Btw, initially I was looking for something to replace the Creative USB sound card that I use as a standalone DAC for the cable set top box (cleaner sound on my speaker rig). However for some reason when powered on adapter (as oppose from a PC) it would pop when I stop/rewind/FF. I figured it won't be good for the speaker. I also got sick of changing disc and wanted to use my PC for background listening. So I started looking for some cheap DAC off the eBay.
Long story short, the "cheap DAC" that I was looking for watching cable ended up costing more than my main source (Marantz SA7001) LOL.
So obviously, if all things go well, this is going to be my alternative source or even my main source for serious listening. Now I need a transport for it. The Marantz would be a good candidate for CD playing, but I prefer to have something like a digital jukebox for background listening. I looked at:
- iPod + digital dock
- Squeezebox
- Good old PC
As my funds are severely depleted for reason mentioned above, for that I kind of ruled out the first 2. I have way too many PCs (3 desktops + 1 laptop) at home. But a PC is IMO quite clunky to use as it needs monitors and keyboard to work, I prefer sitting on a couch with a remote.
Compromise has to be made. Here are my choices:
- Hook up a PC (onboard Realtek sound card) across the room with optical cable (the cable has to be 23' long)
- Get a dedicated sound card for that PC with the above
- Use a similarly long USB cable instead
- Get a USB to coax converter and use a long coax or USB cable
- Hook up a spare PC near the hifi rig and use the TV as monitor (but I don't like the idea of involving the TV)
- Use bluray player to play WAV files on USB drive (I'll need to maintain another parallel library of WAV on top of the numerous that I already have (WMA lossless, ALAC, AAC), and still need the TV)
Suggestions?
Synergy? Tick in the box.