Here are the components that I own:
- X-Fi XtremeMusic (unmodded)
- Creative Digital I/O
- Optical Cable
- Decent Yamaha receiver (with s/pdif, etc.)
- Meier Headfive amp
- RCA cables
- Sennheiser HD650 and Audio-Technica ATH-W5000
The way I currently have my audio setup is like in my signature: X-Fi -> Digital I/O -> optical cable -> Yamaha receiver -> headphones. I can plug in the headfive amp to the receiver and put headphones there, but I don't think it makes too much of a difference. I mostly listen to high-quality MP3's; it's just so much more convenient than using CD's and whatnot. I also do some PC gaming.
Here's what I'll say about the receiver - it's good, but I doubt it's true audiophile grade. I regret buying it, but the original thought is that I could hook up a couple of ~100W speakers to it and maybe later get 5.1 surround sound. Plus, it didn't cost too much (got it used). So, I'm basically just using it as a DAC/amp right now, but who's to say that the X-Fi DAC isn't as good or better? I read good things about modded X-fi's.
So, here's what I would want:
- Simplest, cheapest possible solution to replace my setup. It's not bad, but I bet I could do better.
- Ability to add a couple of good (not necessarily great and definitely not too expensive) speakers... probably bookshelf speakers. These may be powered - I don't care. I don't think I'll be doing surround sound, after all.
- High-quality sound without compromising games too much
Am I wrong in thinking that a good way to do it is by (1) getting a modded X-Fi and (2) running a mini-jack to RCA cable to my Headfive? I could then get Klipsch 2.1 powered speakers, or something like that, and switch between them and my headphones.
What about abandoning everything and getting a cheap-ish USB DAC/amp? Is there anything out there with which I can also power some small-ish speakers?
Thanks!