[geekchic]

Hi, I need some help from all of you to set up my music - the parameters are;

1. Almost all my music is digital - MP3/ some lossless
2. it's stored on my Dell PC/ office laptop - both have only on-board sound currently or I might play directly off my DAP (Cowon D2)
3. The speaker set up will be in my living room (19ft X 13 ft - yes, it's matchbox sized - I live in a city with very expensive real estate

)
4. neighbors are likely to object to loud sound as well as the hours at which I blast it - so I don't need bone-shaking bass, but clarity at low volumes. However, occasionally if I have friends over for a party, it should be a system that can rock a bit.
5. This will be my first speaker set up - I'm more into portable music today. I'm realistic that I don't have a big budget, but I do want the best sound I can get at this price point. And as you can see, I am starting from scratch.
6. Suggest a scalable solution - today my budget is constrained, but over time I can add on eg. tell me
a) the complete basics I need to invest at this point of time (sound card, DAC etc.)
b) Add-ons that can come later like a sub woofer.

Any suggestions will be welcome. As you see in my sig, I am currently thinking of the Audioengines (A2 is for my desktop, but I've also wondered if A5 is better for the requirements listed above). I have a preference for powered bookshelves as they can save me from investing in a separate amp.

Thanks!

 

[fjf]

The nuforce icon has received good reviews, and is within your budget: Nuforce, Inc

6moons audio reviews: NuForce Icon

 

[shleepy]

I question the NuForce Icon's abilities. I've only seen the one major 6moons review that everyone links. I'd get something that's tried and true... I'm pretty happy with the Zero DAC I got (including USB>optical adapter), and other options include Fubar III, etc.

And for speakers - go for A2's or A5's. I found my A5's for $250, so if you can get a good deal like that, go for it.

 

[geekchic]

fjf, shleepy, thanks for the replies. I'm a complete noob at this - so I understand that you are suggesting a DAC that will connect through USB and bypass my on-board sound (won't need a sound card)

If I can get a sound card (which is cheap and easily available for me here), instead of a DAC, will that work or further reduce SQ?

 

[fjf]

All souncards have a DAC built in. All you need is a good one. Or a cheap card with digital out and an external DAC.

 

[Listen2this1]

Since your card has analog outs I would look at an older amp and I am talking old Marantz, Technics. You can get them from e-bay, craigslist, goodwill, garage sales. For speakers I would look at the NHT SB3's you can pick up nice ones on e-bay for a good price. They are amazing sounding. I have 2 pairs of them. They play to 39hz. Nice enough to not warrant a sub. For adding a sub later down the road if needed, you can get subs that have high level inputs and you will loop the speaker wires through the sub.