[defianttek]

I'm wondering what the best bang for the buck way to connect my computer to my Hi-Fi system.
 
Options to explore:

• USB-DAC
• High End PCI-E audiocard
• Studio audio interface
• Optical into external DAC

Looking to spend up to $600 for this.
 
My Hi-Fi system consists:
Wharfedale Evo2-40 (pair)
My Hifi Rig in the Sig
Yamaha RX-A710BL (for now, will be getting separate amps)
LG 47LM6200 TV


I had an interest in the PeachTree Audio Decco (the tube interest me) because of their claim that it livens up music. this interests me because I will be primarily using MP3's, from 192-320kbs.

 

[trog]

Hmm what sort of inputs does your Hifi system have i.e analog/RCA only, optical, coaxial, HDMI, etc?

 

[defianttek]

My current AV Reciever has all of those inputs

 

[pcf]

I am setting up something similar for my home cinema as well (Onkyo NR5008 to Krell showcase power amps)-
If you computer has HDMI, I would connect that to your amp for video and also take the digital out from your computer to an outboard DAC (assuming that it is a higher grade one that the built in DAC in your amp); analog out from the DAC to the amp as a second connection for two channel music listening.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I'm wondering what the best bang for the buck way to connect my computer to my Hi-Fi system.
 
Options to explore:

• USB-DAC
• High End PCI-E audiocard
• Studio audio interface
• Optical into external DAC

Looking to spend up to $600 for this.
 
My Hi-Fi system consists:
Wharfedale Evo2-40 (pair)
My Hifi Rig in the Sig
Yamaha RX-A710BL (for now, will be getting separate amps)
LG 47LM6200 TV


I had an interest in the PeachTree Audio Decco (the tube interest me) because of their claim that it livens up music. this interests me because I will be primarily using MP3's, from 192-320kbs.

 
Is your audio setup going to be 2.0, 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1?
I'm assuming you know the Yamaha's Silent Cinema feature provide headphone surround sound.
I think the Yamaha RX-A710BL is a good pick, It comes with better built in amplifiers then the cheaper Yamaha A/V receivers.
I was looking at getting the RX-A700 myself, ended up getting the RX-V671 (for the price of the RX-V667)
 
If you use an external DAC between your computer and the receiver, all you will get is 2-channel audio, no surround sound.
 
If your graphics card has HDMI.
Run HDMI from the graphics card to the Yamaha RX-A710BL, then HDMI from the Yamaha to the LG.
So, for under $20 worth of cable, you computer is hooked to your Hi-Fi.
 
Or (and) run optical from your motherboard to the Yamaha.

 

[defianttek]

Going from the computer to the HiFi, all I care about is 2 channel audio as the computer is just a music server. I might add in a sub if I feel I'm lacking bass.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Going from the computer to the HiFi, all I care about is 2 channel audio as the computer is just a music server. I might add in a sub if I feel I'm lacking bass.

External DAC, sold on eBay, for around $100.
SMSL SD-1955
 
S/PDIF (coaxial or optical) or USB digital input from the computer
RCA output (to the Yamaha).
 
you can order "premium" cables from Monoprice.

 

[barbes]

I'm wondering what the best bang for the buck way to connect my computer to my Hi-Fi system.

Options to explore:

1. USB-DAC
2. High End PCI-E audiocard
3. Studio audio interface
4. Optical into external DAC

Looking to spend up to $600 for this.

My Hi-Fi system consists:


Wharfedale Evo2-40 (pair)


My Hifi Rig in the Sig


Yamaha RX-A710BL (for now, will be getting separate amps)


LG 47LM6200 TV






I had an interest in the PeachTree Audio Decco (the tube interest me) because of their claim that it livens up music. this interests me because I will be primarily using MP3's, from 192-320kbs.

If I understand correctly, your receiver will take digital audio input via coax. That means you have another option, to use a USB > S/PDIF converter between your computer and the receiver. Search here - there's a lot of information on this site. My experience is that they greatly enhance the listening experience of lossy music. I'm partial to the ART Legato, which is in your price range.

 

[j0holden]

I am interested in this as well, and was curious if there is a difference in quality between using a USB or optical connection between computer and dac/receiver.