[ANP !!!]

Hello Headfi.

I am a long long time reader of this community, I usually get all my queries answered through the search option which never made me register here.

So I am in the market for a stereo setup that is decent for Music.

1. I dont care much about bass, but it should have acceptable bass, since most of the time I used to set the bass low on my Z5500, I like tight and faster bass which the Z5500 was opposite of.
2. My usage will be 75% Music 15% movies 10% gaming.
3. The speakers will be about 1 meter away from me and about 2.5 meters apart with 15" of space behind the speakers.

Thus since I dont have a sound card right now (Xfi Xtrememusic which blew a few days ago

), I am using a external Realtek ALC885 card that came with my DFI board. Its decent and gets the job done, but If I will be compromising a lot of SQ with this card I will upgrade.
More technical info
Realtek

I am currently saving up for my DSLR body & lens upgrades thus I have less money for the stereo setup

and I am on tight budget.

So which one will sound better for music

1. Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 + amp
   or
2. AudioEngine A5
   or
3. M-audio AV40/Behringer MS40/Edirol MA-15D/Audioegine A2 + Xonar DX/M-audio Audiophile 2496

If I get the Wharfedales Diamond 9.1/Audioengine A5 set I wont have money for the sound card and will have to compromise a bit with the Realtek card for about 2-3 months, later I will get the Xonar DX or M-audio Audiophile 2496 or Creative EMU0404

Which route should i go for ? Will the Wharfdale sound crap with the Stock card ? or else it will be good enough for a good 2-3 months.

Help me out
Thanks for reading this far.

 

[.Sup]

Wharfdale Diamond 9.1 + amp +EMU0404 USB

 

[ANP !!!]

Thanks Sup.

EMU0404 USB is such a powerhouse, I wont be able to buy it now though since I am short of cash

, I can buy it within 2 months, but till then will the Wharfdales + amp combo sound good with the stock card ??

 

[.Sup]

I would say until you get a proper sound card, it won't sound very good but its worth the wait. So I would get the best you can for the money you have (Diamonds + amp) and get a soundcard later.

 

[Operandi]

I was actually considering the Diamonds myself at one point until I decided to go DIY. If you have access to the tools or know anyone that dose wood working it's something you should consider. This Zaph kit would easily smoke any retail monitor under $600.

Quote:

Originally Posted by .Sup /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would say until you get a proper sound card, it won't sound very good but its worth the wait. So I would get the best you can for the money you have (Diamonds + amp) and get a soundcard later.

A balanced system is obviously important but the source and speakers are really two completely different things in terms of what you are hearing. As long as the onboard sound isn't complete crap you will be able to enjoy the new speakers.

I built a DIY full range speaker the Lineup F4 and for initial testing just used my crummy AC97 audio for the source and the speakers were doing things I've never heard before. I've heard the difference so I know a good source is important but it's really a different kind of improvment (for lack of a better word).