[Kal525]

I know the whole deal about listening to music through a pc, but i plan to rip cds using Monkey's audio, so that will be a lossless compression scheme. I've already spent a good amount of money on HD600 headphones and parts for a META42. I just want something simple for less than $100 that will sound better than the source of the GTXP. I was thinking of using the digital out on the GTXP and plugging it into a DAC and then from the DAC into my amp. Do you think this would be a good solution. I haven't had much luck finding any DACs for less than $100, they all appear to be at least $600. And if i did use a DAC, would i be getting a purely unaltered digital signal from my hard drive, or would the GTXP alter it in any way?

I have also heard of a device that connects through USB and carries the sound to an external box which i can then connect to the amp. Do you think this would be a better choice than a DAC. Unfortunately i believe the price starts at $150.

 

[dohminator]

I'm interested in finding out as well. I have a tbsc and I'm going to get a meta 42. also, would a dac work with a portable cd player.

 

[Kal525]

anyone?

 

[lan]

The ART DI/O at fullcompass is like $120. You have the option of doing upgrades to it later at more expense. A few of us are running it here and we're pretty happy with it. It takes coax digital in. It's output uses 1/4in mono -> RCA since it's a professional piece of hardware so um... the interconnect isn't common so you may have to get that cable.

I'm not sure if the GTXP will alter the sound. I'm guessing it may not but windows may.

I think that's your best bet. I wouldn't get a USB external soundcard.

 

[Kal525]

is there any DAC that i can go out and buy from a retail store. I've never really seen them at a Best Buy or the like. Is it because they're built into other pieces of equipment most often?

 

[Squalish]

Quote:

Originally posted by Kal525 is there any DAC that i can go out and buy from a retail store. I've never really seen them at a Best Buy or the like. Is it because they're built into other pieces of equipment most often?

They are a total niche market. Audiophilia in general is confined to music, speaker, etc stores, and now, in the last 10 years, the web. Stick to the internet, not sure about availability in specialty retail stores, but they would probably be overpriced if they were.