2. digital
  3. 142605-124125

Advice needed: am I going in the right direction?

I'm new to hi-fi sound world and spontaneously bought myself Yamaha NS BP200 passive speakers and Onkyo A-9030 amplifier, because I thought that connecting it to a PC will be a piece of cake - just buy some external sound card and you are good to go!

However after doing some research I found out that it's not that simple and now I'm kinda lost: does it (PC -> DAC or sound card -> amp -> speakers) even work like this. So, my question is:

Am I going in the right direction? And if yes, maybe you can suggest some DAC/external USB sound card that could suit my case (budget is about $150)?

jassblack

Showing 4 responses by mesch

mesch
3,394 posts
 
If using USB out from computer and you want to keep it simple and inexpensive there are HRT Music Streamer DACs for sale on Ebay, actually one listed for $57($5 shipping) that would get you started. I have used these in several budget systems and they worked well. Another option is the Schiit Audio Modi 3 which would provide more input options for around $100 shipped.

Good luck 
mesch
3,394 posts
 
You are correct. Connect computer to DAC, DAC to amp, amp to speakers. Computer needs to recognize DAC, may need a driver depending on DAC and type computer. 
mesch
3,394 posts
 
Given your wishing to use a recording device, buy the Steinberg and see if it satisfies in your system. Seem to me it is very full function at it's price, not designed only as a  DAC. I would think a simple USB DAC would sound better for home audio.


mesch
3,394 posts
 
You are welcome. Let us know what you purchase. I am following a bid on a HRT Music Streamer II on E-bay. Now it is under $20 (+$7 shipping).  Great way to bring computer audio to a budget system.
More to discover