[GloryField]

Currently:

Onboard sound on mobo Asus P5Q Pro, it uses realtek
 
Speakers:
M-Audio AV40
 
Phones:
Audio Technia A900
Sennheiser 201
 
Ety ER6-i
UE Superfi 3
Meelectronics M9P
Meelectronics R1
 
 
So my setup is Mobo -> Speaker, and when I use phones it's Mobo -> Speaker -> Phone via the plug on the speaker
 
What should I do to upg this setup amp/dac/soundcard wise?
 
 
I listen to jazz/classical and BASSHUNTER, watch tv/movies, and video games

 

[J.Pocalypse]

If it were me, I'd implement some kind of DAC. Not sure what your budget is, but Amazon has a some available. Depending on your file formats, make sure you're not spending the extra cash on a DAC that can handle 24/96 if you don't have any to begin with.
 
</$.02>

 

[JRG1990]

Yea get a external dac, i recommend the fiio e7/e9 combo as a inexpensive solution you can plug your av-40s into the line out (rca out) and the headphones into the headphone out.

 

[GloryField]

would just a E7 work?

Also been reading some reviews, what's the diff between E7 vs some other similarly priced DAC's (under 150), like uDAC2.  Is uDAC2 worth the extra?

 

[JRG1990]

Yes but the e7 is only intended for use with headphones it doesn't have a line out the e9 has a proper lineout for active speakers
There are loads of dac's to choose from the udac is good choice aswell, theres loads of reviews and options on here about them use the search.

 

[Omega17TheTrue]

I would take m-audio dsm 3, all in one dac and amp in speaker box with DSP.

 

[aangen]

The E7 is just an all around great thing to have. I use mine with my computers, with or without the E9. I also use it with an iPod. My E7 is one of my favorite devices.

 

[GloryField]

not sure if i want to wait for E11/E17

 

[JRG1990]

The E11 is just a portable amp not a dac, the E17 is the E7's replacement and will be able to dock in the e9 like the e7, the e17 won't most likely be able to buy til at least the end of the year.

 

[GloryField]

OK.  Where should I get it, dealextreme or amazon?

 

[J.Pocalypse]

Quote:

OK.  Where should I get it, dealextreme or amazon?

Amazon. In my experience, their shipping is a bit more, thrifty.