DAC+AMP with PC speakers?

Ice Rich

Ice Rich

Ice Rich

Soldato
Joined
3 Dec 2004
Posts
2,625
Finally got back into PC gaming after many years, got a nice little PC (nothing special) and really enjoying it. At the moment I have it plugged into a John Lewis digital radio via 3.5mm auxiliary cable and it has actually been ok for the past few weeks!

I've never been that clued up on audio but I have been reading through the forums this morning and I like the sound of a DAC+AMP (i'd not heard of DAC before) all in one unit. Not sure which speakers i'll be going for yet but will most likely be a small bookcase type.

Would you say something like this could work:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28399042...10Nvr/0fuCFU6Hg46HnNcovDXB8a|tkp:BFBMyKDjg_pf

I see nearly all of these DAC/AMP units come with front headphone connector, which although I don't plan to use it with phones that often. It'll be nice just in case.

Am I right in saying it would be best to connect DAC to PC via USB and then DAC to speakers via the photo type L+R leads?

Thank you,
 
Thanks Glanza, good point,

I've not committed yet but the Bose Companion 2 or 3 Series desktop speakers seem to fit my size and budget of £100 quite well (used, good condition seem to be available for around this price)
 
After reading a bit more through the forums I went with the Creative SoundBlaster G6 :) Which seems a good choice as i'm only using on-board audio at the moment (i can't fit a sound card into my small PC) and this seems to have a soundcard built is as well as DAC.

I'm still looking for 2 small speakers and after doing some searching I like the look of the double Bose cube ones (like the following but ideally in better condition):

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18536138...xsnJNZs63PqoSTjjC5ndYsa4JOzFGS-saAhY4EALw_wcB

Good choice?

If anyone could look at the speakers above and tell me the name of the cable that connect the Soundblaster to speakers I'd be really grateful.

Thank you
 
Thanks for reply hornet :)

Ok glad i didn't go with those Bose ones then.
I don't have room for a sub unfortunately and no, I didn't know I would need an amp :D - I thought the SoundBlaster G6 had this built in but realise now this possibly is just for headphones? The amp is needed to power the speakers then?

Ok thank you for suggestions, will have a look at those speakers now. At the moment I'm plugged into a digital radio so anything is going to sound a lot better really.
 
Thanks very much for replies guys, I will continue to read up and look at the suggestions.

Also, wow! That's a very impressive looking system Liquid. I don't have the space or budget for something like that but the size of those speakers would be ideal.
 
Cheers guys,

Yes apologies I should have mentioned the source - I only have the 1 PC so no need for multiple outputs.

Those nearfield powered monitors look very nice - would the soundblaster G6 be powerful enough to power those do you think?
 
Thanks Hornet but that looks a big setup even minus the speakers - I just don't have the budget for that

Mackie CR3-X

Are Active speakers. I like look of them. Think they are rated at 80hz and seem to have good reviews. Good choice?
 
Really appreciate all the replies , thanks very much. Good points Mr.Rock and noted , I have come into this a bit blind to be honest - I had no ideal the world of sound had so many levels and avenues to explore . I agree , the larger and more expensive setups looks impressive and it may be something I'll explore more and invest in . in the future etc.

I just have the 1 PC I use for the occasional gaming at the moment. Anything that offers an improvement over the current setup i'll be pleased with (it's just connected to a digital radio at the moment for the speaker using 3.5mm AUX cable.
Just to confirm , if I were to get those Mackies - seeing as they are Actives - I should be able to connect them to the Soundblaster?
 
Thanks again all :)

The_Arbiter said:
Thought i'd chime in with a differing opinion. If you have a G6 already, have you considered some headphones instead? That'll deliver better sound than anything in your current budget with bookshelves imo. You'll also get better soundstage and surround like sound.

Have you measured up your desk? Many bookshelf speakers will be like sticking 2 more matx pc cases on your desk, plus you don't want them backed up against the wall ideally, that could muddy and boom the sound.

I see Edifier speakers often mentioned on here for value, i think they're mostly active, not heard a pair myself. OC sell them if you wanted a browse.
Click to expand...

I think this is the best solution too :D I've just gone for a pair of HD600's and think i'll be happy.
Sorry to have gone against the advice that was kindly passed on, I have made lots of notes and one day may return to the speaker world when budget and space allows.
 
That'll certainly wake the neighbours james :D :D Would need a new house not just a new desk to fit those!

I do like the look of them Arbiter!

Cheers Hornet , i'm pretty set (and actually ordered) on the headphone route now but best of luck with the sale.

Thanks ethan , nice looking speakers :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom