selfdivider;257136 Wrote: > I'll only be using the PC for audio purposes, word processing, internet > browsing, maybe some Photoshop. I don't do any video watching on it... > So the last connection is PC to the preamp, right?...I won't be using > preamp, but an integrated amplifier... does the L22 sound much better > hooked up to the amp via balanced XLR than through unbalanced RCA?...
Hi selfdivider, If you will be using your silent PC only for those purposes, you don't really need to spend much or use cutting edge hardware in your server rig. You certainly don't need to buy a DAW. :) Are you planning to have the (silent) PC sitting on your audio shelf, using a case like 'the SilverStone's for instance' (http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/enclosure.php?area=usa), or will the server be in a nice upright tower case sitting next to the shelves? With an appropriate case and build, both of these can look very acceptable in a nice living/listening room. Also, are you able to build your own PC? (that's what I do, much less expensive and easy to customize) Yes in the current configuration we're trying, the SB3 is driving the digital signal to the L22, and the next connection is directly from L22 to Preamp (or integrated, or signal processor, etc - whatever receives the source in your system). This particular card, the L22, has cables included that give only balanced XLR analog connections. Adapters are provided only for the digital connections (AES/EBU to coaxial S/PDIF). But I suppose you could use or build adapters if you really wanted or needed analog RCA, and the L22 manual (available online from Lynx) shows how to establish the proper connections. You could also use a 'Jensen PC-2XR' (http://www.jensentransformers.com/pc2xr.html) or equivalent. Personally I would run balanced, every time. Lynx recommends using the Internal Clock L22 driver setting and also letting the L22 resample your incoming digital signal, in order to avoid a jitter penalty. Non-expert advice: Personally I greatly enjoy learning and trying out new things, including with audio and hardware. Remember though (I always have to learn this the hard way), that it's what sounds best to you that matters. Don't lock yourself into too specific of a hardware config that you will find difficult to perhaps change later, and make sure you are willing to invest the time and resources if you start a project - without it interfering with your enjoyment of the experience! :) -- NewBuyer ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NewBuyer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7862 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=42020 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
