Nice Pair of Monitors, DAC for Music Listening at Work

[Beatmatcher247]

Looking for a pair of monitors at work for music listening only.

Short list I am looking at is:

$749 ish ea.
https://www.adam-audio.com/en/ax-series/a7x/

$349 ish ea.
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/speakers/hs_series/index.html

I think I will need a DAC too and am thinking of this one for $399 ea.
http://www.schiit.com/products/bifrost
Sounds like multibit version would not be worth the extra $200


I have never used a DAC + Power Monitor speakers setup.
I am going to ask the stupid question
Is that and some software for the DAC, RCA Cables all I need to run the speakers?
Will this eliminate the need for me to use a soundcard or is that still neccessary to get the output from it to the DAC somehow (USB/Optical, etc..)

It sounds like if I ever wanted to add a powered sub with them like Yamaha
HS8S (plenty for at work), you run the RCA's into its input, then the high level rca outputs to your monitors?

Any others monitors or DACS I should put in the running here? Are most DACS pretty similar sounding?

Thinking about getting a similar DAC setup for the PC at home that I do most of my listening over Spotify with if I am not listening to CDs.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would just get an AVR and regular passive bookshelf speakers.

Check out this $800 Denon AVR-X2300 on sale for $394.

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X2300W-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01E69LWWA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1506006850&sr=8-4&keywords=Denon+AVR

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

There's too many bookshelf speakers to even mention.

https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-230-Bookshelf-Loudspeaker/dp/B00GJXSWZW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1506007563&sr=8-7&keywords=jbl+bookshelf+speakers

https://www.amazon.com/PSB-Imagine-Mini-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B009LGUSGU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1506007614&sr=1-1&keywords=psb+bookshelf+speakers

https://www.amazon.com/KEF-Q300B-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-Black/dp/B00CE3LG9U/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1506007635&sr=1-3&keywords=kef+bookshelf+speakers

https://www.svsound.com/products/ultra-bookshelf

 

[Beatmatcher247]

For listening on my pc at work?

 

[everettT]

Look at the JBL LSR series, best bang for the buck IMHO. You can try it wo a dac first, but I'd you feel there is interference from the sound card, don't spend $400 on a dac. There are plenty under $150 that are more than adequate.

 

[slipperybidness]

Those Adam Audio Monitors are a solid choice!

JBL LSR is another good choice. Perhaps consider Emotiva

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

For listening on my pc at work?

The AVR too big ?

I was thinking why spend $400 on a DAC when you could buy a whole receiver.

Maybe a smaller 17"x13"x3" Pioneer ELITE receiver? Even has DSD for SACD and Direct Mode.

That DAC is 9"x7"x2". So this AVR is just a little bigger.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTQ5UVK/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3171424582&pd_rd_wg=GRylW&pf_rd_r=H3K6WB5WS0PXMP0D06TK&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B01MTQ5UVK&pd_rd_w=1yMBq&pf_rd_i=receiver&pd_rd_r=4RK5HTWFANX8H58YKFW1&ie=UTF8&qid=1506013020&sr=2

 

[slipperybidness]

I would try the analog outs off the sound card first, it may be fine. But, it may sound like crap!

If the PC analog outs aren't so great, then maybe even a simple Emo little ego or big ego dac

http://emotiva.com/product/little-ego/
http://emotiva.com/product/big-ego/

 

[Beatmatcher247]

I might be wrong but I don't think any of the speakers will accept the 1/8" miniplug style "Front, Left/Right/Headphones" 1/8" Miniplug out on my sound card?

 

[slipperybidness]

I might be wrong but I don't think any of the speakers will accept the 1/8" miniplug style "Front, Left/Right/Headphones" 1/8" Miniplug out on my sound card?

Adapters!

https://www.parts-express.com/Search.aspx?keyword=3.5mm adapter&sitesearch=true

 

[shadyJ]

Adam makes some killer speakers. I would go with those over the Yamahas. I was apart of a afterhours comparison of some monitors at a Guitar Center years ago, we had some Adams, and some of the previous generation of Yamaha (as well as some Mackies, JBL LSRs and Event Monitors). I like the Adams the best out of all of them, and the Yamahas the least. Unless Yamaha has greatly improved the sound on their monitors since then, there is no contest between them and Adams. Mackie and JBL LSR are solid brands as well.

 

[slipperybidness]

Adam makes some killer speakers. I would go with those over the Yamahas. I was apart of a afterhours comparison of some monitors at a Guitar Center years ago, we had some Adams, and some of the previous generation of Yamaha (as well as some Mackies, JBL LSRs and Event Monitors). I like the Adams the best out of all of them, and the Yamahas the least. Unless Yamaha has greatly improved the sound on their monitors since then, there is no contest between them and Adams. Mackie and JBL LSR are solid brands as well.

Yeah, Yammy does a lot of things great, but not known for great monitors!

 

[Beatmatcher247]

The AVR too big ?

I was thinking why spend $400 on a DAC when you could buy a whole receiver.

Maybe a smaller 17"x13"x3" Pioneer ELITE receiver? Even has DSD for SACD and Direct Mode.

That DAC is 9"x7"x2". So this AVR is just a little bigger.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTQ5UVK/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3171424582&pd_rd_wg=GRylW&pf_rd_r=H3K6WB5WS0PXMP0D06TK&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B01MTQ5UVK&pd_rd_w=1yMBq&pf_rd_i=receiver&pd_rd_r=4RK5HTWFANX8H58YKFW1&ie=UTF8&qid=1506013020&sr=2

You know, that is a pretty fine idea!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You know, that is a pretty fine idea!

Great minds.

I mean a $400 5-pound DAC that is 9x7x2 isn't that much smaller than a 17x13x3 8-pound AVR.

The AVR looks much better aesthetically and costs about the same as the DAC. Actually might even save you some money.

And you have much more features and functions with AVR.

You could hook up SACD and play DSD.

You could connect HDMI from PC to AVR, then from AVR to Monitor. Basically how you would hook up a HTPC in a home theater.

And you have so many more options on speakers. You could go with PSB if you like or try something new.

 

[agarwalro]

Amp:
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/pionvsxs520/pioneer-vsx-s520-5.1-ch-x-50-watts-slim-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Speakers:
http://www.philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

Wildcard:
https://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=seek&id[m]=pattern&id[q]=kefx300

 

[lovinthehd]

Hadn't seen those very slim Pioneer avrs before. Too bad they don't have pre-outs so you could have the option of active speakers or external amp but I suppose it would work for most situations, altho that would depend on the speakers and how much you're going to turn it way up at work

ps For a minimal office thing I'd be tempted to try the O2 dac amp offer from Massdrop I got an email on recently plus a pair of JBL LSR 305 or 308s. But I'd probably try just the JBL's first on their own from the analog out of your pc

 

[speakerman39]

I second the JBL 305's recommendations. When I had my set connected to my desktop I used this via USB:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha


Originally, I had my 305's on my computer desk. Shady recommended that I get them off of my desk. So, I bought a set of stands and a set of these:


https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MoPAD


All I can say is that there was a rather significant improvement in sound from top to bottom that left me utterly impressed. Got my 305's brand new for ONLY $200 shipped. One of the best investments that I have ever made. Highly recommend to the OP!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Longer I work as Sr engineer, the trueer goes saying: K.I.S.S.
My humble suggestion is just get a Vanatoo Transparent one or zero , depends on budget and size of speakers you're looking for. Both reviewed indeph on noaudiophile.com

 

[<eargiant]

Looking for a pair of monitors at work for music listening only.

Short list I am looking at is:

$749 ish ea.
https://www.adam-audio.com/en/ax-series/a7x/

$349 ish ea.
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/proaudio/speakers/hs_series/index.html

I think I will need a DAC too and am thinking of this one for $399 ea.
http://www.schiit.com/products/bifrost
Sounds like multibit version would not be worth the extra $200


I have never used a DAC + Power Monitor speakers setup.
I am going to ask the stupid question
Is that and some software for the DAC, RCA Cables all I need to run the speakers?
Will this eliminate the need for me to use a soundcard or is that still neccessary to get the output from it to the DAC somehow (USB/Optical, etc..)

It sounds like if I ever wanted to add a powered sub with them like Yamaha
HS8S (plenty for at work), you run the RCA's into its input, then the high level rca outputs to your monitors?

Any others monitors or DACS I should put in the running here? Are most DACS pretty similar sounding?

Thinking about getting a similar DAC setup for the PC at home that I do most of my listening over Spotify with if I am not listening to CDs.

I wouldn't get sidetracked with an AVR for your application. It sounds like you were already on the right track.

If I were in your shoes I'd probably get these today before the drop ends (in a few hours):

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-jbl-lsr30x-powered-speakers

Then see if you are satisfied with the sound of your built-in soundcard. If not, and you have a PC- check to see if it has a slot for one of these and try and locate a used one on the auction site. For about $50 you can't go wrong.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/view/audiophile-192

All in you'd be well under $400.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

A long time ago when I was much into wasting money, I bought things like $2K DAC, $4K CD players, and $1K speaker cable.

The $22K Revel, $18K KEF, $15K B&W, $10K Linkwitz speakers, etc. came later, but that's another story.

Then one day, I compared the $2K DAC vs my $500 Sony DVD player (playing CD) and found out that it sounded the same.

Then later I took it further and compared the $2K DAC vs $100 Sony DVD player (playing CD) and $400 AVR and found that it sounded the same.

Then I read the Audio Critic and it all made perfect sense.

Don't waste your money on external DAC. Spend your money on speakers.

So I sold my $2K DAC, $4K CD player, and $1K speaker cables.