greg631

bobbmd - Thanks! What do you listen with? "improved ... 10 to the 10th" ... WOW! That sounds like a strong endorsement of the modi....

Thanks Paul, Jud and Max The list is a GREAT starting point, and helpful.... I am all too familiar with 'upgrade fever' that happens ... It happens to me all the time. LOL Leaning toward the Bifrost and a new amp and pre.... Budget I have is least $$ for best sound.... ROTF. I know that's hard to determine, and an individual thing. Looking for a place to start, and I think I've got a good start with the info here. Thanks again.

Yamaha is audio only. Onkyo is both.

Jud's signature lists a Schiit Bifrost. A DAC I was looking at as well. They also have a Modi.... $99. Schiit offers a 15 day satisfaction guarantee. They do have a restocking fee, but ... Others have told me it is best to listen to something first, and I am sure listening in my location is the best option.

Thanks.... any suggestions, or a place to start looking. I will also check out the headphone & speaker section. : )

Are you happy with your Bifrost? Did you listen to others before/after getting the Bifrost? Would you do the same again? Thanks.

Thanks for the replies.

Hi- I've added a NuForce U192S USB to SPDIF adapter to my setup. My question is: How much of a difference/benefit is a standalone DAC such as the BIFROST from Schiit vs the DAC built into my receiver(s)? I have a Yamaha RX-V473 connected to a pair of Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450's and an Onkyo TX-NR905 connected to a pair of Definitive Technology Mythos Ones. What component is now the weakest link in the chain? Thanks! Greg

"Critical listening and productive work are conflicting ventures" ... Soooo true. Thanks for sharing!

Have long thought that mp3's ... were inferior to a CD. Happy to have found this forum of like minded people. I have an Xonar Essence STX sounds card. It has SPIDIF (coax and optical), as well as analog out and a headphone amp. Based on what I read when I purchased it, and what I've read here recently, I believe the sound card is still ok for the system. From the sound card I have an optical SPIDIF cable that runs to the Onkyo NR-905 receiver in the living room. Connected to the receiver is a 5.1 Definitive Technologies Mythos (1,2,3) setup. For now, I am happy with the LR setup. It is a movie/music location. Any suggestions/tips on how to improve it would be welcome. But I am more interested in working on my office. I'd like better equip in the office, since I do a lot of listening there. I have a pair of Creative GigaWorks T40 powered speakers. I know the first thing to change is the speakers, and I am now using a pair of Def Tech DI8 in ceiling speakers that are also for whole house audio. Obviously, BIG improvement. : ) Next step is to add a sub to bring it to 2.1. Any suggestions on an amp? Would dedicated speakers be a better option? Would a stand alone DAC in addition to the Xonar be of any use for either or both locations? If yes, which ones should I be looking at? Not looking to spend $$$$$$ just 'enough' to get good sound for decent price....Say under $1K... THANKS!! Greg

never mind ... found it.

I have an Xonar Essence STX sounds card. It has SPIDIF (coax and optical), as well as analog out and a headphone amp. Based on what I read when I purchased it, and what I've read here recently, I believe the sound card is good. From the sound card I have an optical SPIDIF cable that runs to the Onkyo NR-905 receiver in the living room. Connected to the receiver is a 5.1 Definitive Mythos (1,2,3) setup. What I would like to do is work on my office config. I'd like better equip in the office, since I do alot of listening there. The office has a pair of Def Tech DI8 in ceiling speakers for whole house audio. One idea is to A/B them for the whole house and the PC in the office, with an added sub in the office to bring the sys to 2.1. Any suggestions on an amp? Would separate Monitor/Desktop speakers be better? Would a stand alone DAC in addition to the Xonar be of any use for either or both locations? If yes, which ones should I be looking at? Not looking to spend $$$$$$ just 'enough' to get good sound for decent price....Say under $1K... THANKS!! Greg

New to the site. What is C.A.S.H. ? Can't seem to find it with a search. Thanks! Greg