[calbear81]

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to get an opinion on which one of these connection methods would be best to get good quality audio into my living room from my main computer.

Sources: PC Audio (FLAC Lossless and regular VBR MP3s)
Amplifier: Primare I21 Integrated Amp 75W per channel
Speakers: JM Lab Focal Chorus 807V
Cans: Sennheiser HD-580 stock

I've got a spare computer lying around which is a trusty AMD 2Ghz with a video card that does DVI output and the onboard audio.  I want to connect the spare PC to the TV via DVI > HDMI and then network it to access my music library on an external hard drive connected to my main computer. 

The question is, which one of these methods would be best given a limited budget:

Sound Card: E-MU 1212M (how do I connect this puppy to my amp?)

-or-

On-Board S/PDIF output to a DAC (assume a chinese made DAC in the $200 range)

-or-

Forget the computer and get a Squeezebox 3 and just use the standard RCA outputs since I don't want to spend that much money.

[Len_Dreyer]

I have two SB3s and like them alot.

[NewBuyer]

I second the SB3 idea. 

[Double Ugly]

I'm not familiar with the sonic possibilities the other options may provide, but a properly modified SB can be the equal of the best digital rigs extant IMHO.

And for a small fraction of the cost.

[denjo]

SB route for me too! You get convenience but no loss of audio quality! As Jim (Double Ugly) said, it can equal a standalone CDP costing very much more.

You can scroll through your entire CD collection from your listening position and play any song from that list simply through the touch of a button.

Caveat: you will need a decent DAC and a good power supply to feed the SB!

Best Regards
Dennis

[EchiDna]

considered a USB DAC? if you want to use the PC, this is probably the best way forward...

try USB Monica or scott nixon USB tube DAC