Audio Quandary

[Gimpymoo]

I have just been using my PC to fulfill my audio needs since the year dot.

My Xonar DX and Z5500 have served me well.

However, owing to the location of the PC, the sound does not fill the space as I would like.

The area is rectangular and the PC is on one of the long sides in the middle, meaning audio just bounces around the middle of the room and does not goto either side and the Z5500 although great, does not expand to fill such a space.

So what I am looking for is an amp and floorstanding speakers to go at one end of the room and hopefully then fill the area with noise.

I would run an amp from the PC but even with 2 soundcards inside a PC, running them as independent sources is a pain, for example, if wanting to listen to Internet radio, you will have to change your default audio device and then if wanting to play games, another problem so I think running an independent audio system would be better.

I do have a few CD's but most content is audio files so I have been looking at the Network Amps I can hook up to Cat5 and then give me access to Internet Radio services too.

Any advice welcome.

Budget about £400.

Thanks.

 

[Gimpymoo]

I am thinking of a HTPC controlled via remote desktop and a decent Stereo DAC.

More versatility and can hookup to the TV when I have one - LOL

 

[Gimpymoo]

All with £400?

You'd need to spend that on just the amp and speakers if you are considering floorstanding ones; unless you consider used, where you should be able to get some good bargains if you search around auction sites, etc.

You've at least got to spend around £250 on new floorstanding speakers. Something like Tannoy V4 or Monitor Audio BX5.

Pop along to your nearest Richer Sounds and have a listen to some. Different brands have different sound signatures and people's likes and dislikes vary. That way you will know what suits your tastes.

If you are looking to spend £400 on more than just amp and speakers, and would prefer not to buy used, then bookshelf speakers are going to far better than buying a cheap pair of floorstanding speakers. Unless you have a large room, decent sized bookshelf speakers will have no problem filling an averaged sized room with sound if the amp can give them enough power.

Oddly, I was looking at the V4s this morning.

It is a large space. Downstairs is open plan, 2 rooms in one and the idea of this project is to make something which will "fill" the downstairs space with sound.

I have specced an ITX build PC for £200.

Will look for good/basic Stereo amp secondhand, if cannot get one with a DAC, I will get a cheap dac for the computer.