Weakest link in my setup?

kadrek
kadrek Posts: 33
edited October 2013 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
So this is what I'm using for 2 channel listening now.

Laptop -> UCA202 usb dac -> Monoprice 10' RCA Component Coaxial Cable -> HK 3480 -> 14 gauge speaker wire from RadioShack -> Monitor 60's Series II.

What upgrades would provide the best bang for the buck? Thanks for any suggestions!
Post edited by kadrek on
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,593
    edited October 2013
    Agreed DAC first...

    But most important question... "How" are you listening out of your computer i.e. what is your source file format (MP3, FLAC, etc) as well as bitrate (96kb, 320kb, etc).
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • kadrek
    kadrek Posts: 33
    edited October 2013
    DSkip wrote: »
    HK and speakers would be last on the list for me. The HK isn't shabby and more revealing speakers might make your system actually sound worse. The Monitors are rather forgiving. I'd be looking at the DAC first, then IC/SC. How much is the buck?

    Around $100 if possible. I saw the $100 Schiit Modi Dac that seems to have good reviews.
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  • kadrek
    kadrek Posts: 33
    edited October 2013
    EndersShadow wrote: »
    Agreed DAC first...

    But most important question... "How" are you listening out of your computer i.e. what is your source file format (MP3, FLAC, etc) as well as bitrate (96kb, 320kb, etc).

    I mostly use Spotify Premium, 320kbps supposedly. I'd like to have more FLAC files but it just seems like a hassle, is there any easy way to get FLAC files?
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,593
    edited October 2013
    kadrek wrote: »
    I mostly use Spotify Premium, 320kbps supposedly. I'd like to have more FLAC files but it just seems like a hassle, is there any easy way to get FLAC files?

    Take your existing CD library and convert it to FLAC via dbpoweramp (30 day free trial) and then buy that program, or buy MediaMonkey which is both a library managment/playback program as well as a CD Ripper.

    Lots of threads on those two products so I wont talk more about them.

    Since your source files is of a good quality, DAC would be my next step. That said I dont know what your going to be able to get for 100, its probably going to have to be used to save a buck or two. Then USB & coaxial cable. I bought a Black Cat Veloco digital cable off this forum and it made a HUGE difference in my 2 channel setup*. For USB I would suggest picking up a Audioquest Forest in whatever length you need. Then speaker wire.

    * I am also using my computer as my source for FLAC files via XBMC, as well as MOG and at times Pandora.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited October 2013
    kadrek wrote: »
    I mostly use Spotify Premium, 320kbps supposedly. I'd like to have more FLAC files but it just seems like a hassle, is there any easy way to get FLAC files?

    This is your weakest link. The best equipment in the world will not help butchered music.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • kadrek
    kadrek Posts: 33
    edited October 2013
    Thanks for the suggestions guys.
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