Possible to run a DAC/Amplifier on a PC instead of dedicated audio AMP?

Gimpymoo · 8 Sep 2015 at 11:07

So, there I was planning a setup with Audio Amp and some floorstanding speakers...

Although I am toying with the idea of a HTPC and maybe a DAC but would it power something like these to a reasonable grade:

http://www.richersounds.com/product/floorstanders/tannoy/mercury-v4/tann-v4-dk-oak

Looks like an Amp with Network streaming/Internet Radio is going to cost me £250 +/- and personally I feel a PC would be more versatile if it can power a decent pair of speakers.

Would I still need a seperate amp?

Thanks.

rids57 · 8 Sep 2015 at 16:02

yes, you'd still need an amp

Jim99 · 8 Sep 2015 at 16:04

Could buy a DAC/Amp in the same unit?

TwsT · 8 Sep 2015 at 16:41

could buy an AV reciever and use HDMI out for audio source. or SPDIF

Gimpymoo · 8 Sep 2015 at 16:59

Jim99 said:
Could buy a DAC/Amp in the same unit?

Any powerfull enough for hifi speakers?

Kei · 8 Sep 2015 at 19:32

Depends on how good a dac you want and what/how many different inputs it has. A yamaha AS301 has digital inputs meaning it has a dac built in. They also do an RN301 with network streaming features.

Marine-RX179 · 8 Sep 2015 at 19:47

May be the Monitor Audio A100 would fit the description of what you are looking for? They can be found for under £200 at the moment.
http://www.whathifi.com/monitor-audio/airstream-a100/review

Gimpymoo · 8 Sep 2015 at 19:51

Marine-RX179 said:
May be the Monitor Audio A100 would fit the description of what you are looking for? They can be found for under £200 at the moment.
http://www.whathifi.com/monitor-audio/airstream-a100/review

Something similiar without wireless to save on pennies would be spot on.

Marine-RX179 · 8 Sep 2015 at 19:53

Gimpymoo said:
Something similiar without wireless to save on pennies would be spot on.

I thought you wanted streaming function? :confused:

"Monitor Audio has been careful not to put all its eggs into the AirPlay basket. The A100 also supports DLNA streaming, meaning third-party DLNA apps for Android and Windows can be used for playback. Using DLNA the A100 can stream (up to) 24-bit/192kHz files."

Gimpymoo · 8 Sep 2015 at 21:35

Marine-RX179 said:
I thought you wanted streaming function? "

Cat6 for the WIN

Personal preference, I think wifi sucks.

Jim99 · 9 Sep 2015 at 09:18

Gimpymoo said:
Any powerfull enough for hifi speakers?

I'm using a Cambridge Audio Azur 351A which is.

TALON1973 · 9 Sep 2015 at 18:13

All a/v amps will be powerful enough for speakers . unless your after top end stuff

Straz · 11 Sep 2015 at 10:49

Only thing similar to the A100 is the NAD D3020 and that's twice the price. The A100 is a good deal at under £200.