[rapidman17]

Hi all,

I am just getting into high-end AV and, after browsing a few forums and articles, would really like some answers that address my particular situation

In terms of hardware I will be using Monitor Audio Silvers paired with a Denon avr-1910 ( not bought yet but will be as soon as funds allow). My pc is equipped with an Asus Xonar D2X, which has an SPDIF out. Pc is located next to proposed sound setup.

Ok, 1st step is to rip a CD to my comp, using EAC and FLAC file format. Now, how would i go about playing these files on the sound system? would i be able to connect the soundcard and receiver throughspdif out/in and play straight away, or would i need a slingbox or similar? ( i am still unsure what this does in the 1st instance). Is there a need for a DAC or...?

And which scenario would bring about the best sound quality, on a budget of £300 for instance?

I would really appreciate all advice, I know it must seem as if i am a total idiot

Thanks in advance

[Gadgetcity]

Playing CD audio via an SPDIF connection should be fine. You will be using the DAC internal to your AVR1910. You don't need a separate streamer.

[amcluesent]

Yep, for now just connect the PC's soundcard to the AV Receiver with an optical or co-ax S/PDIF and set the default on the soundcard to use the digital out.

I'd not bother getting an external DAC, IMHO you're next step would be to get a music player like a Squeezebox Touch. Two reasons -

1) Remove doubts about the PC resampling the digital stream and getting stuttering when the PC is under load
2) You can listen to internet streams without needing the PC switched on

[rapidman17]

Ahh thanks for the replies, i think i got the process in my head now....

JUst a couple more questions and i think i am sorted

How would i go about actually playing the FLAC files? I assume something like VLC, with spdif out as you said, and select spdif in as the source on the receiver? And what information is the receiver 'receiving' data as, as in is it already decoded or something?

Also, if i transfered the flac file to a ps3 for example, would i be able to play it from there over the hdmi cable?

THanks in advance peepz, great help already

[amcluesent]

Once you've set your default soundcard output to be the digital, pretty much any player that understands FLAC should be OK. I'd suggest foobar2000, but that's a personal preference.

Most receivers should let you define the input source to be optical/co-ax S/PDIF. You also want to select 'direct' mode or the receiver will be digitally processing the input, which isn't usually what you want.

>is it already decoded or something? <

Yep. The S/PDIF will be carrying PCM encoded data.

[Gadgetcity]

Originally Posted by rapidman17

Also, if i transfered the flac file to a ps3 for example, would i be able to play it from there over the hdmi cable?

The PS3 cannot play FLAC files. If you want lossless on a PS3 then you could just store the music as WAV format OR you will have to stream the FLAC from your PC using PS3 Media Server.

The PS3 sends this audio out over HDMI or optical in the same format as your PC spdif. It should be 44.1kHz 16bit PCM but sometimes the PC re-samples to 48kHz.

[rapidman17]

Thankyou v. much amcluesent and Gadgetcity, sorted me out straight and proper

Now comes a hell of a lot of work to pay for the bits

Much appreciated.