Hi-Fi sound from my PC - Page 3

If you really believe that why are you suggesting to buy a new dac if he got a decent soundcard already? Though I agree differences are subtile, they make the difference between sitting at a concert and hearing some piano sounds.

I would buy speakers if you had to choose between headphoned and speakers btw. You might have great sound quality with a pair of headphones but for me music is a social thing. I often listen to music with friends while with headphones you can't share your music. Moreover my neighbours can hear my music to sometimes, wouldn't want them to miss the fun:p.

USB input integratated amps are starting to show up http://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/nuforce_icon_usb-input_integrated_amplifier/ Just search on usb integrated amps. This kind of product will definitely drive passive speakers. Now, another approach is to get a good USB DAC with headphone amp, such as the Furutech GT 40, and then some powered speakers such as the KRK Rokits. The USB DAC drives the amps via analogue cables. The Rokit is bi-amped, meaning it has a separate amplifier for the tweeter and for the midrange-bass. The Rokit is commonly available in the US (comes in various sizes) but similarly products are widely available in other markets. The Furutech is brand new, so you can't buy one used. However, used powered monitors should be easy to find. The Furutech is $450 USD, and used monitors should be $200, so we're close to your budget of 500 Euro. Hope this helps.

 

If you listen at low volume I recommend a flat frequency response curve. ELAC does that quiet wel.

 

The blue line is the curve of the ELAC 67.2 which I own. They are very good at low volume listening. They make some interessting bookshelves to. The Totem Mite should be very good.

I would get some good passive bookshelves if I were you.

 

I got this review of the marantz pm7003 if you are interessted:

http://www.avhub.com.au/images/stories/pdf/Marantz_PM_7003_Amplifier_Review_LoRes.pdf?129185550852450000

 

The con about active speakers is that your HD555 won't benefit from the amp.

 

Unfortunately you'll have to audition some yourself. And if your desktop area is limited, actives are somewhat more ideal. With 500euros, you can actually check out entry level Focals and Adams. Both are front ported so they can be placed closed to the walls. Even used Dynaudio monitors can be probably had for that amt of money. Those are pretty accurate monitors without much (but enough) bottom end. You could always add a sub later.
 

I had newest top models of ADAM for a while and they were not affected by the volume level at all. Besides the X-ART tweeter is something really special. You have to make some room treatment. For your purpose and a small room Geithain RL906 are the best but they are expensive.

 

I find it hard to believe that these ADAM speakers don't sound different at different volume levels due the fact that your ears are subject to change. Or they must have got some kind of loudness feature build-in the crossfilter.

I mean neutrality loss and coloration at different volume levels of the monitors. The ADAMs (S3X-H) succeded in this regard. However they had coloration a little bit outside of the sweetspot but this is another story.