Hello everyone,
New user here. I'll start with my plans and my setup.
I want to get started on the audiophile world. I would like to bring my listening experience a few steps up the ladder, and decide whether I can keep up with it or if it's too much ($$-wise).
I have recently converted all my CDs to flac using dBpoweramp. I'm using MediaMonkey, just because iTunes doesn't natively play flac files, and I don't like messing 'round with addons and tricks to get it to play.
To listen at home, I'm using my PC connected with an optical cable to my Sony AV receiver. I've been reading for quite a while about the need of a DAC, and I wonder if I need one, if so, can someone please point me in the right direction for one that won't burn deep holes in my pocket and will provide a good experience? I don't really have a budget, but don't have cash to burn. Something in the $100 - $200 range? Or slightly higher if it makes a better audible difference. I'm using the on-board sound card that came with my motherboard.
As far as other equipment, I don't really have anything fancy, only the Sony AV 5.1 receiver connected to my JBL Northridge floor-standing speakers, and two entry-level headphones: The Grado SR80i and the Audio Technica ATH-AD700.
In the near future, I plan to add a Sonos or Squeezebox, but not ready yet.
And another question: Should I use any "sound enhancers" or effects offered by the media player? Like DSP enhancements or any other? I use a "Powerful" preset which comes loaded with my sound card software, and it sounds pretty good, with it off, sounds too flat.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a bunch!
