£500 for computer-based system? Help needed [Archive]

View Full Version : £500 for computer-based system? Help needed

isuckedmandelsonslemons

01-02-2013, 06:03

Audio Al

01-02-2013, 06:16

Harry

May be better posting this question in the Digital Expressions section

I know bugger all :lol: as I have a TT :D

isuckedmandelsonslemons

01-02-2013, 06:19

Cheers Al. I'll let the mods decide.

John

01-02-2013, 06:32

Does his PC SPDIF output or just USB
IF SPDIF then something like the Beresford and then spending the rest on the amp
Otherwise he need a USB based DAC their lots to choose from.
Lots more he can do and many different paths to get the best of computer audio, but best to get his system working first

AlfaGTV

01-02-2013, 06:45

There are quite a lot of integrated amps with built in DAC's nowadays lads.
That migh be seen as a compromise, as you cannot change one without the other so to speak, but i imagine most them do a more than decent job with your files... :)

Some examples:
Brunoco DiVA
Hegel H70 (?)
NAD C 390DD
PeachtreeAudio.com has more than one
oh almost forgot: XTZ A-100D3 (Fits in budget, and is one helluva jobbie for the money)
etc. etc.

Regards
//Mike

John

01-02-2013, 07:21

Agree about the XTZ
If he is not the tweaker type and just wants a good system without the joys/pains of upgrades this would be a good way to go

isuckedmandelsonslemons

01-02-2013, 07:41

Surely the XTZ is over the £500 budget?

daytona600

01-02-2013, 08:34

.

I've given him a pair of speakers to help him on his way

( another set of ushers ) harry

WAD62

01-02-2013, 08:55

I'd suggest he uses his PC initially, either Foobar or Winamp are fine as players when configured correctly, if it's XP he can use ASIO, or win7 WASAPI...these will give him bit perfect output capabilities.

He can also use his PC to rip his cd's to FLAC, either by EAC, or even better dBpoweramp.

I'd suggest that an asynchronous USB DAC is the way to go with a computer setup, so something like the Arcam rDAC (approx £300), and perhaps a Bantam Gold Amp (about £200) might fit his budget. Plus a £30 galvanic isolator, and a half decent maplins USB cable (£5).

I'd suggest a Mini-T amp (£65), but I don't think they're available at the moment :cool:

isuckedmandelsonslemons

01-02-2013, 09:25

.

I've given him a pair of speakers to help him on his way

( another set of ushers ) harry

No way.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

01-02-2013, 09:55

Presume Arcam rDac and any amp will do the job. If he gets wireless rDac what does he need to play wireless from ipad?

Mark Grant

01-02-2013, 10:05

Surely the XTZ is over the £500 budget?

Approximately £ 674 for a new one:

http://shop.xtz.se/bild-ljud/xtz/forstarkare/rubrik

http://shop.xtz.se/bild-ljud/xtz/forstarkare/rubrik_3

probably worth it for a one box solution.

WAD62

01-02-2013, 10:06

Presume Arcam rDac and any amp will do the job. If he gets wireless rDac what does he need to play wireless from ipad?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/WIRELESS-DIGITAL-ANALOGUE-CONVERTER-TRANSMITTER/dp/B006A2RSD4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359712872&sr=8-1

Looks like it comes with a free apple/pc USB transmitter...there are also ipod adapters available :)

N.B. I've not had any experience with the wifi version, but the wired one is excellent for the money, and they're a bit cheaper than I thought...so happy days.

RichB

01-02-2013, 10:19

Sonos Connect Amp looks just the ticket...

55w, under £400 leaving him some dough for nice speaker cable, highly controlable from his various I-type devices and easily expandable if he wanted to add portable picnic players in other rooms. Loads of internet radio stations, i-tunes/air play compatable.

Of course it depends on how it sounds with his speakers.... I admit I've not heard one but they seem well reviewed. If i wasnt so attached to my own way of doing things and was a young chap starting over I'd probably go this route.

WAD62

01-02-2013, 10:25

Ali Tait

01-02-2013, 10:33

If he already has a computer, look out for a Touch. Probably the most cost effective way to go, don't even need a dac.

Gazjam

01-02-2013, 10:36

Not sure I'd go down the SB Touch route anymore tbh, as when it goes wrong (which it can do) it can be a bit of a headache to sort, especially if your new to computer audio.

I'd go down the route of an affordable computer for music, running Jriver. best bang for buck imo.
Can be got well within budget and could do so much more than the Touch could.

RichB

01-02-2013, 10:39

...sorry but that's the modern equivalent of a music centre IMHO, I'd suggest a more modular approach, which will leave him a more flexible upgrade path :)

Yes so would I normally, however i got the impression the young chap in question was after something which fitted with his i-thingies. As for the SQ well lots of folks speak highly of them. Just to dismiss this out of hand because 'its not proper hi-fi' means we risk being out of touch with the modern ways.

I'd say the chap should listen to one, as well as other options and see which sounds best with the lovely speakers Harry has given him.

WAD62

01-02-2013, 10:50

Yes so would I normally, however i got the impression the young chap in question was after something which fitted with his i-thingies. As for the SQ well lots of folks speak highly of them. Just to dismiss this out of hand because 'its not proper hi-fi' means we risk being out of touch with the modern ways.

The OP states that he want's to get into the 'wacky world of hi-fi', not painted into a one box solution corner...;)

I'm struggling to see the 'out of touch' nature of the wifi enabled Arcam, and how it's not suitable for his 'i-thingies', perhaps you can explain...

WAD62

01-02-2013, 10:56

If he already has a computer, look out for a Touch. Probably the most cost effective way to go, don't even need a dac.

...another excellent option, if he doesn't mind second hand :)

RichB

01-02-2013, 11:04

The OP states that he want's to get into the 'wacky world of hi-fi', not painted into a one box solution corner...;)

Poor lad... does he know what he's letting himself in for.

Harry - Try one of these:http://www.richersounds.com/product/mini-hi-fi/marantz/mcr603/mara-mcr603

Fits the bill and adds internet radio and such too. Money left over for beer and tunes.

Sometimes I think we cant always see the wood for the trees on here:rolleyes:

Rothchild

01-02-2013, 11:05

A suggestion from left field:

http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/echo-mia-midi-v2-24-96-multitrack-recording-system-with-midi-i-o--9209

Overspecced converters, balanced I/O (good quality input means if they get really wacky and want to 'rip' vinyl they have an option) well established and rock solid drivers + none of these USB converter clock jitter issue caused by external solutions.

Also leaves a good amount of budget to up the amp, cable, speakers, stands, acoustic room treatment etc.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

01-02-2013, 11:09

Richer Sounds are doing R DAC for £249 so I think that route is best. Amp for £250 max?

RichB

01-02-2013, 11:13

I'll leave you guys with the can of worms, I'm having an off day.

Losing my religion perhaps.

Gazjam

01-02-2013, 11:18

I'll leave you guys with the can of worms, I'm having an off day.

Losing my religion perhaps.

Keep the faith buddy, stick on some LOUD sounds and you'll feel better. :)

AlfaGTV

01-02-2013, 11:18

The XTZ was more expensive in the UK! He may very well find a s/h one cheaper though. I still think it the best way to start, as it is a very flexible start on the downward slope into hifi! :D
At a later stage he may add an external DAC, maybe even a good tube based preamp and use the XTZ as a poweramp etc.

The other good suggestion IMO is the Sonos Connect AMP, it is limited in it's way, but usability is to say the least; Excellent!

(The A100 D3 in silver costs £565 here, almost within budget :))

Regards /Mike

isuckedmandelsonslemons

01-02-2013, 11:27

Mike the XTZ would be perfect but even 2nd hand would probably be over £500. I'm trying to do it well within budget. The lad is a semi pro cyclist. Wiggins may earn millions but down the bottom it's pennies.

I do like the Arcam rDac option. Just need to sort an amp .Marantz 6004?

WAD62

01-02-2013, 12:27

I do like the Arcam rDac option. Just need to sort an amp .Marantz 6004?

...if he only needs one input i.e. the DAC (which will give him multiple digital inputs) a class T amp would be a nice option...if the speakers you gave him are reasonably sensitive.

If he can wait for the new Mini-T amp, I'd suggest that as it's great value at £65 or so, but I've just had some news that it may be delayed...:(

So for about £200 I'd recommend one of these...

http://www.templeaudio.net/bantamgold.html

chelsea

01-02-2013, 12:31

SB3 and active speakers.

daytona600

01-02-2013, 12:39

£ 450 to you harry I-30 dared

30wpc valve integrated ( can drive your Be10s no problem ) usb dac & ipod / headphones
not got a ipad myself , but assume you could get a line output to the amp

http://www.amazon.com/Dared-I30-Tube-Integrated-amplifier/dp/B002CCSPGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359722196&sr=8-1&keywords=dared+i-30

£ 500 AK100 astell & kern , blutooth , streamer , dac , headphones , pre amp etc , etc , etc

drive speaker with small T amps , or have some batham monoblocks lying about as well , headphone output is also a line/pre amp

if you want 24bit/192khz when out cycling via headphones , will beat most Cd players

http://www.astellnkern.com/

RichB

01-02-2013, 12:57

Keep the faith buddy, stick on some LOUD sounds and you'll feel better. :)

Just my blood sugar dipping mate... I've eaten lunch and have my AKGs on, normal service is resuming.

Martinh

01-02-2013, 13:15

+1 for the Sonos Connect Amp. I have to say that it sounds very, very good indeed, in a smooth, slightly laid back, but not boring way.

Can be controlled via the tablet or smartphone and is a piece of cake to set up and use with 99.9% reliability. Mine has never let me down.

Combines music from your NAS or PC on the network with internet radio and spotify, Napster, Last FM etc all fromk the same control app. It's a bit like a SB touch but with no setup hassles and good reliability (cue the abuse ;)).

For the money, its fantastic and they keep their value exceptionally well, so no worries when it comes to upgrade.

Just my 2p worth.

RichB

01-02-2013, 18:26

I'm struggling to see the 'out of touch' nature of the wifi enabled Arcam, and how it's not suitable for his 'i-thingies', perhaps you can explain...

The arcam is alright, had their streaming stuff myself... just wouldnt recommend it based on my experience. The neo I had was unituitive, required third party apps which you had to pay for (songbook) and was prone to dropping conections. Sound wise it was nice but nowhere near as involving as my main system kit. I also now think their kit is a bit pricey. Last time I looked you needed dongles and stuff to work their gear. It all adds up.

In terms of being 'out of touch', I'm here because i like experimenting with combinations of gear, cables, media players and all that jazz. I was just wondering if the chap in question was really up for all that (great if he is), which leads us to the question of finding a nice matching amp (many options for his remaining budget, does he want new or secondhand etc), cables, and how will it all sound when he sets it all up. They're all music centres these days, just of varying degrees of sophistication and quality.

Nowt wrong with suggesting he listens to it. Cant see why you'd disagree with that:scratch:

I did like the Dared valve amp which was also suggested here but some might say 'its not a proper valve amp' and we'd be off again.

daytona600

01-02-2013, 20:29

can let you hear the not so proper dared amp richard
driving £10k ushers or full range horns or electrostatics

RichB

02-02-2013, 00:17

can let you hear the not so proper dared amp richard
driving £10k ushers or full range horns or electrostatics

I'd love to hear that, one day I'll get around to valve amps....

Having now reached the point where I dont think my main system can be improved without spending mega£s I'm going to divert my focus (and resources) from hi fi and back towards reaching the same point with my guitar rig.

WAD62

02-02-2013, 10:52

The arcam is alright, had their streaming stuff myself... just wouldnt recommend it based on my experience. The neo I had was unituitive, required third party apps which you had to pay for (songbook) and was prone to dropping conections. Sound wise it was nice but nowhere near as involving as my main system kit. I also now think their kit is a bit pricey. Last time I looked you needed dongles and stuff to work their gear. It all adds up.

In terms of being 'out of touch', I'm here because i like experimenting with combinations of gear, cables, media players and all that jazz. I was just wondering if the chap in question was really up for all that (great if he is), which leads us to the question of finding a nice matching amp (many options for his remaining budget, does he want new or secondhand etc), cables, and how will it all sound when he sets it all up. They're all music centres these days, just of varying degrees of sophistication and quality.

Nowt wrong with suggesting he listens to it. Cant see why you'd disagree with that:scratch:

I did like the Dared valve amp which was also suggested here but some might say 'its not a proper valve amp' and we'd be off again.

Sorry if I came across as a bit blunt Rich

Fair point about giving the Sonos a listen...:)

Like you, and probably most people here, I enjoy the whole tweaking and fettling bit of 'hi-fi', and being an old IT git means I can easily manage my linux server and 5 squeezebox client systems.

But I've a lot of friends who have neither the knowledge or the interest to keep such a complex system up and running properly, but want to get into streaming. The Sonos does appear to be a more 'user friendly' solution for multi room streaming...and now that Logitech has dropped SB, it's probably one of the best 'out of the box' solutions...:cool:

Yomanze

02-02-2013, 15:53

Hi guys, a young cycling mate of mine wants to get into the wacky world of Hifi and has asked for my help. In turn I'm asking some real experts.

Being a youngster he has no interest in a CD player or a deck. He has an ipad, an iPod and a PC that he wants to use for his music.

I've given him a pair of speakers to help him on his way and he now has £500 max to spend on whatever else he needs.

So what does he need cos I know bugger all about computer audio. I'm guessing a DAC and an amp. Is that it. Or maybe another way to go.

All help gratefully received and thanks in advance.

I have a HagUSB, which I don't use, which allows him to use has laptop to give a digital out into his DAC. These were £80-odd new he can have it for £25.

There's a modded Beresford here for £150 (murata regs etc.)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beresford-TC-7520-Caiman-DAC-Modified-/221184857240?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item337fa51498&_uhb=1

There's an Exposure Super XX here for £350: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exposure-Super-XX-Integrated-Amplifier-/140911870782?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Amplifiers&hash=item20cf00833e&_uhb=1