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Obad Imports Forum>
newbie looking for advice
marcd
1 post
26-Feb-2008
4:47 PM
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Hi all, I'd love some advice for changing my existing system. I currently listen to most of my music off my computer with itunes connected to an audio system (receiver, tape deck, and cd) via a mini jack to RCA, played on Cerwin Vega VS100 series speakers (10"3 way,freq response - 37hz 20khz, 5/125 watts,sensitivity 1w at 1m = 95db, 6 ohms,crossover freq = 500hz, 5khz). I would love to scrap everything except the VS100s as they seem to fill our large space pretty well. I'm thinking I need a USB DAC for sure, but is there one out there that can power these Cerwin Vega speakers? I was thinking of the T20U but then I worry about not being able to output to a larger amp if the power isn't sufficient or my needs change. Will it have enough power for my current speakers? Any suggestions are appreciated! marc
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MeanWillieGreen
4 post s
29-Feb-2008
7:34 AM
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95db is fairly loud - you won't peel paint with 95 In the audio world, 3 watts gets you 1 db So, with your speakers, 1 watt = 95; 4 watts = 96; 7 watts = 97; 11 watts = 98; etc, You'd probably be fine with T20U for a bedroom. I wouldn't try to DJ a party with it, but you should be fine for bedroom stuff. Depending on your audiophile tendencies, you would probably be ok with a 1/8" to stereo RCA adapter direct to an amp and forget the USB. If you did that, 2 T20 bridged mono or 2 Trends bridged mono would be more than enough if the music system is for your bedroom or a small room, and you aren't doing "serious" listening. I can only assume since you are using iTunes and listening to compressed audio that you are listening for recreation/pleasure. If you were into tinkering and want to scratch the audiophile itch, I would suggest that with a compressed format you will ultimately be limited to the source material. Of course, if you were just into experimenting and wanted to see what kind of performance you could eek out of your computer, I would suggest a separate USB DAC from which to take your audio signal. When you start getting that invested in audio, the source limitations will prevent your back-end from being the best it can be. As an example/analogy, a $5 recording played through a $50K dollar amp and speakers will not mask the fact the source only cost $5 - you see? Most computers are noisy and are prone to EMI/RF interference; a high-end reproduction system on a bad source will magnify the problems. After all of that being said, the T20U would probably be perfect as long as the DAC in the amp were good and you weren't doing critical listening. Of course, your mileage many vary and others may have a completely different take, but that is my long-winded opinion. Here is what 6moons said in their review: "I have given my highest commendation to the KingRex T20 by honoring it with the Blue Moon Award for heart-warming tube sound from a cold-running Class-T amp. The T20U is the same amp, only more truthful to the category of integrated amp by offering a second input via its USB interface. If you fancy listening to music from your computer and upgrading your listening pleasure, simply think of the T20U as the best $245 USB DAC money can buy - and the award-winning Tripath amp comes with it gratis."
Last Edited on 29-Feb-2008 7:41 AM
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