Analog->Digital (an upgrade)

[Deadboy]

For over 10 years I've been using this for my PC setup. h/k AVR40 with Bose 301 speakers connected via RCA to 1/8" adapter to Razer AC-1 sound card (woot-off purchase. don't judge.)

I've always loved this setup. It gives a nice warm sound under low volumes. But, I'm interested in moving this setup to my living room as part of a HTPC setup, and getting something new for my bedroom. My fear is a loss (or, perceived loss) of quality from moving from an analog receiver to digital. I want to go up in quality, not down.

I would like to keep it around $200-300. I'll use it for music, games, and movies. A sub is not necessary, or even wise, for that matter (I live in NYC). I was thinking about a Swan M10 or Audioengine A2's.

I want the most accurate sound I can get from my new setup, so give me suggestions!

 

[Maxx_Power]

The Swan M200MKIII's are really nice as a 2.0 setup:

http://www.swanspeaker.com/product/htm/view.asp?id=401

 

[Maxx_Power]

The Audioengine A2's are a little too under powered for serious listening. What do you mean you are going digital for a receiver ? Are you using SPDIF to pipe out digital sound to a dedicated receiver ?

 

[SithSolo1]

Maybe he's looking at a Digital amp like the Topping units.

 

[Procyon12]

well unless you go used, your not going to replace what you have SQ wise for $300. just not going to happen.

 

[Procyon12]

The Audioengine A2's are a little too under powered for serious listening. What do you mean you are going digital for a receiver ? Are you using SPDIF to pipe out digital sound to a dedicated receiver ?

he's using analog out his razer into a pro logic receiver.

its confusing, because if thats the way he means it, digital or analog amp makes no difference.

i THINK what he means is that he wants to replace the razer with a spidf connection, but if hes concerned about that, then he can just continue using it. new receivers take analog too.

Maybe he's looking at a Digital amp like the Topping units.

possible, and this would make a lot more sense for an area of concern, as amps in his price range would very likley be class D amps and otherwise not stacking up to his excellent HK, but i have a feeling thats not what he meant.

 

[Deadboy]

...but i have a feeling thats not what he meant.

Dude, I have no idea what I'm talking about. But, thanks for calling my hk receiver 'excellent'. I agree. I just wish it wasn't so damn massive.

I always considered my receiver to be analog, but since it doesn't run on tubes and has pro-logic circuitry...calling it analog was not the right label. I was (unsuccessfully) trying to say what kind of SQ drop will I get with a modern 2.0/2.1 setup for $300.

well unless you go used, your not going to replace what you have SQ wise for $300. just not going to happen.

So, I guess that answers my question. Now, what will I need to invest in to be equivalent or better with what I'm replacing? Will the so-called multimedia speakers not cut it?

 

[SithSolo1]

There are two amps of the top off my head in the $200 range that would be close to that HK SQ wise but would only leave you $100 for speakers. You can also get digital amps ranging from $25 to $150+ but I don't know how much SQ you will lose going from an Analog to a Digital amp.

The two amps are both Class A/B and a perfect size for desk use:

Emotiva mini-X a-100 - http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100

Maverick Audio TubeMagic A1 - http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_a1

If you save up a bit more you could get one of those and a nice set of use speakers for about $400.