[saedrin]

Greetings all,
 
I've been using a set of JVC HA-RX900's paired with an Onkyo TX-SR606 receiving audio from my PC's onboard SPDIF/TOSLINK output. I just recently picked up a pair of AT ATH-A900X's to replace my headphones and I'd like to remove the Onkyo receiver from the equation as well.
 
I'm looking for a DAC to take the SPDIF/TOSLINK from my PC, split the output between both a discrete set of mediocre self-amped speakers (for the rare occasions I use speakers with my PC) and a dedicated headphone amp which will be my primary usage.
 
Thoughts?
 
I'd like to spend under $300-400 for the DAC and headphone amp combined.
 
Thanks!

 

[davidsh]

Get a headphone amp with pre out and connect some decent active speakers to that perhaps

 

[billybob_jcv]

You can use a home theater receiver for - but the HT receiver needs to have stereo preamp output. There are DAC/Amps that will take a s/pdif input and have RCA outputs.

Another way to do it is to use the lineout/headphone jack on your soundcard for the speakers, and the s/pdif out to a headphone DAC/Amp. Then, when you want to use your speakers, you would need to switch the output using your soundcard SW.