Computer as music source

[whateverman]

i have a quick question i need answering. i need to upgrade my computer's soundcard (one of the connections is very loose) and i am set on buying the Auzentech X-Meridian 7.1

now, i will have this hooked up to my onkyo tx-sr601 receiver via the analog outputs (from what i have been reading they seem to have the best sound quality over digital). i was also planning on buying a nice cd player but i was wondering that since the Auzentech supports ASIO, could i just use my regular computer dvd-rom to play my cd's instead of buying a separate cd player? would there be much of a difference in sound quality?

EDIT:

i actually want a sacd/dvd-a/cd player. what would you recommend for a decent price (under $350)? any opinions on this onkyo, http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=DV-SP502&p=i&class=DVD

anything you would recommend by Denon such as this http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3560.asp#

i am actually looking for mid to hi-fi if possible. i dont need anything really audiophile right now since i am only 21 and am trying to budget my money.

 

[MDS]

You can use the computer's cd/dvd drive to play CDs regardless of whether you use analog or digital outputs from the soundcard.

If you use the analog outs you are relying on the sound card's DACs vs using the digital outs where you'd be using the DACs of the receiver.

 

[whateverman]

oh alright. with my receiver, would you recommend using the analog or digital outputs? i'd assume my receiver would have better dac's than the soundcard, but idk.

 

[scottyb]

I have the Auzentech card and I am using my optical out. It sounds very good to me. IMHO.

 

[DrunkenWolf]

I also have the Auzentech (the 5.1 version) using optical out to my AVR. I think it sounds really nice-although I tend to prefer plain old 2ch stereo when listening to music. I think that's just me. You definately don't *need* an external CD Player if you have this setup. Personally I wouldn't really even want one. Playing CDs isn't rocket science, I find it hard to believe that there would be a big difference in fidelity between a sony discman plugged into your AVR via 9mm to RCA and a $2k CD Player. Your computer will likely play whatever format you'd want to play-so long as your computer's fans aren't very loud you'll be happy. I'd strongly advise against getting a standalone player just to have access to DVD-A or SACD. DVD-A never really caught on and SACD you can just play through Windows Media Player.

If you want to invest 350 bucks in getting better sound quality consider getting bass traps for the front corners of your room and a couple of acoustic panels for the first reflection points in the room. I recently treated my room and it made a huge difference.

If your heart is set on a separate CD Player, just get a separate DVD player that happens to play CDs.

 

[fmw]

DVD-A never really caught on and SACD you can just play through Windows Media Player.

Some SACD's have redbook CD encoded on them so that they will play in regular CD players. The computer drives will play them as CD's. However, they won't play them as SACD's nor will they decode SACD-only discs. They won't decode DVD audio either.

 

[fmw]

could i just use my regular computer dvd-rom to play my cd's instead of buying a separate cd player? would there be much of a difference in sound quality?

Probably not. I use a different sound card than you do (Creative X-Fi) but it has good DAC's that perform as well as most. I've tried it both ways and don't sense any difference. I would assume you chose the card you chose because it has good DAC's. Should sound just fine.