I started this topic to discuss different computer-based audio systems in use by the techno-savvy people here.
Still using two crappy desktop multimedia speakers and a Sound Blaster? Or have you built the A/V Super Computer System? Tips, tricks, pointers?
I just upgraded my computer audio setup. I was using Klipsch ProMedia 4-channel multimedia speakers, but grew tired of the all muscle/no subtlelty sub/sat sound.
So I picked up this pretty sweet Pioneer Elite A-35R 2-channel integrated amp. It's 65 WPC into 4 ohms. I got that thing new for like $160 shipped. Then I grabbed some Event 20/20 shielded studio monitors, a remarkable value at $260/pr. from Sam Ash on a price match to B&H. Hooked 'em up to my Roland A/D, D/A, and wow! Can't be beat for anywhere near the price (~$420 total) I paid.
The Event 20/20s are SWEET computer monitors. The 8-inch woofers deal out very tight, dynamic, present bass. The tweeters are very revealing, but not harshly bright like some studio monitors (ahem, Tannoy) can be. Highly recommended.
Now for the Pioneer. It's not a super powerful amp, but is good for critical monitoring as it has a circuitry bypassing "Direct" switch that keeps the sound accurate. For an amp that's only 45W into 8 ohms, it has fat heatsinks and an impressively heavy power supply.
Here's a link to it for $130+shipping. http://www.expressaudiovideo.com/inam.html
You can't even buy a crappy Teac stereo receiver for that. They shipped the same day I ordered. Gray market? Maybe...couldn't tell. Seems to be a standard U.S. retail model, though. Onecall has the same unit for--I think--$199.
NatW
PC for Home Theater & Music
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a motherboard with TUBE AUDIO???
Okay, clearly my PC audio chatter is as out of place here as an Iquana in Antarctica. But (if true) this is too good to resist posting. (I know a couple of you will dig this--time to get a PC, Steve?):
http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/ [scroll down to 2nd article]
AOpen Announces World's First Vacuum Tube Motherboard [12:39 am] Gavric
AOpen announced today that it is introducing the vacuum tube motherboard, based on i845E chipset. The board supports vacuum tube audio output and has high-end audio grade capacitor on board. Audio features of AX4B-533Tube build on 5.1 channel Realtek ALC650 AC
Okay, clearly my PC audio chatter is as out of place here as an Iquana in Antarctica. But (if true) this is too good to resist posting. (I know a couple of you will dig this--time to get a PC, Steve?):
http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/ [scroll down to 2nd article]
AOpen Announces World's First Vacuum Tube Motherboard [12:39 am] Gavric
AOpen announced today that it is introducing the vacuum tube motherboard, based on i845E chipset. The board supports vacuum tube audio output and has high-end audio grade capacitor on board. Audio features of AX4B-533Tube build on 5.1 channel Realtek ALC650 AC
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ISF Forum
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Hi Nat,
I for one am glad you're posting audio related stuff. Now if you could just get good old 2.0 Steve to chime in we might have something. This tube computer card thing should be right up his alley. Get him and others on board with this. Afterall we are billing it as an A/V forum.
Kevin Miller
Founding Imaging Science Foundation Member. Video Consultant, and freelance writer. www.ISFTV.COM. Email: [email protected]
I for one am glad you're posting audio related stuff. Now if you could just get good old 2.0 Steve to chime in we might have something. This tube computer card thing should be right up his alley. Get him and others on board with this. Afterall we are billing it as an A/V forum.
Kevin Miller
Founding Imaging Science Foundation Member. Video Consultant, and freelance writer. www.ISFTV.COM. Email: [email protected]