Jeff Matthews

The DAC accepts USB Type A. I'll be finding out soon enough. I'm just trying to jump ahead of delivery to see that I have the right cables.

I did generally understand this point, but you brought it home a lot better. The main question I had is whether the signal will bypass the laptop's DAC and go to my SU-1 DAC if I connect my laptop's USB-C port to the SU-1's USB 2.0 port.

I'll try. What I don't understand is this: If you're playing music on a laptop, the sound will come out of the speakers, or if you plug in a set of earphones, through the earphone jack. I did not realize that if you plug in a USB device, the sound will be sent to the external device. I thought that plugging in a USB device would have no effect on the music either playing through the laptop speakers or the headphones.

Bought this: S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA MQA-CD Audio Decoder AK4493S XU316 768kHz/32Bit DSD512 Hi-Res DAC https://a.co/d/eQRnOaR Do I use USB to USB from laptop to DAC? If my laptop has both USB and a USB C port, can I use USB C from laptop to USB in the DAC?

The seller said he purchased them in very poor cosmetic condition and spruced them up with new veneer, false corners, casters and some sturdy lag bolts and screws. These are assembled to withstand a fall from 3 stories.

How about now?

I love the sound quality of this album.

These arrived last weekend: These (minus the little speakers shown) are arriving Monday:

They were a talented band on this album. All good musicians.

Thanks. Earlier today, I subscribed to Qobuz. I'm just now getting around to seeing how it's all laid out. Seems like it might do the trick. So far, I have found everything I've searched for, and I search for some obscure stuff. I just listened to "Hands Up," by Rory Gallagher. Now, I'm listening to Charlie Daniels' album, "Fire on the Mountain." Pleased so far...

Where do I get access to a complete classic rock library in FLAC?

Perfect! Thanks!

While we're at it, I have never used one. What kinds of cables and other accessories will I need? How do you connect it? Is it between laptop and preamp, or a different order?

Distortion blows tweeters. I blew tweeters on Cornwalls with a pretty good vintage Marantz 90 watt integrated amp. 1180 DC if I remember correctly. Moved to a Crown Microtech 1200 and had all kinds of headroom. Never blew a tweeter again. Never had to push the amp. It wouldn't even get warm.

I am getting an Onkyo M-504 with matching preamp. I plan on connecting my laptop with a microphone to RCA cable (unless I should do it differently). I was advised an inexpensive DAC will make a noticeable difference. I was told: An American company makes a 99.00 dac and I read it's damn good. It's the Schiit modi 3e. Can anyone confirm?

I decided on a 2-channel for now since stereo is my primary goal. Will look at TV a little later. I have a question on DAC in the 2-channel forum. Thanks for all the advice. It will be followed in phase 2.

Their listening room was 100% empty. Bummer!

Thank you all for the replies. @MC39693 It's interesting you found a vintage receiver to have better sound than a high end modern flagship receiver and a separate component amp, too. I appreciate everyone's input. I wish I could hear a setup before buying. Maybe I should go to Best Buy and see if they can demo something.

I think I read the SR6008 is about a 10 year old model. Here is a link to specs: https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/archive-av-receivers/sr6008/810234.html

What about a Marantz SR 6008?

I don't have any amps anymore. Starting fresh.

Can you give some examples of models?

I don't have much knowledge of AVR receivers, but they definitely have a lot of functionality. First and foremost, I want a great 2-channel experience. I have Khorns. I have used a Crown Microtech 1200 with them, and this pair-up will knock your socks off with very clear, authoritative punch. Similar results with a Yamaha MX-something amp with a matching preamp that I used to have. I have also heard Khorns with vintage Marantz receivers. The sound was just "okay" in comparison. What about modern AVR's? Are there killer ones out there in nice used condition for under $750? I really want the quality of sound I have only experienced so far with separate components, but that's not to say that a good AVR can't do it. I am sure the high end ones can, but what about the price range I mentioned? Anyone have experience with both separates and AVR's?

Does anyone use a laptop as a source by connecting the headphone jack to RCA cables into a preamplifier? If so, is the sound quality good? Edit: Do I even need a preamp if the laptop will be the only source?

I don't see prices or pics for anything.