Media PC

[admin_exported]

I'd like to build a media PC to replace my audiophile CD player. That's a tall order, I know!

Would anyone be able to recommend an onboard sound card or an external DAC that could produce audiophile audio quality from my lossless (WAV) ripped music files? I have already auditioned the Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card and I thought it is good, but not good enough.

Thanks in advance for your contributions

 

[John Duncan]

Personally I'd get it away from the power supply and into an external USB sound card, which opens up all sorts of options.......

But more than that, I'd get a Mac instead.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

debt_collector:I'd like to build a media PC to replace my audiophile CD player. That's a tall order, I know!

Would anyone be able to recommend an onboard sound card or an external DAC that could produce audiophile audio quality from my lossless (WAV) ripped music files? I have already auditioned the Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card and I thought it is good, but not good enough.

Thanks in advance for your contributions

Forget the soundcard route and send your lossless files straight to an external DAC (what is your budget?). I do this with the DacMagic (which is only £200 odd) and it's as good as any cd player I've listened to (I've not listened to any over £700-£800). Also, which cd player do you have? If it's something very very good, I would look at getting one of the latest Chord DAC64 versions second hand.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your advice. Regardless of whether I use a Mac or a PC, I think getting an external DAC is a good way forward.
My CD player isn't great but it's not bad either; it's the Arcam CD73 and I think it's sort of comparable to the ones Gerrarddasnails auditioned. So the way forward id to use an external DAC that could get better results than the CD73. I would welcome your suggestions my budget is in the range of £1000
Cheers (-:

 

[Gerrardasnails]

debt_collector:Thanks for your advice. Regardless of whether I use a Mac or a PC, I think getting an external DAC is a good way forward.
My CD player isn't great but it's not bad either; it's the Arcam CD73 and I think it's sort of comparable to the ones Gerrarddasnails auditioned. So the way forward id to use an external DAC that could get better results than the CD73. I would welcome your suggestions my budget is in the range of £1000
Cheers (-:

You can't go wrong with the DacMagic. It will be a big improvement on your current cd player for a relatively small outlay. The next jump up is about £400 more (or three times the cost) and I don't believe that the jump up will be massive.

 

[Ant8519]

hi

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/

is a very good site with loads of suggestions for media servers based mostly on macs but also on pc's. With £1000 to play with you have a lot of options, but I would suggest that the potential noise or otherwise intrusion a pc or mac can be in your listening room is a major factor and therefore it is worth considering the sonos or squeezebox duet options, either of which can route through an external dac.

Personally I might be tempted for a touch screen monitor based pc such as the eee touch if having a computer in the listening room is not a problem. Otherwise a mac mini controlled by an itouch running itunes would be a good choice too, esp. as it can auto rip your cd's. If you already have a servicable computer and no need for another then sonos or squeezebox duet run by nas drives is an option (I have and can heartily recommend the sb duet as the interface is really slick) OR if you want to "retire" your current computer you could use it to run the sb duet instead of a nas and put the remaining money toward an new one.

Lots of options available - best advice is don't rush, as there will always be something new on the horizon.

Ant