antz

Jan 13 2006, 10:00

QUOTE(MLP @ Jan 12 2006, 07:58 PM)

I have a Technichs SUV 5 amplifier that I bought in the 80's.

I guess that it would be an insult to music to connect my pc to such an old amplifier...what do you think?

I have an SU V3 - still going strong and still a fine amp!