Help With Media PC

[musicbee]

Hi,

I have ripped most of my CD collection to FLAC and for now I'm using my existing set up to listen to music. The goal is to build an audiophile media PC to play music (only FLACs). Budget = comfortable till around 50K.

What I have now
1. Processor - 3.40 gigahertz Intel Core i7-2600K
2. MB - Intel Corporation DH67BL AAG10189-204
3. RAM - 8GB
4. HDD - 2 x 500 GB
5. Sound Card - Creative Live 24-bit
6. Speakers - Creative Inspire 5.1

I would like to start with the sound card and speakers firstly. Please recommend audiophile quality for both. Also, please recommend anything else I will need to have an audiophile quality media PC.

Tx!

 

[esobaki]

I think it's an overkill for a media PC for only music... you can save a lot if you go for Motherboard CPU combo option (AMD Fusion or Intel Atom). And then you can use those saved bucks may be for better speakers or sound card.

 

[musicbee]

Well that is my current PC. I don't want to get a new PC.

I just need help with converting it into a media PC for music.

I don't watch much movies and I'm primarily into music so I need help with a great sound card, DAC and speakers.

I do prefer to listen on my PC as I"ve spent a considerable amount of time ripping my CD collection and its easier to have my entire collection on hand and use a player like MusicBee to them.

 

[esobaki]

Have a look at Asus Xonar sound cards they are really great.

 

[vinsks]

if this is for music only then add good sound card like ESI juli@ or Asus Xonar Essence ST. rest money save for good money and pair of BS speakers. as creative 5.1 will not do justice.

 

[spirovious]

You can even think of a USB DAC which can be flexible.

 

[musicbee]

Spent the day reading posts/threads on this forum.

I'm thinking I will get an Asus Xonar and AudioEngine A5.

Think that's a good combo?

 

[sam9s]

Would you be using this PC for anythig else then just as a Music PC/Server. If later is your requirment or preference then Vortexbox could be a good option/solution here .....

For sound card go for Xonar Essence ST or STX

 

[venkatcr]

Spent the day reading posts/threads on this forum.
I'm thinking I will get an Asus Xonar and AudioEngine A5. Think that's a good combo?

This is a good combination for near field listening. If you need to go to the next step, get an Emotiva DAC, and pump your music through an amplifier and speakers.

Cheers

 

[spirovious]

get an Emotiva DAC, and pump your music through an amplifier and speakers.

Cheers

In Mumbai meet ,Beresford caiman was sounding a bit better than Emotiva.

 

[musicbee]

I have spent the past 3-4 days reading up here and I'm more confused than ever.

Not even sure where to begin... but I only wish I had the moolah to get what Bhagwan has.... LOLZ.

If anyone can recommend... should I go the route of a
1. DAC + Amp + Speakers
2. Soundcard + Amp + Speakers

If anyone can recommend a good combo in the range of Rs. 50K to 1 lac I would be happy... (the lower the better).

Any place in Hyderabad I can audition? Even if I cannot audition but the combo comes with a high recommendation I am willing to go for it.

My music - I listen to just about everything... rock, soft rock, pop, metal... from Madonna to Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Beatles to The KLF and Thievery Corporation to Pink Floyd/Rainbow/Deep Purple to even 2Pac and Mariah Carey.

Thanks to s_sachin who was very helpful in answering a few PMs but I'm still confused as ever.