[yunaforever009]

So, I am about to purchase a pair of the A5s and a HD-595 for use with my Sager laptop and am wondering if I should invest in an USB sound card and a DAC or just a decent sound card.... I am finding myself in unfamiliar waters with DAC's and USB Sound cards and what not.... Help?

Thanks in advance!

 

[malldian]

Yes you should, mostly for the A5. Price range?

 

[yunaforever009]

Well, my budget is pushed very tight because I am thinking of going with the A5 instead of the A2.... so something under a 100$ or at most, 150.

I would rather have really good speakers and work on the accouterments as time goes on....

 

[malldian]

A good choice for sure. At that price I would look into securing a banthamdac by a DIYer (have only read the rave reviews, plan on making one myself for a second system soonish) and saving up for a better source later on. I owned the A2's and they were very source dependent and scaled up well.

 

[yunaforever009]

What about an E-Mu 0202 USB DAC?

 

[samspotting]

super pro dac

 

[JonathanHF]

If you are using those(the A5s), as the desk speakers, I recommend you the A2s instead.
Though I don't have the A2s, I own the A5s.
They definitely need the speaker stands to sound properly. The bass is boomy, muffled, and the image, sound separation is not as good.
Of course with the proper desktop treatments they are gonna sound better, but their size is just too big for placing on a desk.

Save yourself some cash and upgrade the soundcard instead. And maybe you can get some proper table stands for the A2s.

 

[Qonmus]

Hot audio has several DACs within your price range. I have not heard them myself, but some other members here have tried them and enjoyed them.

 

[yunaforever009]

Do you have a picture of your A5 setup? I'm trying to figure if I have space for the A5 with speaker stands, are you referring to the basic speaker stands listed at Audioengine.com?

And thank you for your insight!

 

[JonathanHF]

I'm using those, the 30inch ver. for my A5
Audio Speaker Stands | SW Series | Speaker Stands | Audio Stands
Those do take up some space.

 

[Hatmann]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonathanHF /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you are using those(the A5s), as the desk speakers, I recommend you the A2s instead. Though I don't have the A2s, I own the A5s. They definitely need the speaker stands to sound properly. The bass is boomy, muffled, and the image, sound separation is not as good. Of course with the proper desktop treatments they are gonna sound better, but their size is just too big for placing on a desk. Save yourself some cash and upgrade the soundcard instead. And maybe you can get some proper table stands for the A2s.

Audioengine now stocks a stand made for the A2s.

I tried them and the difference is not subtle. A nice improvement.