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Computer Station/Entertainment Center/Man Cave ideas

Started by WhatstheUse?, February 04, 2020, 08:38:35 PM

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ph92

Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 07:43:07 PM
Quote from: ph92 on February 11, 2020, 07:08:26 PM
And is this desktop setup for your audio as well? Cause if that's the case, a power amp is gonna be perfect. My old desktop setup used to just be Desktop>DAC>Headphone Amp>Headphones. A headphone amp generally only has 1 input and 1 output, so it'd be essentially the same as getting a power amp for passive speakers. If you don't need the extra frills, don't spend the money on them.

The only reason I like a receiver over a straight power amp is the fact that you have analog volume control and some of them have analog EQ, which is better for quality.

Correct. I do 90% of my music listening at my computer desk so that’s where the speakers would be. What’s a decent DAC run? Seems like quite a wide range in prices, anything you’d suggest?

What is the advantage to having  ‘analog power control’ rather than using the computer level and/or the volume control on the DAC? Don’t speaker amps have volume control on them too?
I mean, entry level ones can run anywhere from 100-300. They get pretty fucking insane, though. I'm pretty out of the loop as far as the newest equipment. But let me just shamelessly plug my side business of building audio equipment: I can build you a DAC with lots of features and great quality for a good price.

I mean realistically, you shouldn't really worry about it. There's a lot of science and audio/electrical engineers that could do a better job explaining it. But the easiest way to explain it is: The simpler the circuit i.e. analog potentiometer for volume control, the less noise, resistance,  and interference. And all of those things translate to more accurate audio signal. Now is this kind of stuff noticeable? Probably not unless you've dropped thousands on your setup. Also DACs generally don't have volume control. And if you're talking about a true power amplifier, they usually don't have volume control either. For example (real high end obviously) https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/type=amplifier/model=mca-225/page=overview

Shamless plug #2: I can build you a volume control box with balanced XLR ins and out as well as RCA ins and outs.

But I will say, since a desktop uses digital controls, you do need to worry about distortion and clipping at high volume. But if your power amp drives your speakers pretty effortlessly then don't worry about it.
Make America Melt Again!

Quote from: runawayjimbo on July 25, 2017, 11:10:15 PM
FUCK YEAH TREY. FUCK YEAH

tet

Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 12:54:27 PM
Who's my plunger guy?

mbw may be on to something, but if you want something a bit simpler, make sure to go with one of these:



you do NOT just want a plain plunger without one of those flanges or compression areas - those are only for sinks and tub/shower drains really. 
"We want you to be happy"
-Phish

WhatstheUse?

Bring in the dude!

mattstick

Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 06:52:07 PM
Quote from: mattstick on February 11, 2020, 01:19:10 PM
A soundbar or generic powered speaker is probably trash in 3-5 years. A good receiver will last you 10-15 years.

Right. My plan is to get passive speakers. I was wondering, as far as powering them - is there a reason to get a receiver rather than just an integrated power amp. I don't need radio or to hook up a record player or any other music player - just play music from my computer.


I haven't really priced out the route that you're looking to go down but hear me out... typically a power amp would have more power than you would need for a pair of bookshelf speakers, so you might be paying for more than you need.  AV Receivers are also produced at mass consumer levels so you're probably looking at spending less on the same quality of amplification.

You also don't want to box yourself in - your needs now won't necessarily be what they are in 3 years, 5 years, etc... better to have something with more inputs and a remote to change inputs than something less versatile.



kellerb

Quote from: mbw on February 11, 2020, 07:57:59 PM
I have the Sure Plunge at home.  It is powered with a CO2 cartridge. You can clear out a giant shit, than quickly swap it out with N02 cartridge and blast gas straight into your brain at a high velocity.  It's $$



With this setup,  I bet you can just flush shitty diapers. 

emay


WhatstheUse?

Quote from: mattstick on February 12, 2020, 12:50:54 PM
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 06:52:07 PM
Quote from: mattstick on February 11, 2020, 01:19:10 PM
A soundbar or generic powered speaker is probably trash in 3-5 years. A good receiver will last you 10-15 years.

Right. My plan is to get passive speakers. I was wondering, as far as powering them - is there a reason to get a receiver rather than just an integrated power amp. I don't need radio or to hook up a record player or any other music player - just play music from my computer.


I haven't really priced out the route that you're looking to go down but hear me out... typically a power amp would have more power than you would need for a pair of bookshelf speakers, so you might be paying for more than you need.  AV Receivers are also produced at mass consumer levels so you're probably looking at spending less on the same quality of amplification.

You also don't want to box yourself in - your needs now won't necessarily be what they are in 3 years, 5 years, etc... better to have something with more inputs and a remote to change inputs than something less versatile.

Got it. That was the advice I needed to hear. Thanks.
Bring in the dude!

tet

Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 12, 2020, 11:54:42 AM
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
asking the valid, yet somewhat troubling, questions... 
"We want you to be happy"
-Phish

Caravan2001

Quote from: tet on February 12, 2020, 10:29:29 PM
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 12, 2020, 11:54:42 AM
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
asking the valid, yet somewhat troubling, questions...

Welp, after the Fox Theatre show in 09, Play It Leo took Heath and I to a bar on campus at his alma mater (Washington University) and we drank beers out of plungers. So, not necessarily high, but sort of I guess.

tet

Quote from: Caravan2001 on February 13, 2020, 02:21:58 PM
Quote from: tet on February 12, 2020, 10:29:29 PM
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 12, 2020, 11:54:42 AM
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
asking the valid, yet somewhat troubling, questions...

Welp, after the Fox Theatre show in 09, Play It Leo took Heath and I to a bar on campus at his alma mater (Washington University) and we drank beers out of plungers. So, not necessarily high, but sort of I guess.

Went to WashU as well.  Can confirm, that happens there...
"We want you to be happy"
-Phish

Caravan2001

Quote from: tet on February 13, 2020, 02:28:48 PM
Quote from: Caravan2001 on February 13, 2020, 02:21:58 PM
Quote from: tet on February 12, 2020, 10:29:29 PM
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 12, 2020, 11:54:42 AM
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
asking the valid, yet somewhat troubling, questions...

Welp, after the Fox Theatre show in 09, Play It Leo took Heath and I to a bar on campus at his alma mater (Washington University) and we drank beers out of plungers. So, not necessarily high, but sort of I guess.

Went to WashU as well.  Can confirm, that happens there...

Glad I have some confirmation.  It seems so weird that I was beginning to think I imagined it all (I was on mushrooms after all).