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Help a Noob Out - Connecting AMP to PC

post #1 of 6
7/29/11 at 7:33pm
Thread Starter 

I was given an older Onkyo amp with only RCA inputs.  I have an Audigy 2 soundcard that only has a 3.5mm output.  I currently hooked up the amp via a rca to 3.5mm adapter.  My computer also has onboard Coaxial out. 

 

I am wondering if there is a way to get the best sound out of this set up, maybe hooking up coaxial to rca via an adapter?  Or would a soundcard with rca out sound better than what i have now?

 

Please help a noob out.

 

Btw, they're paired with some older Aiwa speakers.  They sound 100x better than my cheapo logitech pc speakers.  Any help is greatly appreciated!

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post #2 of 6
7/29/11 at 9:03pm

Many ways to do it, but personally I would use an external DAC with a volume control so you could use it as a preamp.

Is the Onkyo a straight amp or is it an integrated?

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post #3 of 6
7/29/11 at 9:11pm
Thread Starter 

Not sure what the difference is between straight and integrated amp.  It's got different inputs and options like FM/ AM/ CD/ phono, and has knobs for bass, treble, balance. 

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post #4 of 6
7/30/11 at 4:24am

A pre-amp is one with the input selection and the volume control, etc
It amplifies the line signal (the sources) to a higher level.
A power-amp is an amp with a fixed gain e.g. 25 dB.
It simply amplifies the input and the output is something a speaker can stomach.
Put pre- and power amp in 1 box and you have an integrated amp.
 

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post #5 of 6
7/30/11 at 5:54am
Thread Starter 

I guess it's probably just a Pre-amp? Have no idea.  The Model number is Onkyo TX-811.

 

So if i purchased a FiiO D3 dac, and used my onboard coaxial out, would that sound better than using my Audigy 2's 3.5mm out with the RCA adapter?

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post #6 of 6
7/30/11 at 12:24pm

It is a receiver so a integrated amp + tuner

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