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PC audio n00b: Adam A3X, Focal CMS40, Tannoy 601a (no dedicated soundcard), no subwoofers

post #1 of 10
6/5/11 at 8:59am
Thread Starter 

I realised I just don't know jack about PC audio. I currently go through motherboard audio out -> Sony mini Hi-Fi and it sounds great but showing its age.

 

So I'm interested in replacing the system with two powered speakers. I'll be sitting less than a foot away from them (small desk..) and I'm not particularly interested in getting a subwoofer to get with it; I'd rather just need the two speakers.

 

So I was hesitating between the Adam A3X, the Tannoy 601as and the Focal CMS40. However I don't have an XLR or RCA out on my pc's motherboard audio out. So I don't know whether I'd need a soundcard or can get away with my setup as it is.

 

I use MP3s by the way, not lossless: I'm no audiophile and I'm very happy with my V2 rips, and I have WAY too many CDs to consider ripping again to lossless.

 

Any tips..? I honestly don't know what to pick: all of these cost roughly the same (well not the Focal, they're a lot more expensive) and reviews are all great...

 

Here's what I currently have setup:

DSC_0300.jpg

 

Thanks!

 


Edited by Pott - 6/5/11 at 9:37am
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post #2 of 10
6/5/11 at 11:49am

oooh now that would be an interesting 3 way shoot out, i cant help as ive heard none of them but free bump cause they are interesting

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post #3 of 10
6/5/11 at 12:14pm

Try to audition them, you can hear them differently, so reviews don`t always help,

but of course, even if you listen to them at the store, thay can sound differently with your set up, so...

 

I don`t recomend though, getting any of them, because they`re too good for your set up,

you could hear the limitation of your mp3, or your onboard audio...

as a rule of thumb, every chain should be similary priced (DAC, Amplifier, Speakers)

you cant have XLR speakers with pc onboard audio

sorry for being so conservative...smile.gif

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post #4 of 10
6/5/11 at 1:09pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks and that's fair enough: I'm also looking to upgrade my soundcard, but I'd still have only MP3s (I can't re-rip over 300 CDs..! :( ). So if I have to spend an extra 50 or so euros in a soundcard with the proper output I'm fine with it as well.

 

I'm basically willing to upgrade everything except the MP3s... :P Would you say my weakest link would be my files or my soundcard? I honestly couldn't know.

 

I also couldn't try any of these as I've not found a single store where I am where they have it in stock (I don't have a car).


Edited by Pott - 6/5/11 at 1:19pm
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post #5 of 10
6/5/11 at 2:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pott View Post

Thanks and that's fair enough: I'm also looking to upgrade my soundcard, but I'd still have only MP3s (I can't re-rip over 300 CDs..! :( ). So if I have to spend an extra 50 or so euros in a soundcard with the proper output I'm fine with it as well.

 

I'm basically willing to upgrade everything except the MP3s... :P Would you say my weakest link would be my files or my soundcard? I honestly couldn't know.

 

I also couldn't try any of these as I've not found a single store where I am where they have it in stock (I don't have a car).

 

Do you still have access to the CDs and just don't feel like putting in the time? I've been slowly trying to switch my library from 192-320 kbps mp3 to FLAC and I've found out that my city's libraries actually have an extensive collection (including a small amount of SACD titles, which surprised me but I don't have a SACD player). I usually get a book every week or two and pickup a few CDs as well.

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post #6 of 10
6/5/11 at 2:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by heavytwenty View Post

 

Do you still have access to the CDs and just don't feel like putting in the time? I've been slowly trying to switch my library from 192-320 kbps mp3 to FLAC and I've found out that my city's libraries actually have an extensive collection (including a small amount of SACD titles, which surprised me but I don't have a SACD player). I usually get a book every week or two and pickup a few CDs as well.


Probably to most of them, but not all. I doubt I have enough hard disk space either (70GB worth of music in MP3 format, that will be A LOT more in lossless).

I wouldn't even know if our library would have CDs, and specifically my own... I live in one of Europe's smallest countries :(

 

 

My goal right now is at least to replace my existing setup. If I can upgrade it a little then I'd like to as well. Honestly, the fact that I have MP3s only isn't bothering me right now and my hi-fi and speakers aren't bad at all.


Edited by Pott - 6/5/11 at 2:14pm
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post #7 of 10
6/5/11 at 2:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pott View Post

Thanks and that's fair enough: I'm also looking to upgrade my soundcard, but I'd still have only MP3s (I can't re-rip over 300 CDs..! :( ). So if I have to spend an extra 50 or so euros in a soundcard with the proper output I'm fine with it as well.

 

I'm basically willing to upgrade everything except the MP3s... :P Would you say my weakest link would be my files or my soundcard? I honestly couldn't know.

 

I also couldn't try any of these as I've not found a single store where I am where they have it in stock (I don't have a car).



MP3 will do fine as a start, but I just dont know what card could do with 50€ or so,

search for used cards, any brand mentioned on HeadFi will do fine, or look for any external DAC, but check the motherboard to have digital out, otherwise you need an usb DAC which can be a bit pricey,

Any upgrade you make now will result in huge SQ improvements, with time they`ll be progressively smaller..

 

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post #8 of 10
6/5/11 at 2:42pm
Thread Starter 

Mhmm it's got a SPDIF output on the motherboard itself which is meant to connect to a module; but I figured soundcards would connect to a PCI-e port..?

 

50 euros was just an indication: I'm honestly willing and able to pay what it takes, but given that I only have a one room appartment and MP3s, I know I don't need to spend thousands either in order to have a very acceptable system :)

 

Like this one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-Xonar-D2X-XDT-Express/dp/B0011BC1FO/ref=sr_1_3?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1307311263&sr=1-3

 

Unfortunately I have equally as little idea about soundcards as I have about speakers...! I don't know what kind of outputs I would need for instance.


Edited by Pott - 6/5/11 at 3:05pm
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post #9 of 10
6/6/11 at 2:45am

I have a pair of ADAM A3X which I use on my desktop.

 

You don't really need a dedicated soundcard. You can buy an adaptor which will take the output from you onboard (standard 1/8" TRS) and terminate in either RCA phono or XLR plugs. That will be fine with all the speakers you mention.

 

Dedicated soundcards often offer better stats than on-board but there is not a lot in it really, particularly on a modern quality motherboard. You may or may not not hear a difference but even if you do there will not be a lot in it. Particularly if you do the listening test 'blind'. Sensible people buy dedicated soundcards for the facilities and versatility. If you really insist look at the lower end of the E-MU and Focusrite brands as a starter.

 

I have never heard either the Focal CMS40 (unavailable when I bought the ADAMs or I would definitely have given them a listen) or the Tannoys. The Tannoys look interesting because they have a significantly larger low/mid driver (6.5" vs 4" on the others) but don't actually go down much lower (~60Hz).

 

I have a subwoofer and a pair of old school floorstanders  but 90% of the time I prefer to stick with the vanilla A3X on the desktop. 60hz is low enough 18" from your ears!

 

Be aware that all the speakers you mention are designed as 'studio monitors'. That means they try very hard to provide a very flat sound and can be rather unforgiving of poor quality recordings. You will hear any imperfections because that is what the speakers are designed to do. So there may be a period of transition if you are used to 'audiophile' quality gear.

 

Within the limitations imposed by the driver and cabinet size I cannot fault The ADAMs on acoustic and vocal material. piano is jaw droppingly good. They are also excellent with rock and most pop. They fare less well with bass heavy samples, particularly when the bass is 'pumping' i.e. techno and house. If thet is what you listen too a lot then you might like to look at the KRK Rokit range.

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post #10 of 10
6/6/11 at 4:43am
Thread Starter 

I listen to everything with guitar in it... Absolutely no techno/trance but for the rare enough Prodigy tune or some Electro Swing here and there. However a LOT of Blues (acoustic and electric), metal (of all heaviness), punk, ska, reggae... For bass I'd rather get something accurate rather than pumping I'd think, given my choice of music.

 

Acoustic guitar + heavy sounds are basically the two dominent 'styles' of my music library :)

 

I see what you mean about the imperfections I think: when I got my Senns HD25 I definitely noticed these things more at first. Now I know what to listen to and not listen to, it's gotten better (best thing I ever bought, these headphones..!).

 

I ordered the Adam in the end. I will connect them via RCA for now but I will definitely be on the hunt for an external soundcard with balanced TRS or XLR outputs.


Edited by Pott - 6/6/11 at 5:56am
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