After toying with the idea for a while, I've decided to rip my CD collection and use my HTPC as an audio server. So far I'm amazed at how easy this is -- using Media Center 9.1 and ripping the disks as APE files -- and I'm optimistic that the audio quality will live up to my expectations.
The problem is that I use an Arcam FMJ A32 integrated (analog) amp and don't have an HT processor. If I use the HTPC as my source for music, I'd like ensure that the analog signal into the amp matches the quality of my Arcam FMJ CD23T, which is a relatively high-end CD player.
So my options for connecting the HTPC are to:
* Go from the analog outs of a good sound card to the integrated amp. I have several M-Audio cards, but I think the DAC quality is suspect. What card would output the best analog signal? RME?
* Go digitally from the sound card to an external DAC to the amp. Can anyone recommend a DAC that compares to my CD player? How much do I have to spend?
Another option is to get rid of the integrated amp and get a good HT processor. Can I get something as clean as refined as my Arcam integrated amp in the $3k range? I've avoided this path because I'm not really into multichannel.
Any thoughts appreciated.
The problem is that I use an Arcam FMJ A32 integrated (analog) amp and don't have an HT processor. If I use the HTPC as my source for music, I'd like ensure that the analog signal into the amp matches the quality of my Arcam FMJ CD23T, which is a relatively high-end CD player.
So my options for connecting the HTPC are to:
* Go from the analog outs of a good sound card to the integrated amp. I have several M-Audio cards, but I think the DAC quality is suspect. What card would output the best analog signal? RME?
* Go digitally from the sound card to an external DAC to the amp. Can anyone recommend a DAC that compares to my CD player? How much do I have to spend?
Another option is to get rid of the integrated amp and get a good HT processor. Can I get something as clean as refined as my Arcam integrated amp in the $3k range? I've avoided this path because I'm not really into multichannel.
Any thoughts appreciated.