Noob computer audio ?

[django1]

I have a gizmo and some x-ls speakers just laying around so I figured I may just as well replace my computer speakers with these. My question is what do I need : a dac or something else? If so recommendations on something cheap and decent. Also where is the hook up? Usb?

Thanks :salute:

[Ajax]

Ya just need a cable with a stereo 3.5mm plug at one end, and R & L RCA plugs at the other. The 3.5mm plug goes into your computer's audio output and the RCAs go into the Gizmo. Then just hook up your speakers to the Gizmo.

Your computer's audio output should be on the back of the computer somewhere. It is usually color coded in green, but yours could be different.

[django1]

Thanks. That simple eh? I thought I needed a dac. Why do people get dacs?

[1BionicEar]

That approach uses the cheap DAC on the soundcard or motherboard. It works, but it isn't the best solution. Next step would be something like the HRT Streamer USB DAC or a better sound card. I say try this option and see how you like it, then decide if you want to upgrade.

[Maximum kahuna]

I'd second the idea of an HRT Streamer. The bottom of the line product works great and the reveiws on the HRT + are outstanding. You can't go wrong for the $$.

[django1]

Thanks guys! I'll check that out.

[HAL]

Another USB DAC worth looking at is the Musiland Monitor 01 US. It is another small USB powered DAC. It is an asynchronous USB interface and will do all bit depth/sample rates to 24bit/192KHz. They run about $100 direct from the mfg. Either Ebay or Pacific Valve have them. The older one has stereo RCA outputs and headphone outputs that make it nice for home or portable use. A very good entry USB DAC so far. :)

[Mike_TX]

HRT MS(+) and Gizmo

That approach uses the cheap DAC on the soundcard or motherboard. It works, but it isn't the best solution. Next step would be something like the HRT Streamer USB DAC or a better sound card. I say try this option and see how you like it, then decide if you want to upgrade.

I'd second the idea of an HRT Streamer. The bottom of the line product works great and the reveiws on the HRT + are outstanding. You can't go wrong for the $$.

Isn't there a problem (voltage level?) with the HRT MS and the TCA/CHT Gizmo?
I can't recall the specifics, but you might want to search on that a little before purchasing the HRT MS(+).

I have the HRT MS (non "+") in another office system and like it.
I haven't A/B'd it or anything...

Mike

EDIT:
Comments, not definitive - link

[django1]

I'll look into both those things.

Just wondering, as my 2 channel rig is in the same room as my computer what if I wanted to send music to it without wires and on the cheap?

[HAL]

Depending on what you mean by cheap, the Squeezebox Duet or Touch are very good WiFi music streamers. Listening to my Duet now with internet radio as the source.