Help Inside - Home setup

9dal39

9dal39

9dal39

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Joined
25 Jan 2013
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607
Hi Guys,

I've read about 13-15 threads and im lost!..

I'm planning on buying a new desk and sorting out my full setup, my pc is in my sig, and its only the onboard sound I use currently I own a hyper x cloud II headset, and for my musical needs when playing on the xbox I have an actual I believe it to be a guitar amp (Rowland something) it might be? plugged into my pc Audio via a 3.5mm jack to amp jack (not its actual name but the one im using right now! :') )

Basically I was wondering what I could do about my sound setup, as I'm wanting to get rid of the amp when I put the new desk in and have a set of speakers that I can sit either side of the desk, so probably studios 2.0s I think? I wouldn't really class myself as an audiophile, more just enjoy music the odd time then use my headset to play games such as CS:GO, H1Z1, wildlands and things like that really..

I read all this talk of DAC's and headphone amps and everything else and im honestly just so confused and would love somebody to clear everything up for me and recommend me some speakers for my PC.

When I get the new desk im going for a well cable managed neat and tidy setup hence the need for some new speakers rather than the AMP, im not really fussed what price im paying, maybe up to the £100-£200 mark or something? no idea what things cost these days!

do I even need a DAC? is my onboard sound good enough? If I get a DAC can I plug my cloud II's into them and still use the microphone for vent/teamspeak? im just so so lost that I thought it was best to make a post and hope somebody can help me one way or another, with OCUK not stocking barely any speakers anymore I have zero idea what to do or where to go! :)
 
As a general rule, audio improvements come easier from the speaker end, then back to the source (as long as it is half decent).

Your headset is decent enough for games and you want speakers for music.

I would personally look for a decent set of 'active' or powered speakers that have an amp built in and then possibly look for a new soundcard which will have a better DAC. That way you will improve your audio setup but still get the gaming features that a soundcard can offer and a standalone music DAC will not.

Have a look at the M-Audio speakers or something along those lines then if you feel you are missing something then look to improve your source by buying a soundcard.
 
Thanks Laz, any suggestions on what speakers are decent these days? ahhh so no DAC needed for me then? just a set of active speakers with a built in amp for my musical needs?
 
although this might be a bit overboard, was thinking of buying some audioengine a3's or a5+ ? I know the a5s are like £349.99 in the rainforest, but I don't own a Hifi system, so I could in theory get these to use with my PC, with the potential of buying a decent DAC and wiring in my TV and PC? I may of downplayed how often I use them I do often have music on in my room playing away whether I be cleaning, working out, or general Xbox gameplay, only time there off is when I enter PC gaming world! :D
 
AudioEngine stuff is decent and a good start point if you have the cash, though for £350 you are heading into the realms of pretty decent speakers and an amp, which may be a better option unless you don't have the space.
 
I have a fairly large cupboard then a 194cm gap which im putting a desk into so space shouldn't really be much of a problem, can you make any recommendations and throw them my way? I just thought the a5+s looked very good was all for minimal effort and I could wallmount the two speakers with brackets.
 
A5+ look like a solid choice and should make good all round speakers, especially if you want something a bit more compact and don't fancy having an extra amplifier that'll need with passive speakers. Pity for £350 they don't have a built in DAC like the A2+ do. Can always add one at a later date though.
 
yeah I guess that is their only downfall for now Guess I can get them, then at a later date order a d1 DAC, as I believe I will be able to plug my PC sound and my tv sound both into the DAC and then use the speakers for both won't I?
 
Marsman said:
A5+ look like a solid choice and should make good all round speakers, especially if you want something a bit more compact and don't fancy having an extra amplifier that'll need with passive speakers. Pity for £350 they don't have a built in DAC like the A2+ do. Can always add one at a later date though.
Click to expand...
unless you'd recommend a different DAC to get in the future too?
 
9dal39 said:
yeah I guess that is their only downfall for now Guess I can get them, then at a later date order a d1 DAC, as I believe I will be able to plug my PC sound and my tv sound both into the DAC and then use the speakers for both won't I?
Click to expand...

Yes, as long as the TV has optical out. D1 has USB and optical inputs.
 
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