avgjoe
12-02-2006, 08:34 PM
Okay. First off let me describe my existing setup and then I will expound on my problem.
My existing system is quite primitive but for gaming it is quite sufficient. It consists of a 5.1 Denon HT setup with a cheap Denon receiver that was on sale on crutchfield. The receiver is an AVR-485. Right now, my speakers are setup through the receiver and then thru the analog inputs on the back of my computer (X-Fi soundcard). As this setup was primarily for gaming, it did its job.
Now, however, I have set up a music server with all my WAV files on an old computer functioning as the server. Consequently, I'm interested in upgrading my speaker system to sound better. I plan to do this by buying some B&W 602s (on a budget). I don't intend on getting an amp right now but eventually I will get a Rotel amp to couple with my speakers. Now with the little guide on audioreview about setting up a music server I was wondering about getting a USB DAC instead of getting an external soundcard. However, what I want to know and my main question is is that can I still maintain my existing setup and use the USB DAC when I want to listen to music? In other words, can I use my X-Fi soundcard and the USB DAC at the same time and if so, how? And if I use the USB DAC that would mean I wouldn't be able to use the sub w/my new speakers. It would be only a 2.0 setup not a 2.1. Is there another way of using the sub? In terms of base would the B&Ws be sufficient for a small room?
My existing system is quite primitive but for gaming it is quite sufficient. It consists of a 5.1 Denon HT setup with a cheap Denon receiver that was on sale on crutchfield. The receiver is an AVR-485. Right now, my speakers are setup through the receiver and then thru the analog inputs on the back of my computer (X-Fi soundcard). As this setup was primarily for gaming, it did its job.
Now, however, I have set up a music server with all my WAV files on an old computer functioning as the server. Consequently, I'm interested in upgrading my speaker system to sound better. I plan to do this by buying some B&W 602s (on a budget). I don't intend on getting an amp right now but eventually I will get a Rotel amp to couple with my speakers. Now with the little guide on audioreview about setting up a music server I was wondering about getting a USB DAC instead of getting an external soundcard. However, what I want to know and my main question is is that can I still maintain my existing setup and use the USB DAC when I want to listen to music? In other words, can I use my X-Fi soundcard and the USB DAC at the same time and if so, how? And if I use the USB DAC that would mean I wouldn't be able to use the sub w/my new speakers. It would be only a 2.0 setup not a 2.1. Is there another way of using the sub? In terms of base would the B&Ws be sufficient for a small room?