geekhack

geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: mindoculus on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:13:18

Title: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: mindoculus on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:13:18
Looking to upgrade. Perhaps your set-ups will help with my purchase decision.

currently have el-cheapo logitech LS-21 (no sub) and onboard audio. Plenty of room to improve.

For speakers, considering Edifier Exclaim Bi-Amped 2.0, Gigaworks, previous gen Daytons . .

A lepai amp and a Xonar DG may round things out. No need for ext-DAC if I go with soundcard.

What do you sport for audio ?

Thanks.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Moosecraft on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:14:49
ODAC+ O2+ Philips Fidelio X1/ Sennheiser hd558
Portable Ipod nano 4th gen Vsonic Gr07, Sony Mh1c, Hifiman Re-400
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Feign on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:17:51
Marantz PM6003 Amp to Wharfedale Diamond 10.2 Speakers / AKG k701 headphones.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Parak on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:36:37
All items obtained at bargain basement prices:

Motherboard Analog -> Pioneer SE-A1000
Motherboard Digital -> Kenwood VRS-7100 -> Celestion 5.1 Speakers (only front three used)
                                                                    -> Sony MDR-MA900 (sadly not as comfortable for me as the Pioneers. Sound is a bit better, I guess, but likely wallet placebo)
                                                                    -> Alto ZMX52 Mixer -> Motherboard Line In
AKG XLR headset condenser mic velcro'd to headphones --^

Result: Ability to switch on the fly from one headphone to other to speakers, mixing of audio for broadcast purposes, comfy headphones, and awesome mic for voice comm.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:41:42
Xonar DS -> Lepai -> Dayton Bookshelf speakers.  Great for a simple setup that actually sounds pretty good.  I had in the past the Polk 2.1 system, and it was ok, but too bass heavy.  I couldn't get rid of the muddy sound, so I went full setup (see below).  Much better, but overkill for an apartment. 

I had the DS optical out to a Sony Elite Reciever to a pair of Sony 1000ss bookshelf speakers and an 8" energy sub, but realized that I just don't need that much sound.  The lepai and Dayton's will easily piss off the neighbors in my apartment complex. 
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:50:43
Quote from: Badwrench on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:41:42
Xonar DS -> Lepai -> Dayton Bookshelf speakers.  Great for a simple setup that actually sounds pretty good.  I had in the past the Polk 2.1 system, and it was ok, but too bass heavy.  I couldn't get rid of the muddy sound, so I went full setup (see below).  Much better, but overkill for an apartment. 

I had the DS optical out to a Sony Elite Reciever to a pair of Sony 1000ss bookshelf speakers and an 8" energy sub, but realized that I just don't need that much sound.  The lepai and Dayton's will easily piss off the neighbors in my apartment complex. 

/facepalm :D
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:51:06
I have a pair of Grado SR80i headphones. They're currently just being plugged into my rig which has a Omega Striker 7.1 soundcard (it's pretty good). I recently tried a Fiio e17, e10, and a CMoy. And I will be building a Cavalli CTH amplifier and probably a CMoy soon.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Badwrench on Fri, 30 August 2013, 19:14:22
Quote from: tp4tissue on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:50:43
Quote from: Badwrench on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:41:42
Xonar DS -> Lepai -> Dayton Bookshelf speakers.  Great for a simple setup that actually sounds pretty good.  I had in the past the Polk 2.1 system, and it was ok, but too bass heavy.  I couldn't get rid of the muddy sound, so I went full setup (see below).  Much better, but overkill for an apartment. 

I had the DS optical out to a Sony Elite Reciever to a pair of Sony 1000ss bookshelf speakers and an 8" energy sub, but realized that I just don't need that much sound.  The lepai and Dayton's will easily piss off the neighbors in my apartment complex. 

/facepalm :D

It's all good.  The Sony receiver setup was moved to the TV and is still in the same room.  I usually game with my Audio Technicas, so it doesn't really matter to me, but it sure makes the wife happy.  Also, this was all stuff purchased from Craigslist - Receiver - $30, Speakers - $20, Sub - $25.  The lepai and Daytons were less than $80 shipped to me. Cheaper than most 2.1 setups and sound very nice (as long as you don't mind that it doesn't get super loud). 

When I move into a house, all of this stuff will be replaced by a Marantz Receiver/Amp and Monitor Audio speakers/Sub (One of my best friends is a seller of both).  He owns his own AV company and told me not to invest in stereo equipment until I am able to truly design the room and sound I want.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 30 August 2013, 19:50:04
What I mostly use-
Audeze LCD 2 rev2 w/ Shiit Lyr and Bifrost DAC
Danon AH-D5000 w/ JDS Labs O2
Soundscience Rockus 3D 2.1 (desktop speakers)

have some other gear - Sennheiser HD600s - Grado SR60i - Red Wine Bellina HPA      but I don't really use them often
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: RabRhee on Fri, 30 August 2013, 20:53:42
I use a digital coaxial out the motherboard, to an external DAC, straight to power amps. Fortunately my DAC has a volume pot on it. I have a mild mistrust of soundcards, they all seem fairly cheap, even the expensive ones, and they all seem to add a big damn heap of software to mess things up even more.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: daerid on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:15:57
Logitech Z623's (http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/speaker-system-z623?crid=47) for my main work rig (along with my G930 wireless headset). My recording rig is setup with Yamaha HS7 monitors paired with the HS8S subwoofer.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: thegunner100 on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:23:13
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Fri, 30 August 2013, 18:51:06
I have a pair of Grado SR80i headphones. They're currently just being plugged into my rig which has a Omega Striker 7.1 soundcard (it's pretty good). I recently tried a Fiio e17, e10, and a CMoy. And I will be building a Cavalli CTH amplifier and probably a CMoy soon.

You finally got them!

Anyways, taken from my head-fi, this is what I own:

Headphones/speakers:
Vsonic GR07 w/ BTG-audio Midnight cable
 Vsonic VSD1S
 Ultimate Ears In-ear Reference Monitors
Audioengine A2

Amps:
Little Dot MK IV SE w/ M8161 tubes
 Leckerton UHA-6S OPA209
 Headstage Arrow 4g

Dacs/daps:
Peachtree Dacit w/ Teradak PSU
Sansa Fuze
HifimeDIY Dac
Ibasso dx50(soon to be)
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: webs0r on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:24:40
I haven't really done much with my setups for many years, except recently I threw in the NAD m51 to receive the HTPC output.

In the gaming/man room I've got:
-Xonar Essence STX w/ swapped opamps
-Cyrus 7SE integrated
-B&W 601s2

In the lounge:
-NAD M51 DAC (and using its digital volume control)
-Rotel 1582 power amp
-KEF Q9
-M&K 12" sub (can't remember the model!)
-Some acoustic padding

One day I want to get some fancy speakers for the lounge, probably change the amp too, maybe in 5 years... Wouldn't be responsible of me to do it now, also probably unnecessary :(
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: ynrozturk on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:26:35
I am currently using a Creative 2.1 system for my desktop, but I'll be changing that soon to M-Audio AV40's. For my TV/PS3 setup I'm using the Logitech Z5500. For headphones it's Shure and AKG all the way for me.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: demik on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:58:19
PICTURES DAMN IT
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:58:40
Nothing too fancy... I have a Creative Titanium HD to an audioengines N22 amp which drives a 2.1 set up of Gallo sphericals and a JBL/Harmon studio1 sub. I mostly listen to music from my PC, but I also have a Stanton turntable for the wax which also runs through the PC via a Behringer preamp.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Photekq on Fri, 30 August 2013, 22:13:23
NAD 3130, Monitor Audio R252 - speakers
NAD 3130, Sennheiser PC-350 - headphones
More
(http://i.imgur.com/QyYqj50.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/57RFkoM.jpg)
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: mauri on Sat, 31 August 2013, 03:54:55
AKG 701s - Headphones
Heed CanAmp - Amp
ESI JULI@ - Soundcard
Musical Blue RCAs
(http://musiikincom.valmiskauppa.fi/product_thumb.php?img=images/kuvat/musical_blue_new.jpg&w=300&h=142)
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Moosecraft on Sat, 31 August 2013, 03:57:09
Quote from: demik on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:58:19
PICTURES DAMN IT
I only have potatoes
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: damorgue on Sat, 31 August 2013, 04:07:25
Quote from: demik on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:58:19
PICTURES DAMN IT

(http://i.imgur.com/FX7gIui.jpg)
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: SquawkVFR on Sat, 31 August 2013, 04:37:13
Creative T12 2 channel desktop speakers and a pair Sennheiser PC360s for a headset when chatting in games or playing big AAA titles - both powered by on board audio.

After climbing the headphone hobby up to a pair of STAX, I realized I wasn't using my gear enough to justify the investment and am really happy with where I am at now.



Also this :

(http://www.espguitars.com/images/guitars/M-II-Elite_ACSB.png)
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: SquawkVFR on Sat, 31 August 2013, 04:38:18
Sorry, double post.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: thegunner100 on Sat, 31 August 2013, 05:13:42
My desk @ school.
[attach=1]
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: tipo33 on Sat, 31 August 2013, 15:08:17
Marantz 2245 into Fisher STV-887A
Headphones:  Grado SR60i,  Sony MDR-7506,  Fostex T50RP
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Badwrench on Sat, 31 August 2013, 16:43:21
Quote from: demik on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:58:19
PICTURES DAMN IT

Before w/ receiver and sub:
[attach=1]

Current setup:
[attach=2]

And kitty's spot next to my headphones:
[attach=3]
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: webs0r on Sat, 31 August 2013, 21:55:40
OK here are the pics, I removed speaker grills for you guys.
Gaming room, & B&W dm601s2 close up
[attach=1] [attach=2]

Cyrus close up
[attach=3]

Lounge setup & NAD M51 (the pre-amp I'm not using, its just providing 12v trigger)
[attach=4] [attach=5]

The Rotel
[attach=6]

Kef Q9
[attach=7] [attach=8]

Sub
[attach=9]
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: demik on Sat, 31 August 2013, 22:34:49
attaboys, pictures make everything better.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: tipo33 on Sun, 01 September 2013, 11:58:16
I would, but my room is embarrasingly messy..
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: oscillik on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:07:37
some very very nice setups in here! very jealous!

here's mine

(http://i.imgur.com/OAqjNsg.jpg)

Technics 1210M5G with Ortofon Arkiv cart
Teac AS-M50 stereo amp
JVC KD-V400 cassette deck
Sony MZ-RH1 MiniDisc recorder
Tannoy Titan speakers (left one is damaged though! really need to replace)
AIAIAI TMA-1 Studio headphones
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Winther on Tue, 03 September 2013, 15:03:46
On my computer I have a pair of HD600 and the Maverick TubeMagic D1 plus, DAC. Havent gotten it to work quite yet, but hopefully I will get there!

In the living room I have 5.1 with Dali speakers, the cheapest paskage they have from what I know, but they are still alot better than the avarage bestbuy sets from samsung/sony and so on. My reciever is Yamaha RX-V767
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Ekruceal on Tue, 03 September 2013, 23:53:51
Don't have a good enough television in the living room to warrant a nice surround system.

For my PC though, I have the Auzuentech Forte sound card > Logitech Z-5500 / AKG K-702, Sony MDR-V6 headphones.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: xandr on Wed, 04 September 2013, 04:09:57
My "home entertainment center" audio consists of a Denon AVR-1513 (http://usa.denon.com/us/product/pages/productdetail.aspx?catid=avreceivers(denonna)&pid=avr1513(denonna)) going into a Teufel Consono 35 Mk2 (http://www.teufelaudio.co.uk/heimkino/consono-35-mk2-p9505.html).

On the desk I have a Apogee Duet 2 (http://apogeedigital.com/products/duet2.php) connected to my iMac which goes into a pair of ADAM A5X (http://www.adam-audio.com/en/pro-audio/products/a5x/description) and a pair of Logitech UE9000 (http://ue.logitech.com/en-us/product/ue9000?crid=1376) headphones.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: norbauer on Wed, 04 September 2013, 04:23:24
I have a a simple pair of Bose Music Monitors, and they can do amazing things:

(http://www.bose.com/assets/images/shop_online/musicmonitor/musicmonitor_si_lg.jpg)
http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/computer_speakers/music_monitor/index.jsp

Turned way up, it's amazing how much amount of sound (especially bass) these things can reverberate out of such a tiny form factor. I highly recommend them.

They're very attractive, unobstrusively small, and angled for being put on a desk on either side of a computer monitor.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Emospence on Wed, 11 September 2013, 03:18:59
Portable: FiiO X3 → Unique Melody Miracle
Home: PC → Swans M50W
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: nokcha on Thu, 12 September 2013, 21:44:56
(http://www.head-fi.org/content/type/61/id/930315/width/350/height/700/flags/LL)
(http://www.head-fi.org/content/type/61/id/930316/width/350/height/700/flags/LL)
(http://www.head-fi.org/content/type/61/id/930317/width/350/height/700/flags/LL)
(http://www.head-fi.org/content/type/61/id/930318/width/350/height/700/flags/LL)

Ibasso DX50 + Cosmic Ears BA4F
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: domoaligato on Thu, 12 September 2013, 22:03:35
another thread just like this one is also here...
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=47925
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: mindoculus on Tue, 24 September 2013, 16:47:49
beautiful set-up.

what desk do you have ?




Quote from: Badwrench on Sat, 31 August 2013, 16:43:21
Quote from: demik on Fri, 30 August 2013, 21:58:19
PICTURES DAMN IT

Before w/ receiver and sub:
(Attachment Link)

Current setup:
(Attachment Link)

And kitty's spot next to my headphones:
(Attachment Link)
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: yjfknt on Tue, 24 September 2013, 17:04:16
Galaxy S4 -> Fiio E7 -> Westone 4R
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Thimplum on Tue, 24 September 2013, 17:59:18
Athena AS-F1 speakers. They're pretty good. I use them to really crank up the Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 8 at parties. Don't ask about the parties.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: asura on Tue, 24 September 2013, 18:22:31
Not yet finished...
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: microsoft windows on Wed, 25 September 2013, 16:10:20
I don't have any audio on my computer because it doesn't have a sound card. It does have the little internal "PC squeaker" though.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Lastpilot on Wed, 25 September 2013, 16:12:06
Quote from: oscillik on Tue, 03 September 2013, 14:07:37
some very very nice setups in here! very jealous!

here's mine

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/OAqjNsg.jpg)


Technics 1210M5G with Ortofon Arkiv cart
Teac AS-M50 stereo amp
JVC KD-V400 cassette deck
Sony MZ-RH1 MiniDisc recorder
Tannoy Titan speakers (left one is damaged though! really need to replace)
AIAIAI TMA-1 Studio headphones

I have a pair of the TMA-1 Studio's and they are awesome! So comfy and nice lol.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: tjcaustin on Wed, 25 September 2013, 16:20:49
Home - macmini > bifrost > asgard > LCD-2

Away - iBasso dx50 > JH13pro
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: davkol on Thu, 26 September 2013, 17:50:33
ultraportable setup: Sennheiser HD 25-13 @ SE Xperia Mini
portable setup: Sennheiser HD 25-13 @ thinkpad X200T w/ Asus Xonar U3
home setup: Sennheiser HD 565 @ desktop w/ M-Audio Fast Track Mk. II

On those rare occasions when I need speakers, Verbatim 2.1 portable "system", that I won five years ago, works good enough.

Dynamic singing mic (Soundking EH002) is quite inconvenient most of the time, thus I've ordered few $2 mics from DX.com. In the meantime, I'm using webcam's built-in mic, which works okay in case of both Logitech C920 and MS LifeCam Studio.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: keymaster on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:25:04
Hey guys,

What are some good computer speakers ~$60? I would prefer them to be available on Amazon.

Very much appreciated.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: 0100010 on Wed, 09 October 2013, 22:10:05
My desktop at home has a Sony SAVA-57 set of speakers, from around '95- two fronts, two wireless (IR) rears.  They were originally made to add Dolby Prologic audio for your (CRT tube or rear projection) TV.  Works great for playing iTunes or Spotify off the PC, I also have the Atari / TV / xbox hooked up to it.
(not my pic)
(http://www.hifiengine.com/images/model/sony_sava-57.jpg)

The living room has a Yamaha 5.1 receiver, VX-671 if I remember correctly, with some in ceiling polk speakers that were already here when we bought this house, plus a center and powered sub.  Nothing special - but works for blurays / dvds / fios tv.

My office has some all in one Sony receiver plus bluray 5.1 system a BDN-790W I think.  I rarely have any audio going in my office, so it doesn't get used much.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Badwrench on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:12:01
Quote from: keymaster on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:25:04
Hey guys,

What are some good computer speakers ~$60? I would prefer them to be available on Amazon.

Very much appreciated.

Under $60 there is not many good choices that actually sound decent.  For the $, this is your best bet:

Lepai amp:  http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381377992&sr=8-1&keywords=lepai+lp-2020a%2B (http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381377992&sr=8-1&keywords=lepai+lp-2020a%2B)

Dayton Bookshelf speakers:  http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B652-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002RMPHMU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381378098&sr=8-4&keywords=bookshelf+speakers (http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B652-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002RMPHMU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381378098&sr=8-4&keywords=bookshelf+speakers)

Will be just over $60, but will perform great and be up-gradable.  This setup actually sounds better than most basic 2.1 setups. 

Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: keymaster on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:26:46
Quote from: Badwrench on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:12:01
Quote from: keymaster on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:25:04
Hey guys,

What are some good computer speakers ~$60? I would prefer them to be available on Amazon.

Very much appreciated.

Under $60 there is not many good choices that actually sound decent.  For the $, this is your best bet:

Lepai amp:  http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381377992&sr=8-1&keywords=lepai+lp-2020a%2B (http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381377992&sr=8-1&keywords=lepai+lp-2020a%2B)

Dayton Bookshelf speakers:  http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B652-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002RMPHMU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381378098&sr=8-4&keywords=bookshelf+speakers (http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B652-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002RMPHMU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381378098&sr=8-4&keywords=bookshelf+speakers)

Will be just over $60, but will perform great and be up-gradable.  This setup actually sounds better than most basic 2.1 setups.

I have an ASUS Xonar DS soundcard. Do I still need the amp? (I'm an audio noob)
Thanks for the suggestion. I will most likely getting both.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: PointyFox on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:35:46
I have a Sennheiser HD600 plugged into a ASUS Xonar Essence STX soundcard.  The HD600 beats anything under $600.
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Badwrench on Thu, 10 October 2013, 00:18:35
Quote from: keymaster on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:26:46
Quote from: Badwrench on Wed, 09 October 2013, 23:12:01
Quote from: keymaster on Wed, 09 October 2013, 20:25:04
Hey guys,

What are some good computer speakers ~$60? I would prefer them to be available on Amazon.

Very much appreciated.

Under $60 there is not many good choices that actually sound decent.  For the $, this is your best bet:

Lepai amp:  http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381377992&sr=8-1&keywords=lepai+lp-2020a%2B (http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381377992&sr=8-1&keywords=lepai+lp-2020a%2B)

Dayton Bookshelf speakers:  http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B652-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002RMPHMU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381378098&sr=8-4&keywords=bookshelf+speakers (http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B652-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B002RMPHMU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1381378098&sr=8-4&keywords=bookshelf+speakers)

Will be just over $60, but will perform great and be up-gradable.  This setup actually sounds better than most basic 2.1 setups.

I have an ASUS Xonar DS soundcard. Do I still need the amp? (I'm an audio noob)
Thanks for the suggestion. I will most likely getting both.

Yeah, you will need the amp.  You can run a line out from the sound card to the 3.5mm input on the amp and you are good to go.  The button next to the power switch on the amp allows the amp to be pass through (amplification only) and let the eq be controlled via your sound card.  Or you can use the lepai's eq in addition to the xonar if you want more bass or treble. 
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: Lastpilot on Wed, 30 October 2013, 16:49:31
[attach=1]
Title: Re: What's your audio set-up ?
Post by: PadawanGeek on Fri, 01 November 2013, 10:18:02
For my HT system, I have:
Marantz SR7001 receiver
PSB Alpha Intro 5.1 speakers
Marantz CD5001 CD player
LG BD660 BR player

PC
Rig 1:
Asus Rampage IV Extreme integrated audio
Rig 3
Auzen X-Fi Forte 7.1 soundcard

Both systems sharing a set of Logitech Z-5500, main rig via 3x minijack analog, 3rd rig via digital coaxial cable. Below is a pic of my PC speaker setup..
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v333/mikeysg/20130416_202649_zps4c671d71.jpg)

For audio on the go
Galaxy Note 3
Shure SE215 or Audio Technica ATH CKM300iS (depending on my mood)