Here is where I am at!

[mattjax05]

I have foobar2000 all set up (see my pic in the gallery post)

I rip to FLAC and the windows mixers are bi-passed using WASAPI

I feed a hdmi cable (no spdif/optical) from my laptop to my Yamaha DSPAX763 where the DAC takes place

The sound is then amplified in my Cambridge Audio 540A v.2 (I use the Yamaha's front pre-outs)

All sounds good and I can honestly hear no difference in sound quality when compared to playing a disc in my CA 640C v.2 and using its DAC

What I want to know is if there is anything which can be done to achieve better sound for minimal cost, am I missing anything? A seperate DAC maybe but connection would be an issue here (no spdif/optical)

Also, shame you can't control foobar remotely

 

[PJPro]

Who says?

 

[mattjax05]

Who says what?

 

[kena]

Check here - Not tried any of it but your post reminded me I'd seen something about remote control

 

[mattjax05]

Thanks very much. Using any remote via IR seems a good option - anyone tried this? Where is the best place to buy the IR transmitter for the laptop and will any cheap one work? Is this the only hardware needed?

 

[Gerrardasnails]

mattjax05:
I have foobar2000 all set up (see my pic in the gallery post)

I rip to FLAC and the windows mixers are bi-passed using WASAPI

I feed a hdmi cable (no spdif/optical) from my laptop to my Yamaha DSPAX763 where the DAC takes place

The sound is then amplified in my Cambridge Audio 540A v.2 (I use the Yamaha's front pre-outs)

All sounds good and I can honestly hear no difference in sound quality when compared to playing a disc in my CA 640C v.2 and using its DAC

What I want to know is if there is anything which can be done to achieve better sound for minimal cost, am I missing anything? A seperate DAC maybe but connection would be an issue here (no spdif/optical)

Also, shame you can't control foobar remotely

Get a usb DAC? However, your amp and speakers will come into play as how much an external DAC would improve things.