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Advice on computer setup (active monitors+usb soundcard)

post #1 of 13
1/16/12 at 2:34pm
Thread Starter 

Hi guys. I am on the market for a couple of active monitors (nearfield) and a usb soundcard. I intend to use them for listening (not recording) purposes. The monitors will be placed on a desk. I am looking for something compact but good sound quality. May add a subwoofer at a later stage.

 

I have narrowed down the possibilities to the following:

- Adam A3x

- Genelec 6010a
- AudioEngine A2

 

I don't know which soundcard.

Any help greatly appreciated!

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post #2 of 13
1/16/12 at 7:11pm

A3x is pretty good. Check out Swans M200 MKII or if you have the budget go directly to MKIII. Why not get a cheap and decent external DAC like Udac2, Audinst Mx-1 or even the HRT Streamer II. All of them are considered budget DACs and performs extremely well with speakers especially the HRT Streamer.

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post #3 of 13
1/17/12 at 1:45am
Thread Starter 

Thanks. Do you know of a reasonably priced DAC usb, which has an external voume control knob and two xlr (balanced) outputs?

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post #4 of 13
1/17/12 at 11:51am

what do you consider a reasonably priced dac? The Yulong D100 is very good for 400$.

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post #5 of 13
1/17/12 at 12:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by frankie67 View Post

- AudioEngine A2

People, please stop with audioengine, its not active monitors. rolleyes.gif

Look for pro USB DAC for something nice & cheap, like m-audio fast track pro.
Edited by Omega17TheTrue - 1/17/12 at 12:22pm
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post #6 of 13
1/17/12 at 12:55pm

Don't buy the audioengine. They're fun sounding, but are fairly muddy. The other two out class them substantially.

As eclipes suggested, the Swans are also highly regarded.

 

Don't spend too much on a sound card. Most of the big name brands (M-Audio, EMU) have good offerings.


Edited by Eisenhower - 1/17/12 at 12:58pm
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post #7 of 13
1/17/12 at 2:25pm
Thread Starter 
Why should I buy a soundcard and not a dac?

Dacs I am currently considerung are Audinst HUD-mx1, Matrix Mini, and G-Audio. Any suggestions on which one I should buy are welcome. Thanks.smily_headphones1.gif
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post #8 of 13
1/17/12 at 3:42pm

The audinst mx-1 is really good for the money, good choice if you get it.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by frankie67 View Post


Why should I buy a soundcard and not a dac?
Dacs I am currently considerung are Audinst HUD-mx1, Matrix Mini, and G-Audio. Any suggestions on which one I should buy are welcome. Thanks.smily_headphones1.gif


 

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post #9 of 13
1/17/12 at 11:20pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks Eclipses. I've noticed that you have an Audio GD FB12. What is yuor experience with it?
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post #10 of 13
1/18/12 at 4:51am
Thread Starter 

The Audinst HUD MX1 looks very nice and  its price is very attractive. The only potential issue that I see is the lack of balanced out. Can anybody comment? Are there similar DACs in the same price category with XLR line outs? Thanks.

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post #11 of 13
1/18/12 at 6:04am

hey there, I've actually went through several budget DACs before settling on the NFB-12. And my experience with it has been quite positive, its packed with all connections, changing filters to suit your taste, a powerful internal amp capable of running 600ohms easy and the DAC is just wonderful and was the main reason why i bought this unit. I've actually upgraded from the Audinst but they come quite close together and both are very identical in price. However i preferred the newer DAC in the audiogd, sounds better than the Audinst. The only complaint i have is Audinst has a slightly wider soundstage compared to a much narrow soundstage on NFB-12. However, either one will be bang for buck for sure.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by frankie67 View Post

Thanks Eclipses. I've noticed that you have an Audio GD FB12. What is yuor experience with it?


 

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post #12 of 13
1/18/12 at 6:14am
Thread Starter 

Thanks. Any issues with unbalanced vs. balanced. I've heard that the Adam monitors prefer balanced connections. Other than that, which one would you recommend?

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post #13 of 13
1/18/12 at 8:07am

Yeah I've heard that too. My friends A7x does sound slightly more pleasing (not necessary better) over RCA inputs. I think its more of a sound preference and not necessary performance wise. My swans are using RCA and they sound great. But i think someone can elaborate more about Balanced vs unbalanced.

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