Hey guys. I'm currently studying audio engineering at university. Coming into my third year I thought I better get my ass into gear and start upgrading my audio at home from an on-board sound card in my PC, a $7 K-Mart headset and cheap Logitech 2.1 speakers. Maybe this way I will find my way out of the studios and get to spend more time at home! 
So, I've just purchased a new set of headphones (ATH-AD900), which should arrive tomorrow. Cannot wait! I have also purchased a new soundcard, the Auzentech Forte, though that will be used for gaming and not music playback/mixing. I am now in the market for a DAC, Amp and set of monitors for my music listening and mixing. Be easy on me, I am new to this 
From what I have read, basically I think what I will be running is:
Music: Foobar2k > DAC > Amp > Headphones and/or Speakers?
Gaming: Sound card (Auzentech Forte > Amp > Headphones?
Assuming I have the basic understanding for signal flow down pat, I am looking at which DAC, Amp and speakers I should be looking at purchasing. I am a student, and hence have a limited budget. For the Amp and DAC, I am willing to spend around $4-600 total. Speakers I have done a little more research on and it seems that the best choices would be the KRK RP6 G2, Mackie MR5 or Audioengine a5s? Anyone have some suggestions for a great setup to get for this price range? Also, feel free to point out any errors in signal flow or if there's anything incompatible there. Is a amplifier able to power both headphones or speakers, or is a headphone amplifer needed for headphones?
Sorry for the long post, and I really do appreciate any assistance as I have found this forum to be a huge help in the time I have been looking around! Cheers guys. I am also residing in Australia, so keep in mind that we don't really have any places (to my knowledge) with a lot of these equipment pieces for me to test out for myself.
Edited by matthewh133 - 9/7/10 at 7:35am
