[1audioz]

As the title suggests, I'm tired of my Logitech speakers. They sound bad. How bad? Bad compared to my little portable audio rig (sflo:2 > go-vibe martini > audio-technica ck10)
 
I have a limited knowledge of desktop audio components and speakers and such. I listen to all kinds of music and my collection is mainly MP3/MPC/Vorbis-Q5/FLAC.
 
In late September(or now in fact), I'll be looking into purchasing some new speakers. Active or Passive? Regular bookshelf or "studio monitors"?
 
Budget: $300-$500 AUD
 
I currently use my speakers directly from my motherboard audio. I've been looking at some M-Audio Studiophile BX5a Deluxe monitors available for ~$355 in my area.
 
If I were to get the BX5a's, how would I connect them to my computer? Would I need (should I buy) to get an external USB DAC to get the best performance?
 
-Thanks.

 

[ThinJ]

The simplest way is with a cable like this one: http://www.amazon.com/HOSA-CMP159-Stereo-Phone-Y-Cable/dp/B000068O3C/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b
 
It's not the optimal way of doing it, but it will work until you can get a new soundcard/DAC. Even hooked up that way it'll still be significantly cleaner and clearer sound than you're getting out of those nasty Logitech speakers.
 
I run the BX5's right now and they're connected to the internal crossover in my sub, so sound goes out from the computer to the sub, then from there to the speakers. My next purchase is probably a Little Dot DAC_1 USB. Once I do that, I'll just run separate outs from the DAC to the Sub and the Speakers. Probably use the XLR connections for the BX5a's.

 

[ROBSCIX]

You can also look to bookshelf speakers meant for HT use.  There are many great sounding desktop amplifiers out there for great prices.

 

[1audioz]

So say I wanted to include the Firestone Audio Fubar II USB DAC...
 
My setup would be like this?
 
f2k --> USB DAC --> RCA to RCA --> RCA to 1/4" adapters --> BX5a