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Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?

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Posted on July 30, 2014 at 21:52:59
Goober58
 I've got a digital out so I figure a DAC would be the best choice v. a soundcard. I'm thinking the HRT Music Streamer III. For speakers the AudioEngine II is at the top of my list.

I've got a NAD 320 BEE integrated amp and some Epos EL3 speakers that'll be what the powered speakers need to replace. I'll try my son's AudioEngine IIs when my DAC arrives and for now I'm going to assume it'll be the HRT.

Suggestions?

 

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RE: Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 03:56:18
Jaundiced Ear
 It looks like you've already got a pretty nifty PC system. What is it you are seeking by moving on? I'm not at all certain the AudioEngine IIs will be an upgrade from what you've already got.

Do you have stands under the Epos EL3s to lift their tweeters to ear level? If not, then a pair of stands may be all the upgrade you need.

JE

 

RE: Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 04:11:36
Doublej
Audiophile

Posts: 678
Location: Boston
Joined: January 11, 2009
 I am happy with my Audioquest Dragonfly. If you want simple, simple check out powered speakers with a built in DAC but that will likely push you over your budget. KEF and Quad have models as do a dozen others whose names escape me at the moment.

At $500 for a DAC and speakers you are going to be hard pressed to better what you have today. I'd just add a DAC to what you have now and enjoy.

 

RE: Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 09:34:23
Goober58
 The problem I have with the Epos is the rear firing port. These will be desktop speakers sitting at the back of my desk against a wall. Of course I can and will pull them out some but it's not a great situation for them. As far as the NAD goes it too sits on the desk. I can add a wall mount but powered speakers will save a ton of real estate.

 

RE: Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?, posted on July 31, 2014 at 09:38:16
Goober58
 "I'd just add a DAC to what you have now and enjoy."

That'll be my starting point. Thanks for the DAC recommendation.


 

RE: Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?, posted on August 1, 2014 at 18:35:21
connieflyer
Audiophile

Posts: 130
Location: Michigan
Joined: March 11, 2014
 Try this DAC it is the one I use and feel it is a nice upgrade......

 

RE: Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?, posted on August 4, 2014 at 12:19:20
merid
Audiophile

Posts: 179
Joined: April 25, 2005
 I was just about to say basically the same as others. Upgrade the dac and keep the NAD but instead upgrade the Epos 3s with Epos M5 or M5i used. I like the M5 plus they are great looking. Now that you mention the wall, maybeits an issue, but my M5 sound great within up to
6".

 

RE: Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?, posted on August 4, 2014 at 14:50:57
Jim Griffin
Industry Professional

Posts: 124
Joined: March 19, 2001
 I have and recommend Emotiva Airmotiv 4S powered speakers and the AudioQuest Dragonfly USB DAC. The 4S are $358 per pair (free shipping and a 30 days money back policy) and the DAC is $150. Breaks your budget by $8 but a great combination.

 

RE: Best DAC/Soundcard & Powered Speakers for $500 for a PC based system?, posted on August 4, 2014 at 17:17:28
noway
Audiophile

Posts: 425
Location: Canada
Joined: August 28, 2007
 Being on a desk up against a wall is a horrible place for any speaker, regarless of which direction the ports face. If you can, move your desk into the centre of the room and put the speakers on stands some distance in front of the desk. To get the best sound, you have to position them where they sound best IN THE ROOM. Otherwise you might be better off saving your money.

 

Thanks all!, posted on August 9, 2014 at 12:09:11
Goober58
 I'm going to order a pair of Audio Engine 2+ or Polk Hampdens for my desktop. This will be more than I need for the videos and music file editing I do at my desktop.

I have a full range system in my lab but it would require a 30 ft. cable run to tie it in with my PC. I've got an OPPO-BD95 with a HD loaded with all my music. I'd love to get rid of the OPPO but the cost of a better DAC and the hassle of the cable isn't worth it. I think I'm gonna stand.

I'm going to sell the NAD and the Epos.

I appreciate very much the responses to this thread.



 

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