Possible upgrades to my PC stereo?

[GVRubin]

Hello! I'm newbie and new to the forum. I would like some help.

Right now I have a pair of Fluid F5 active monitors, connected to a Focusrite Scarllet Solo 2nd gen, connected to my PC via USB.

Aside buying new speakers, what possible upgrades I could do? It's main use is to play FLAC archives, play some games and watch movies.

Thanks!

 

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

 

[Mechnutt]

Hello! I'm newbie and new to the forum. I would like some help.

Right now I have a pair of Fluid F5 active monitors, connected to a Focusrite Scarllet Solo 2nd gen, connected to my PC via USB.

Aside buying new speakers, what possible upgrades I could do? It's main use is to play FLAC archives, play some games and watch movies.

Thanks!

Get a good DAC and preamp. What is your budget and how much room do you have?

Something like these Benchmark DAC/preamp or PS Audio are a good start without knowing your budget. Also, a good usb cable can make a nice difference.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/collections/digital-to-analog-audio-converter

https://www.psaudio.com/products/stellar-gain-cell/

Give Underwood HiFi a call if you are interested in the PS Audio. He will give you a good deal.

You may want to pose your question on the Computer Audiophile forum, you will get plenty of opinions.

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/


Welcome to AS,

Larry

 

[Mechnutt]

Also look at Nuprime preamp/DAC and IFI

I run music off my computer to a DAC and my main system. I use to use a high end laptop but decided to build a custom dedicated desktop that I remote into using Windows remote desktop. I used a low ripple power supply and a MOBO with higher end capacitors, SSD's and it literally transformed my system.

 

[Phil A]

Welcome. I use a Nuprime IDA-8 with Selah Audio SA2s on my PC system

 

[Randy Myers]

Both Nuprime and Benchmark are excellent equipment. Nuprime is a tad lower (ie depending on your budget) while Benchmark is definitely a step up. I also like that Benchmark is built in the USA (Syracuse, New York).

Something else to consider is Wyred 4 Sound. Known for reasonably priced equipment and they offer models in mini format also. Again another American company. They are built in Atascadero, California.

Another big consideration is the software that you use to play your music. JRiver is very good and much more reasonably priced. My preference is Roon, which is quite a bit more expensive but is one of the finest music software systems out there.