Reed Marshall

Thanks for all the replies. I'm sorry, I didn't make myself completely clear. I presently listen to my music via the Oppo BDP-95(discs and over the ethernet connection to my network). Through a little reading, I think I have decided to convert over to an all computer setup as opposed to using the Oppo which is in my home theater setup. I plan on buying a new AIO computer to use as the foundation, and am curious, is there anything I should really be looking for in particular? I also read somewhere that you don't want to store your music on the computer that you are using. Any feedback on this, and advantages/disadvantages? I will also buy a new DAC/preamp, which I plan on running to a pair of monoblocks. I've read that ASIO is the best way to go for the best sound quality, and ecwl noted above that If my DAC uses asynchronous USB input, then I don't need a ASIO compatible sound card, so I guess that answers that question. Thanks for the feedback. I am excited about the transition to a simplified, universal, media center approach to high fidelity. :-)

Hi everyone. I am just discovering the whole computer audiophile idea. I need some much needed information, and general knowledge to get me pointed in the right direction. I would like to set up a system using a windows 7 all in one, or possibly a laptop if need be. I have already purchased Jriver media center 18, and need to know the best sounding hardware configuration. Presently, I have my music stored on an external hard drive connected to my router which feeds my Oppo BDP-95 via ethernet. I would like to use a newly purchased computer with Jriver to feed a newly purchased asynchronous usb DAC/preamp, in a dedicated music room. My question is how do I set this up for the best possible sound. Do you have to have a high end sound card for the ASIO implementation? Where do I store the music, and what is the best way to get my music to the DAC as un-scathed as possible? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.