Hi all,

(This is my first post here, after quite a bit of lurking )

I would like to improve the sound of my "office" (and only) system, and am looking for best "price-performance" ways to do that. Currently my system consists of my CD collection ripped to a hard drive (FLACs), fb2k, a Griffin PowerWave connected to the PC via USB (avoiding the on-board nvidia nforce sound card), powering a pair of PSB Alpha Mini bookshelf speakers. The speakers are against the wall at the sides of my desk - i.e. pretty close to my listening position. This all is in my basement, where I'm listening to it while working at my computer - which means almost all of my time except sleeping, so I would like to improve the way it sounds as much as possible. I am mostly interested in how music sounds (i.e. plain old 2-channel stereo).

Some options I'm considering:

• better speakers
• a small subwoofer
• a good soundcard
• better amplifier

I would prefer going the DIY route where possible, e.g. I'm considering building one of 41hz amps, the Triska sub, or the Madisound Swifty speakers (though I do not have any speaker building experience yet, I do have some woodworking skills so think/hope I can handle a reasonably simple project).

I would very much appreciate advice on which item listed above or otherwise would provide the most noticeable improvements in how my music sounds, and also advice on specific makes/models.

Thanks.

I think you are on the right track. If I were in your shoes, I would improve the amp and soundcard first, then adress the speakers. For a card, I own the Lynx 2b, and it is awesome, but maybe more than you need...maybe the L22?

You may want to look at this diy sub when you get around to it.

http://www.customanalogue.com/sub_index.htm

There are speakers that are designed for near-field listening. Often used in production environments. Don't know much about them but you probably want one of them. Often they are active speakers.

I'm a big fan of the pair of KRK V6 powered monitors that sit on top of the hutch of the desk that my audio workstation lives in.

-brendan