Dozer

Thanks Sean. I found one AV710 on eBay, but it was refurbished and about $100. For that price range I thought I should include some others in my search as well. From reading a bunch on some other forums, it seems like there are a few ways to go about this- and no real consensus on a "preferred" method. To get good quality sound from computer to amp(s), I'm looking at either: - internal soundcard with good DAC - external soundcard (via USB) with good DAC - USB DAC device I would really appreciate some feedback from the people on this forum about why they might recommend one way over another. Some of the USB DAC devices include preamps I think, so maybe one option would be to get a USB DAC device to use as DAC and preamp and eliminate the need for another piece of equipment (like an Adcom preamp or something like that)?

I'll check those out too. Can you help me figure out the best sequence to go about this? My plan was to get the soundcard first, then figure out drivers, then amps last. Or, should I switch that up so that I choose the amps that will be supplying power first, and then the drivers based on the amps?

Thanks Jim! I'll start in on some of the reading you referred me to for drivers! Any advice on narrowing down my search for soundcard? I assume the key is to get a soundcard with a decent DAC, but don't really know where to start. I'm hoping to get a decent card for $100 or less. Should I be looking for certain brands, or certain specs, or...?

Oops, knew I forgot something. I would like to stay around $500 or under. If I can get much better quality by going a little higher though, I would like to hear it- it's not a strict budget . Also, if that budget is not even close to enough to do anything decent, please tell me and I'll take it in stages rather than end up with a crappy setup for $500... To be honest, I can't really say I've heard anything high end. Home audio is just something I have never ever tried to get into. I can tell you that in trying out some car audio stuff, I'm instantly drawn to "bright", "sharper" sounding highs. More in your face, less "laid back" some might say. Some of the Focals and higher end Boston Acoustics. I don't have any experience with anything less "mainstream". Obviously nobody likes to hear bad hissing or that kind of thing, but I'm pretty sure my taste is toward bright sound- especially on the highs. Is that what you're looking for or am I rambling nonsense??

Ok, I need some help planning out a sound system for my small den. The room is exactly 10

Good, because I need a LOT of help with the home audio right now. The car stuff (thanks in big part to some info. from ///M5) I've got more of a clue about. So Jim, please get in on my home audio post that I'm writing up right now!

Which- the den or the truck? or both???

so post your set up my friend. Well, that's why I joined this board is because I don't have the setups I want... yet. Currently: Home- About a 20 year old Denon receiver, Cambridge Soundworks bookshelf speakers and a decent Athlon duo-core PC. I want to build a sweet little setup in my den using the PC, get a nice soundcard, some DIY speakers and maybe separate amps? I'm going to start another thread on that. Car- 2007 Silverado, New body style. Currently ALL stock. My goals for that are a nice active setup. I will be starting some threads on that in the future too!

Thanks everyone!

Cool! Nice to see someone from the area. You go to TX State?

Well I've been lurking around here for a looong time, reading everything, doing searches, bugging some people through PM. Decided it was time I introduced myself. I'm in Round Rock, TX (Austin area). I'm interested in both home and car audio and would be considered a newbie for both- but hopefully not for long. I am definitely interested in SQ, with the goal of becoming an actual audiophile Oh yeah, I was referred over here from another user I met at another forum- thanks ///M5!