Help me improve my PC sound

olilugo

Guys,
I want to improve my PC sound and I am looking for suggestions?
for sure I want to keep it in 2.0 possibly 2.1.
I am not interested in 5.1 for my PC

I looked at the thread that has the HRT review and I am interested but it is not clear to me what else I have to add to be able to connect to the HRT product?

I would like to keep it as much minimalist as possible, I don?t really want to have to turn on/off a bunch of components, nor do I really want to have a bunch of components all over the place.

It seems that some of you are not using PC multimedia speakers, instead are using monitor speakers or even regular bookshelves speakers.

It is possible to go from the built-in sound card on the PC to the HRT II?
If so, then what, do you go to the monitor speakers since they are complete powered, would you use Sawn's M200MKIII's speakers? These speakers seem too big for a PC setup?
Or do you have an external amp and then use bookshelves speakers?

Please give me some ideas as what components do you have and how are they connected.

I have a TV card which I have to pipe the sound to my internal sound card and then I use the sound -out to my old Dell speakers?
I love the fact that I can watch TV on my computer but I want to improve the sound for when I listen to my music, all my music is in flac format on my hard drive.

coolsax

the HRT is actually a usb DAC so all you would need is a Standard USB cord which the HRT comes with..and plug it into any available USB port, you will not be using your sound card at all. it is powered by the USB port and the only other thing you would need would be RCA cables to powered speakers or a preamp or integrated amp, you may even be able to y cable if you only have one cable input (instead of separate L and R inputs) on the speakers you are using. With the Swans you are looking at you would just go straight from the HRT into the speakers with regular RCA cables which, according to theaudioinsider website, come with the Swan speakers.

skrol

With more and more posts on this topic, there must be a market. It would be nice of Polk Audio came out with a 2.1 system and perhaps a 5.1 system for the PC. It could be based on the Blackstone speakers with a small sub and include a USB DAC with an amplifier. Another alternative would be a sound bar. In fact, I just sent the idea off to Polk Audio.
Stan

blakeh

As coolsax states, you will not use your computer's soundcard at all with the HRT product. The chain would look like this:

Computer USB port -> USB cable -> HRT DAC -> RCA cables -> preamp -> RCA cables -> amp -> Speaker cables -> Speakers

Or, if you want to make it a bit more simple:

Computer USB port -> USB cable -> HRT DAC -> RCA cables -> Integrated amp -> Speaker cables -> Speakers

Monster Jam

If your not interested in 5.1, I don't understand why others haven't suggested doing what I do: headphone out (3.5mm jack) to RCA left and right. Plug this into the back of an Adcom GFA-555, and those into a pair of LSi 9, 7, or F/X as you were.

I considered powered studio monitor speakers (still a good choice by the way), but I wanted to test all of the separate amp hoopla everyone raves about.

I was happy with my set-up until I popped a channel on my amp while switching hot inputs - but that was my bad.

intangible

That's less than ideal, because it uses the integrated sound on your motherboard for the digital to analog conversion. Even if you don't want to spring for a USB DAC, a $40 sound card will be noticeably cleaner.

On3s&Z3r0s

Monster Jam wrote: »

If your not interested in 5.1, I don't understand why others haven't suggested doing what I do: headphone out (3.5mm jack) to RCA left and right. Plug this into the back of an Adcom GFA-555, and those into a pair of LSi 9, 7, or F/X as you were...

I did this for a long time with a laptop before I decided to put together a more dedicated solution using SPDIF and an external DAC. The difference was night and day... basically I didn't realize how much was missing in the old setup until the new setup was in place.

The two basic issues I see with this method are 1) older/cheaper soundcards or integrated audio chipsets on mobo's are probably not spending much on building in a high-quality DAC. (This isn't universally true of all soundcards... these have been recommended on the board.) 2) High-end cables for 3.5mm to stereo RCA are harder to come by. I know Monster makes some, but I try to avoid them when possible.

When I set my system(s) up, USB DACs had the reputation of being not as good as those that ran off of a SPDIF interface. From all the buzz I've been hearing lately, that's not true anymore. If I was doing it again today, I'd definitely go the USB DAC route witn a decent integrated amp and decent bookshelf speakers. (I just bought a pair of ERA D4's for my home office system and can't wait to hear what they sound like.)

About the issue of not wanting a bunch of crap to turn on and off, look into a UPS/battery backup system that has switchable outlets. The one I have lets me set a power consumption threshold on a master outlet that the PC is hooked up to, and then other things like the monitor and DAC are hooked to the switched outlets so that when I put the PC to sleep most everything else turns off. I don't have my amp hooked up to it as the UPS manufacturer says not to run things that have large variable power requirements (like laser printers) off of it, but I'm sure you could attach powered desktop speakers to it and not worry.

olilugo

Thanks all, these are good ideas.

newrival

If I were you, I would seriously look into Audioengine. They're powered and are super nicely finished. I have both the A2's, and the A5's and they are perhaps one of the best purchases I've ever made. I won't resort to flowery hyperbole here, but don't take my word for it, check out a couple reviews here:

http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/1207ae/
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1007/audioengine_a2.htm
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0706/audioengine_5.htm
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AUENA2

They're truly excellent speakers and offer sound that outshines many far outside it's price. The A2's are perfect for a computer setting. small unobtrusive, and very clean, but with HUGE sound. They offer a wireless sub for these, but you may not feel that you need it. seriously. The A5's have huge bass. In the nearfield, you honestly wouldn't need a sub, but you can use the wireless one with these, too.

oh and by the way theyre $200 for the A2's and $350 for the A5's. that's amplifiers (built in) and speakers! And if you want you can still use a DAC with these as they take miniplug (headphone style) and RCA inputs.

inspiredsports

Monster Jam wrote: »

If your not interested in 5.1, I don't understand why others haven't suggested doing what I do: headphone out (3.5mm jack) to RCA left and right. Plug this into the back of an Adcom GFA-555, and those into a pair of LSi 9, 7, or F/X as you were.

I considered powered studio monitor speakers (still a good choice by the way), but I wanted to test all of the separate amp hoopla everyone raves about.

I was happy with my set-up until I popped a channel on my amp while switching hot inputs - but that was my bad.

I did this for a long time when first investigating computer based 2.0. After buying just a modest (but modded) HAInfo NG27 DAC and a decent cable, sound quality was at least quadrupled.

DAC's have come so far I would no longer recommend attempting to use even a decent sound card, let alone a stock one.

olilugo

newrival wrote: »

If I were you, I would seriously look into Audioengine. They're powered and are super nicely finished. I have both the A2's, and the A5's and they are perhaps one of the best purchases I've ever made. I won't resort to flowery hyperbole here, but don't take my word for it, check out a couple reviews here:

http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/1207ae/
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1007/audioengine_a2.htm
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0706/audioengine_5.htm
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=AUENA2

They're truly excellent speakers and offer sound that outshines many far outside it's price. The A2's are perfect for a computer setting. small unobtrusive, and very clean, but with HUGE sound. They offer a wireless sub for these, but you may not feel that you need it. seriously. The A5's have huge bass. In the nearfield, you honestly wouldn't need a sub, but you can use the wireless one with these, too.

oh and by the way theyre $200 for the A2's and $350 for the A5's. that's amplifiers (built in) and speakers! And if you want you can still use a DAC with these as they take miniplug (headphone style) and RCA inputs.

I like this idea, this will give me PC(USB)-> USB cable -> HRT DAC -> RCA cables -> A2 speakers.
and it is kind of reasonable price.

Just a few minutes ago I stop at a place that happend to have M-audio-v40's and I hate to say it but I was not impressed by the sound. I like the size, but not the sound. I keep in mind they had a bunch of speakers for demo and I don't know how it is all connected but the sound was marginally better than my PC speakers that came with my DELL XPS 400 PC, which are harmon-kardon, small but very decent sound. These speakers in my opinion have better sound than most PC speakers I have listened so far. Keep in mind I am refering to most of the speakers you see at frys or best buy in their PC areas...

olilugo

fastz28 wrote: »

http://www.itemaudio.co.uk/prodigy_hd2.html
for pics

I have this sound card and running j rivers or foobar with lossless is unbelievable sound.

This looks very nice but it is a bit out of my price range. Thanks for sharing!

EndersShadow

olilugo wrote: »

This looks very nice but it is a bit out of my price range. Thanks for sharing!

Some decent speakers are also KRK Rokit 5's or 6's if your looking at powered. When I was debating what to do I really liked those.

I decided though I wanted to go passive since there are waaayyy to many different speakers and I want to try them all hehehe....

So I went with a HK 3490 and some Infinity Primus speakers and like them much, but sometimes wish I had the KRK's.

newrival

olilugo wrote: »

I like this idea, this will give me PC(USB)-> USB cable -> HRT DAC -> RCA cables -> A2 speakers.
and it is kind of reasonable price.

Just a few minutes ago I stop at a place that happend to have M-audio-v40's and I hate to say it but I was not impressed by the sound. I like the size, but not the sound. I keep in mind they had a bunch of speakers for demo and I don't know how it is all connected but the sound was marginally better than my PC speakers that came with my DELL XPS 400 PC, which are harmon-kardon, small but very decent sound. These speakers in my opinion have better sound than most PC speakers I have listened so far. Keep in mind I am refering to most of the speakers you see at frys or best buy in their PC areas...

I think you'll be very happy with the system you described. As well as amazed at the sound you will achieve. I agree with you on the M-Audio's. The A2's are far more refined. Moreover, I (and many professional reviewers) found them superior to the offerings of B&W (MM-1) and similar models. Also it's worth noting (since there's a lot of discussion of this on the forum now) that these are powered by true class A/B amps.

Make sure to post pics and a review when you get it set up!!! :biggrin:

olilugo

newrival wrote: »

I think you'll be very happy with the system you described. As well as amazed at the sound you will achieve. I agree with you on the M-Audio's. The A2's are far more refined. Moreover, I (and many professional reviewers) found them superior to the offerings of B&W (MM-1) and similar models. Also it's worth noting (since there's a lot of discussion of this on the forum now) that these are powered by true class A/B amps.

Make sure to post pics and a review when you get it set up!!! :biggrin:

If you could choose between the A2 and A5 which would you choose?. I think the A5 are juts a bit too big but I can make them work. However if you tell me that the sound the about the same then I rather have the smaller footprint of th A2.

olilugo

EndersShadow wrote: »

Some decent speakers are also KRK Rokit 5's or 6's if your looking at powered. When I was debating what to do I really liked those.

I decided though I wanted to go passive since there are waaayyy to many different speakers and I want to try them all hehehe....

So I went with a HK 3490 and some Infinity Primus speakers and like them much, but sometimes wish I had the KRK's.

you know I am also looking into these.
my short list of powered speakers are:
M-audio v40, v70 - which I just got a chance to listen to the v40 and it was not to my liking.
the KRK's 5 & 6 which I am hoping to take a listen soon
the Audioengine a2 and a5
Mackie MR5 - I think this might be a bit too big
last the swans M50, and 200MKSIII.

outside of this I was going to look at
B&W MM1
and Bose companion 5 - not bad I think this are trying a bit too hard... but better than the V50

If I go the DAC-> AVR/AMP -> speakers then I probably will look at
B&W 686 - never heard them before but they are small.

Ideally I want speakers that are:
H: 8 -10"
W: 5-7"
5-8" max...

ben62670

Keep in mind that his TV card needs a line in of some sort on his PC. A USB DAC will only support line out.

m1aman

I have a plain old SoundBlaster Audigy card in my PC. I run a line to a Pioneer SX-950 and it powers a pair of Monitor 70s. that is my PC setup

MLZ

Monster Jam wrote: »

If your not interested in 5.1, I don't understand why others haven't suggested doing what I do: headphone out (3.5mm jack) to RCA left and right. Plug this into the back of an Adcom GFA-555, and those into a pair of LSi 9, 7, or F/X as you were.

I have yet to see a motherboard (Dell, HP, ASUS, etc.) with a quality sound card built in. The manufactures are driving to a price point and for users who use cheap PC speakers.

EndersShadow

MLZ wrote: »

I have yet to see a motherboard (Dell, HP, ASUS, etc.) with a quality sound card built in. The manufactures are driving to a price point and for users who use cheap PC speakers.

yup, which is why I am using coaxial to my HK 3490. I thought about getting a nice computer sound card that had RCA's but decided I would rather just buy a nice stereo reciever and be done.

And besides switching out speakers on it...i am......done

newrival

olilugo wrote: »

If you could choose between the A2 and A5 which would you choose?. I think the A5 are juts a bit too big but I can make them work. However if you tell me that the sound the about the same then I rather have the smaller footprint of th A2.

I agree. The A2's are perfect on the desktop.
The A5's are bit large for this application . I use the my A2's in my office on either side of my monitors with stands that I made to get them to ear level, and use my A5's in my design studio on either side of my drafting/drawing tables at a much farther distance.

Go with the A2's! If you feel like you need a little more bass after you try them out for a week or two, get the wireless sub. But I tink you'll be surprised how much presence bass has in these.

inspiredsports

Not to knock sound cards as there are some great ones, a DAC has the advantage of being portable from system to system and upgradeable by snapping in a new op-amp if need be.

newrival

oh they also sell these wedges that angle the A2's toward your ears for like $25 if you'd rather use them than stands.

IMO I think the AVR idea, or any one that includes utilizing a large external amp and/or preamp + DAC, is a poor one if you can afford the alternatives. Why use an AVR if you only have 1 source (your PC)?? Moreover, the quality you'll get from an AVR is going to be significantly inferior. Amps, and pre's, and cables are great for other situations but not on a desktop/workspace situation. If you want to keep things clutter free, go with a powered speaker that is intended for your application.

newrival

MLZ wrote: »

I have yet to see a motherboard (Dell, HP, ASUS, etc.) with a quality sound card built in. The manufactures are driving to a price point and for users who use cheap PC speakers.

This is my mobo, and I think it's got decent sound.

Athough, I now use XFX 5770HD GPU's through HDMI now so they currently handle the audio.

newrival

inspiredsports wrote: »

Not to knock sound cards as there are some great ones, a DAC has the advantage of being portable from system to system and upgradeable by snapping in a new op-amp if need be.

+1
great points

newrival

fastz28 wrote: »

http://www.hollywooddj.com/audiotrakprodigyhd2.html

HAS CHANGABLE OPAMPS and has line in sounds as good as any usb dac ive heard costing four times the price

a nice option, thanks for posting that.

However, to inspiredsports' post, I think he has good point of the ease of biodegradability. What is the relative ease of upgrading an external DAC as compared to a soundcard and opamp swap?

Additionally, the portability of the DAC is a nice option that just isn't there with the soundcard.

olilugo

Hi all!
I wanted to give you guys a small update.

I decided to replace my TV card with a new card, the old was great but the sound could not be control using the standard volume in win XP, I always had to use the speaker volume. It was always a hassle because if I saw a movie in you tube then I needed to use the extended volume control win xp + the volume in the old speakers, if I wanted to listen to music then again different control + the speaker volume.
In any case I decided to go with Kword PC-150-U. very simple TV card but it does what I want. I don't need PVR capabilities.
The drivers were good the TV program is very unusable (substitute for a better word here :-) I want to keep it PG )
I found a freeware software called KMplayer it is the ubber of this kinds of players too many options but definitely better.
If you know of a simpler TV software let me know.

The point of all this is now everything is control from one simple place which is the win XP simple volume tab control. All this only cost me $50.00.


Know that I have the TV under control. I decided to search for some PC speakers.
So far I have listened to:

M-Audio v40
All the PC speakers at Fry?s
All the PC speakers at Best buy
All the Bose companion speakers

Then I went to Guitar Center and I started to listen to monitor speakers
I listened to ADAM audio A3x ? I like these speakers but at $300.00 each I decided to keep on looking
I listened to M-Audio BX5a, - This have the right dimensions a bit big, the price was 245.00 not bad but then something got stock in my mind that the reputation of M-audio equipment was short term life and throw away. The sound is very respectable and I think I would have been happy with them. But not if after 6 months I start to have problems with it.

Last, EndersShadow recommended to look into the KRK Rokit 5?s.
Well at $145 each ok I would try them. I buy them and they give me these two big boxes.
Dam what have I done. They didn?t look so big when I was looking at them.
Anyway got them home and WOW, even my very crappy built-in sound card sounds fantastic, no need for sub, everything is super enhanced.

Instead of boring you with all the details, Let me tell the few things it does not have:
Volume control is on the back of each speaker,
No headphone connection ? no big deal for me.
Each speaker has its own power button.
Did I mentioned they are big, too big..
I am including some pictures

Last I just order the Audioengine A2?s. per Newrival?s recommendations, these have the right size. But I am afraid now that I have the rokit 5?s it will be a hard comparison. Will keep you posted?
Next probably next month I will try to get the USB DAC...

newrival

congrats, those rockits are definitely a big step up! I think that depending on how your proclivities lie toward bass response, you may or may not be keeping the A2's. The Rockit's have an F3 somewhere around 50Hz wheras the F3 of the A2's is somewhere around 60. It'll be interesting to see what you think! My tastes lie with the clarity and neutrality of the A2's but you know that already. If you like more warmth you may dig the Rockits more. It'll be a good shootout though for sure! Also, with either speaker you'll want to get those speakers on some stands so that the tweeter is just above your ears. And plawing around with toe in/out and spacing results in varied sound changes. But play around with it and see what you think! But be sure to come back and let us know :biggrin:

dkr919

After reading this thread I have learned there was a thing called a USB DAC. After informing myself I noticed some inexpensive products from Hot Audio, the DAC WOW($180) and DAC Destroyer$($80). Anyone tried or heard bout these and/or would they be a worthwhile improvement over my laptop mobo sound chip. I'm looking to do this on a shoe string budget. It's for my home office, Onkyo receiver and Monitor 7's. Any recommendations on a low cost DAC would be appreciated.

EndersShadow

olilugo wrote: »

Hi all!
Last, EndersShadow recommended to look into the KRK Rokit 5?s.
Anyway got them home and WOW, even my very crappy built-in sound card sounds fantastic, no need for sub, everything is super enhanced.

Instead of boring you with all the details, Let me tell the few things it does not have:
Volume control is on the back of each speaker,
No headphone connection ? no big deal for me.
Each speaker has its own power button.
Did I mentioned they are big, too big..
I am including some pictures

Hehehe...glad you like them so far. Like I said I might eventually get a pair of Rokit 6's just cause they are great for nearfield listening (which is what I do currently w/ my HK 3490 + Primus 162's) and man they have some bass to em...

Regarding volume, I personally have a Logitech keyboard w/ a built in volume control. That might solve your problem of volume up and down.

newrival wrote: »

congrats, those rockits are definitely a big step up! I think that depending on how your proclivities lie toward bass response, you may or may not be keeping the A2's. The Rockit's have an F3 somewhere around 50Hz wheras the F3 of the A2's is somewhere around 60. It'll be interesting to see what you think! My tastes lie with the clarity and neutrality of the A2's but you know that already. If you like more warmth you may dig the Rockits more. It'll be a good shootout though for sure! Also, with either speaker you'll want to get those speakers on some stands so that the tweeter is just above your ears. And plawing around with toe in/out and spacing results in varied sound changes. But play around with it and see what you think! But be sure to come back and let us know :biggrin:

Also looking forward to what he thinks. Haven't ever got my ears on AudioEngine's speakers yet....

blakeh

dkr919- welcome to Club Polk!

Here's a recent review I did on an inexpensive USB DAC:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115108&highlight=blakeh