I plugged my computer into outlet on different phase (I use WiFi). Digital transmission may produce timing jitter that will translate to added noise, proportional to signal and present only when music is present, causing loss of clarity (during gaps it is completely silent). Should your PC be built for this purpose - it depends. If you use WiFi then computer doesn't matter (I use it for other tasks while playing music). Same goes for Ethernet o 192.168.0.1 r USB. Slower computer might be even better polluting less (lower speed, lower power). With S/Pdif it might be better to dedicate computer to this task only. You will have to experiment, but people reported better results with faster dedicated computer, free of other tasks.
Integrated with DAC or Powered Speakers for Desktop Computer Listening
I'm trying to assemble a good sounding (but budget) system for my home office desk. The speakers need to be on the smaller side, due to space concerns. I would have room for a component on the desk, but would prefer a smaller footprint. My main intent is to play music from my iMac computer. I have two hard drives full of CDs that I had ripped as FLAC files in the past, and a large iTunes library.
I've read a lot about powered speakers for the desktop (Vanatoo, Kanto TUK, etc.) and they might end up as the right solution. Alternatively I'm wondering if buying an integrated amp with a DAC and using some old Anthony Gallo Due speakers might be a better solution. The Due speakers have a small footprint and worked well in an older TV room set-up we had years ago.
Am I right in thinking that picking an option with a DAC will sound noticeably better than simply running it from an aux cable? If so, I think I would need to pick an alternative with a USB input, correct? Many of the 'computer-friendly' powered speaker systems now have a USB input, and some of the integrated amps do as well.
If the integrated amp is a better solution, I've researched the PSAudio Sprout 100, the Audiolab M-One, the Rotel A12 and the Parasound New Classic 200. Would any of these be better or worse, or do you have other suggestions?
I appreciate your help!
I've read a lot about powered speakers for the desktop (Vanatoo, Kanto TUK, etc.) and they might end up as the right solution. Alternatively I'm wondering if buying an integrated amp with a DAC and using some old Anthony Gallo Due speakers might be a better solution. The Due speakers have a small footprint and worked well in an older TV room set-up we had years ago.
Am I right in thinking that picking an option with a DAC will sound noticeably better than simply running it from an aux cable? If so, I think I would need to pick an alternative with a USB input, correct? Many of the 'computer-friendly' powered speaker systems now have a USB input, and some of the integrated amps do as well.
If the integrated amp is a better solution, I've researched the PSAudio Sprout 100, the Audiolab M-One, the Rotel A12 and the Parasound New Classic 200. Would any of these be better or worse, or do you have other suggestions?
I appreciate your help!