rayteyj
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GOOD CPU SOUND SYSTEM FOR AROUND $500
Ariel Bitran
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do you plan on listening through headphones or loudspeakers?

the first step to getting the best sound from your computer audio system is ripping all of your music in a lossless format.

rayteyj
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Hey thanks for your reply. I intend to listen through loudspeakers =D

Ariel Bitran
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check out these guys: http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-5

then in continuation, you could consider a DAC such at the HRT Streamer: http://www.stereophile.com/content/hrt-music-streamer-usb-da-converter

these two components together ($349+$299) is a little above your budget, so you could also consider the A2s: http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-2 ($199)

plus one set of interconnects from BJC: http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

rayteyj
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Hey! anyway i've been doing some research over the net and a lot of people recommended the A5s.

As for the DAC, What purpose does the DAC serve?

Also, if i were to get the A5s, should i get a sub?

Cheers!

rayteyj
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Ariel Bitran wrote:

check out these guys: http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-5

then in continuation, you could consider a DAC such at the HRT Streamer: http://www.stereophile.com/content/hrt-music-streamer-usb-da-converter

these two components together ($349+$299) is a little above your budget, so you could also consider the A2s: http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-2 ($199)

plus one set of interconnects from BJC: http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

anyway what is DAC? sry im new to this. yeah i've read a lot of good reviews on the A5s so i was wondering if i should get that. you ever tried it? whats ur take on it

Ariel Bitran
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rayteyj wrote:

anyway what is DAC? sry im new to this. yeah i've read a lot of good reviews on the A5s so i was wondering if i should get that. you ever tried it? whats ur take on it

a DAC is a digital to analog converter. While my personal knowledge on the matter is a bit limited, I'll explain it to my best ability.

Digital audio must be converted to an analog form in order to be heard. Your computer or CD player will normally have a built-in DAC (unless your CD player is a *transport* - this implies that an outboard DAC is necessary). The built-in DAC's on computers may not necessarily give you the audio quality you need thus an outboard DAC running a digital signal (in the case of the HRT via USB) can conver to a higher quality audio signal than say running an 1/8" jack out to speakers.

Hope this explains it...

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Thanks! Oh i think i get it. What you are saying is if i have a very good speaker my DAC must be good too? assuming i get the A5 without the DAC i will not be maximizing the potential of the A5? And is the A5 that good? To my knowledge ALMOST everyone is recommending the A5. haha

Ariel Bitran
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rayteyj wrote:

And is the A5 that good?

while i personally have not heard them, I can only expect them to be since they have a nearly universal recommendation at your price point and usage.

here's a Stereophile review of the smaller A2s to get an idea of what manufacturer provides: http://stereophile.com/content/audioengine-2-powered-loudspeaker

BillB
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I have the A2's, and have spent some time w/ the A5's, too (bought them for a family member). The tweeter is the same for both, and the excellent detail and imaging the 2's can do is the same in the 5. Except the 5 has more power and bigger woofer so does deeper bass and more volume and headroom.
I have not yet heard either via a separate DAC and greatly enjoy them with either an iPod touch or a laptop as the source. I think if you did a separate DAC then the speakers are capable of illustrating that improvement.

rayteyj
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hey i've been doing some research last year and saw the eponz aktimate mini. I think im going for those..what are your opinions? haha

thanks and happy new year! =D

Ariel Bitran
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I have not heard these speakers, but they appear to be positioned as competition for the A5's. Best thing to do is listen if you're close to a dealer.

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