[gkinberg]

Hi all,

I am building a PC 2 channel audio system that I am integrating into my home theater surround sound system.  I am currently running sound out to my A/V receiver via HDMI. Eventually I want to run digital audio out to DAC to Preamp with HT bypass to Amp to speakers. However, I don’t yet own DAC or preamp. I intend to add these to the system over time. I want to add the Preamp first but need to get analog to the pre.

My plan, and where I need advice, is to get a serviceable sound card with RCA out that will feed my soon to be Preamp. I would like to keep the sound card to around $200 or less. I have my eye on the ASUS Xonar Essence ST PCI sound card but I am open to suggestions. While maybe unrealistic, I would love to get a sound card that has analog RCA out, and SPDIF RCA out, and AES/EBU digital out. I have heard that AES/EBU is the best digital out connection and it would be great to have for when I do get a quality dedicated DAC.   I have also considered to HRT music streamer. I look forward to your comments.

FYI, my PC setup is as follows: E-i7 mini-ITX desktop case with power supply
ASRock D2700 motherboard with HDMI and USB3.0
Crucial 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1066 SO-DIMM RAM
Samsung 830 128GB Solid State Drive
Windows 7 Home Premium x86

Thanks, Garth

[toddbagwell]

I'm using the ASUS Xonar PCI card and have had no problems with it. I've used the analog and digital outs and they are very close in quality to my ear.

be sure that you have an extra molex power connector as the card does require additional power than just the power from the motherboard.

todd

[gkinberg]

Thanks Todd, I appreciate the reply. As it turns out, I got an external sound card, a M-audio mobilepre, to do double duty. It will act as my temporary DAC and I can use it to connect my mic to do room measurements and so forth. I know its not top shelf, but I just need something to tide me over for a little while to generate some more funds.

Thanks again, Garth