htpc to connect through "budget audiophile" setup - Page 2 - Overclock.net

poprhetor · 06-25-09

Thanks guys. I was also thinking of getting a mobo with optical out. The only reason I wouldn't is if an extra mobo from somewhere (without optical) fell into my lap.

I'm swayed by the geeky joy of picking the individual components, but I think I agree that getting a good a/v receiver may really be the best option. I'll keep an eye out for better receivers on Craigslist.

(looking . . . .)

There's a Marantz 2238b (receiver) for 250.00 and a MCINTOSH MA5100 (int amp) for 345.00 in my area, if anyone wants to weigh in. I'll still be keeping an eye out.

**soloz2** · 06-26-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by poprhetor

Thanks guys. I was also thinking of getting a mobo with optical out. The only reason I wouldn't is if an extra mobo from somewhere (without optical) fell into my lap.

I'm swayed by the geeky joy of picking the individual components, but I think I agree that getting a good a/v receiver may really be the best option. I'll keep an eye out for better receivers on Craigslist.

(looking . . . .)

There's a Marantz 2238b (receiver) for 250.00 and a MCINTOSH MA5100 (int amp) for 345.00 in my area, if anyone wants to weigh in. I'll still be keeping an eye out.

the older Marantz and Mcintosh will be great units as long as they still perform to spec. However, you will be limited to 2 channel analog.

From what you've said you want now and hope to 'upgrade' to in the future you NEED a surround sound receiver, or go the route of a pre-pro... but there goes your budget!

poprhetor · 06-26-09

One of the reasons I'm torn is that it could be quite awhile before I add satellites, like years. By the time I make the decision, I could start over. The other issue is that a/v/ receivers are such monsters!

grip_racer · 06-26-09

Take the geek route then.

Source/Preamp:

Get either a Essence STX or Prelude soundcard
or
Buy a PCM1794/TDA1541/CS4398/AD1955/WM8741/ES9018-based DAC (pick one) and then the most minimal preamp you can get away with. Look into JFET and single-tube stuff, with either a ladder-type resistor volume control, or an autoformer volume control (autoformer is better, no volume control is best.)

Then, for your amp, first look into transistor-based class-A. They are hot, expensive, and ridiculously good. You can actually build one semi-inexpensively.

Too much money? Look into chipamps, namely the TA202x chip, and the LM3886 chip.

Then buy/build some speakers that you think will suit your needs.

welcome to hi-fi

**soloz2** · 06-27-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by poprhetor

One of the reasons I'm torn is that it could be quite awhile before I add satellites, like years. By the time I make the decision, I could start over. The other issue is that a/v/ receivers are such monsters!

It's obivous that you're torn. You need to decide which way you want and then build your system so you can go that way.

If you are going 2 channel with an integrated amp, purchasing a new mobo that has optical out will be a waste of money. If you want to add speakers for surround sound then spending your money on a good USB DAC would also be a waste of money.

If you want surround sound then here's what I would do.

Get good mains.

You have a few options for center:
1. no center or "phantom" center. Good mains and proper programming of your receiver is necessary, but many actually prefer this to actually having a center channel speaker.
2. Center that matches our mains. Timbre will be matched for a coherent sound stage.
3. get a cheap center to 'tide' you over. If you go with the ELT525T mains, at the current sale price there's no reason not to get the ELT525C while you're at it.

You also have a few options for surrounds:
rear surrounds aren't as important and don't have to be matched
1. use whatever you have for now
2. buy used
3. go to best buy and get a pair of insignias for $70
4. see if av123 has a b-stock or open box pair of ELT525M's to match the rest of your order.

You can go without a sub for a while. The ELT525T's don't need one for music as long as you aren't playing organ music or loud really bassy music.
Again for movies, you'll be missing out on that low end, but get a good sub later. I went a good 10 months without a sub so I could have better speakers in one of my setups, and yes I watched moves in that setup.

poprhetor · 06-28-09

I'm going with two channels.

Quote:

Originally Posted by soloz2

If you are going 2 channel with an integrated amp, purchasing a new mobo that has optical out will be a waste of money.

Why? Are you suggesting usb instead?

grip_racer · 06-28-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by soloz2

If you are going 2 channel with an integrated amp, purchasing a new mobo that has optical out will be a waste of money.

err, what? mobos that have them are around the same price as mobos that lack them. Having an optical out (coaxial out is even better) just adds flexibility and in no way wastes his money.

He can use it with a 2-channel amp + external DAC now if he wants, and then later if he gets a surround sound reciever, he can simply plug the optical/coax into his new receiver.

mobo optical, as well as an external DAC now, if he wants them, are in no way a waste of money. Done with the DAC? want to go multi-channel? sell it.

as for USB DACs vs coax/optical DACs, coax/optical is generally better, as the receiver chips usually have lower jitter than their USB receiver counterparts, and can also achieve higher sampling rates.

**soloz2** · 06-28-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by poprhetor

I'm going with two channels.

Why? Are you suggesting usb instead?

Quote:

Originally Posted by grip_racer

err, what? mobos that have them are around the same price as mobos that lack them. Having an optical out (coaxial out is even better) just adds flexibility and in no way wastes his money.

He can use it with a 2-channel amp + external DAC now if he wants, and then later if he gets a surround sound reciever, he can simply plug the optical/coax into his new receiver.

mobo optical, as well as an external DAC now, if he wants them, are in no way a waste of money. Done with the DAC? want to go multi-channel? sell it.

as for USB DACs vs coax/optical DACs, coax/optical is generally better, as the receiver chips usually have lower jitter than their USB receiver counterparts, and can also achieve higher sampling rates.

I'm working on two assumptions, that in general are true, for my statement.
1. the OP already has a motherboard that does not have digital audio out. They also already have a sound card they can use. So, purchasing a new motherboard just to have analog out is not necessary.
2. most integrated amps are analog only. They do not have digital inputs and an internal DAC. So, the OP will either need to get a separate external DAC either USB or otherwise, or a good sound card to get the most from good speakers and an integrated amp.

poprhetor · 06-28-09

A free Foxconn 975X7AA just fell into my lap. Not the most current board, but beefy enough for htpc. Assuming it isn't defective, it'll do, and it's got optical.

BTW -- No, I didn't already have a board.

**soloz2** · 06-29-09

if you're going just 2 channel and you've already got your eyes on a couple integrateds then I'd just start looking for a decent USB DAC.

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htpc to connect through "budget audiophile" setup

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