Office Setup for Bookshelf Speakers <$200

[zepplin1101]

I have 2 Jamo S413 (80W/130W at 6Ohms) bookshelf speakers I am using from my Jamo surround sound system (not using rear speakers). I would like to listen to them in my home office with music from my computer (i.e. 320Kbps from Rhapsody, CD collection ripped to hard drive, etc.) and/or phone.

I am looking to purchase a budget DAC and power amplifier for all less than $200 for improved sound through my existing desktop speakers. I currently have the Jamo speakers connected to an old Sony receiver (STR-DE197). What I am considering is the following:

DAC:
1. FiiO E10K USB and Headphone Amp: $76
2. SMSL SD793-11 PCM1793 DIR9001 DAC: $65

AMP:
1. SMSL SA-98E Stereo Digital Amp: $105
2. Dayton Audio DTA-120 Class T Mini Amp: $78

My current thought is the combination of FiiO E10K USB and Headphone Amp and SMSL SA-98E Stereo Digital Amp. Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

 

[lovinthehd]

Why do you think that would improve the audio?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

You likely don't need new amp at all. Your old Sony, unless malfunctioning is probably has much better amp than either amp choices.
Now I do get the dac part - PC's analog audio paths could be really bad (ie extra noises etc...)
You could just get an good and expensive dac like Behringer's UCA202 (just make sure to use it's line out ports, not headphones out)

But if you want something cool, a bit expensive, but cool:
https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/pres-and-pros/ta-100
This one might actually have better stuff

 

[rojo]

I agree with my colleagues. Better sound usually comes from better speakers. What is it about the sound that you wish to improve?

 

[zepplin1101]

Less distortion and better clarity at higher volumes. Do you think that the DACs I have listed with be enough to achieve this? Are the Jamo speakers not adequate, would it be better to look for better speakers?

 

[zepplin1101]

You likely don't need new amp at all. Your old Sony, unless malfunctioning is probably has much better amp than either amp choices.
Now I do get the dac part - PC's analog audio paths could be really bad (ie extra noises etc...)
You could just get an good and expensive dac like Behringer's UCA202 (just make sure to use it's line out ports, not headphones out)

But if you want something cool, a bit expensive, but cool:
https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/pres-and-pros/ta-100
This one might actually have better stuff

Glad to hear that my old Sony will be sufficient. I am not familiar with the Behringer noted above but it doesn't look to be a DAC for my intended purposes from what I can tell it is more for recording. The Emotiva TA-100 looks like a complete package but it's well out of my budget.

Do I need to consider a preamp coupled with a DAC as well or just re-evaluate my current bookshelf speakers being used?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I own that dac and it works just fine as regular 16/48 usb dac. Not sure what are your specific intended purposes and expected usage. Using it as simple output device for compressed local and streamed music - it would work just fine.

 

[afterlife2]

http://getmusicbee.com/ download this player and use their EQ(Rock settings is what I use) and disable your PC's EQ in your device manager. This should solve your problems.
This amp is cheap/fantastic and more powerful than the ones you mention. Be patient it take 2 weeks to arrive: http://www.ebay.com/itm/231799451860?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
This adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/ELEGIANT-100-240V-Switching-Security-Accessories/dp/B0146LFNFU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1474490862&sr=1-1&keywords=ac+adapter+24v+5a
This sub:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

Speakers: Dennis Murphy AA's(Does not need a sub) or HVL-1's(I have these in my setup but needs a sub)

 

[lovinthehd]

I use that same Sony avr in my workshop setup. I'd get a subwoofer rather than try to improve on the Sony's dac/amp combo you already have. Better speakers would be a good idea, too if you don't want to help your current ones out with a sub...

PS Oops, similar number, yours is an old stereo model, mine's an old 6.1 model. No dac let alone subwoofer management on your 197 so never mind on that.

 

[lovinthehd]

Less distortion and better clarity at higher volumes. Do you think that the DACs I have listed with be enough to achieve this? Are the Jamo speakers not adequate, would it be better to look for better speakers?

Your speakers introduce far more distortion than the electronics....