mynameissang
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2011
- Posts
- 17
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Hi. I'm quite new to head-fi, but have been using it as a primary research source for a while now.
I'm sorry if this isn't the right section for posting this...
I have a Fostex T50RP (soon to be modded
I would mostly be just listening to music, but also occasional gaming. I'm not interested in surround sound features or anything like that, however.
In researching the different options,
EDIT: Apparently, I didn't research enough... I didn't realize that the Xonar ST was a PCI interface card (with a better clock than the STX?), which is possible, as I do have free PCI slots.
Ideally, I would like to be able to use speakers as primary, and be able to conveniently plug in my headphones for when I need to.
As of now, the headphones are the only thing I have, and nothing else. My mobo has a digital audio out (it's a red-colored slot; I don't think it's an S/PDIF slot? I don't know, I'm a noob
For the speakers, I think I'm pretty set on getting the Swan M10, but I'm completely open to other suggestions.
Basically, with all the DAC and amp options (external DAC + external amp, external DAC/amp combo, etc.), I feel horribly swamped and confused, especially considering I had no knowledge whatsoever of computer audio until maybe a few days ago. I have probably around $350 to spend total, though I might be able to stretch that a little bit. I was hoping somebody could guide me with some suggestions.
I was thinking that a DAC/amp combo with a balanced headphone out and DAC line out would be good, as the Swan M10 I was considering are active. Some options I have considered are an E7/E9 combo (or wait for E17), Audio-GD NFB-12 (wasn't really looking forward to the seemingly sketchy ordering process), and a NuForce uDAC-2, all of which I would follow up with a Swan M10.
In the speakers, I really don't care for much bass. A tight controlled deep-extending bass would be nice, but I don't care much for quantity at all. What I'm mainly looking for are clear crisp mids and highs more than anything.
Please, I'm open to any and all suggestions.