Hey everyone. This is my first post - I must admit I've been a bit of a lurker on What Hi*Fi for a while now, but I recently acquired a budget for a new sound system and could really do with some help!
I've had the same setup for many years now, and it's far from fancy -
PC --->>> M-Audio Fast Track Pro (via USB) --->>> shamefully old Aiwa stereo HiFi system (think 3-CD changer, double cassette, built-in subwoofer, etc!)
That is pretty much it. I also use a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm) Headphones which are currently connected to the Fast Track Pro's headphone jack, but I'm well aware that they aren't being driven to their potential, at all...
All of my old CDs have been digitally archived in 320Kbps quality, and I now purchase all of my music as downloads, so I really have no use for a CD player (R.I.P)... So I figured all I would need is an integrated amp, and some Hi-Fi speakers...
My budget is around £700 - I've been looking at the Yamaha A-S500 & the B&W 685s - haven't been able to read anything about them paired together but they seem to be getting top reviews as separates, and are just about in budget... Any opinions on these as a combination?
My PC is a very decent machine and also has an optical output, so I thought if I could go from PC directly to amp then I would be getting the best quality I could, but I can't seem to find any integrated amps that have an optical input!
I know it is always said that you should go and audition/demo Hi-Fi systems to hear what's best for you, but unfortunately this is just not possible with me. I'm going to have to base my purchases purely on opinions & reviews, and just hope that it works!
This is a pic of my current setup - I'm open to suggestions... Any help on this situation is greatly appreciated!
I've had the same setup for many years now, and it's far from fancy -
PC --->>> M-Audio Fast Track Pro (via USB) --->>> shamefully old Aiwa stereo HiFi system (think 3-CD changer, double cassette, built-in subwoofer, etc!)
That is pretty much it. I also use a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm) Headphones which are currently connected to the Fast Track Pro's headphone jack, but I'm well aware that they aren't being driven to their potential, at all...
All of my old CDs have been digitally archived in 320Kbps quality, and I now purchase all of my music as downloads, so I really have no use for a CD player (R.I.P)... So I figured all I would need is an integrated amp, and some Hi-Fi speakers...
My budget is around £700 - I've been looking at the Yamaha A-S500 & the B&W 685s - haven't been able to read anything about them paired together but they seem to be getting top reviews as separates, and are just about in budget... Any opinions on these as a combination?
My PC is a very decent machine and also has an optical output, so I thought if I could go from PC directly to amp then I would be getting the best quality I could, but I can't seem to find any integrated amps that have an optical input!
I know it is always said that you should go and audition/demo Hi-Fi systems to hear what's best for you, but unfortunately this is just not possible with me. I'm going to have to base my purchases purely on opinions & reviews, and just hope that it works!
This is a pic of my current setup - I'm open to suggestions... Any help on this situation is greatly appreciated!