Bghead8che
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2013
- Posts
- 4
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- 0
Hi Guys,
I am very familiar with HT and home audio but computer audio is completely new to me.
My computer:
Windows 8 64-BIT
Asus Hero IV Maximus Board
No dedicated sound card
After much reading I've decided a DAC and powered speakers are the way to go.
My understanding is I would NOT need a dedicated sound card because my board has a SPDIF out. Am I correct? I assume the digital signal out of the MOBO would be just a good as a dedicated sound card. The SPDIF is Toslink. Is that an issue? Will it limit output on hi-rez music and any way?
I've pretty much narrowed it down to the following:
Speakers:
Adam Audio A5X (unless there is a compelling reason to move up to the A7X)
Adam Sub8
DAC:
Micromega MyDAC
Schitt Bitfrost
Musical Fidelity M1 DAC
SoundBlaster ZxR
I am leaning to the M1 DAC because Stereophile said it measurement's were "state of the art" while there were a few issues with the Bitfrost.
Since none of these include a headphone amp I will have to add one later as budget allows. Am I missing anything? Feel free to make alternate suggestions. Any advice/input appreciated.
Thanks!
-Brian
I am very familiar with HT and home audio but computer audio is completely new to me.
My computer:
Windows 8 64-BIT
Asus Hero IV Maximus Board
No dedicated sound card
After much reading I've decided a DAC and powered speakers are the way to go.
My understanding is I would NOT need a dedicated sound card because my board has a SPDIF out. Am I correct? I assume the digital signal out of the MOBO would be just a good as a dedicated sound card. The SPDIF is Toslink. Is that an issue? Will it limit output on hi-rez music and any way?
I've pretty much narrowed it down to the following:
Speakers:
Adam Audio A5X (unless there is a compelling reason to move up to the A7X)
Adam Sub8
DAC:
Micromega MyDAC
Schitt Bitfrost
Musical Fidelity M1 DAC
SoundBlaster ZxR
I am leaning to the M1 DAC because Stereophile said it measurement's were "state of the art" while there were a few issues with the Bitfrost.
Since none of these include a headphone amp I will have to add one later as budget allows. Am I missing anything? Feel free to make alternate suggestions. Any advice/input appreciated.
Thanks!
-Brian