[trance_nut]

Audioguru's,

I recently got myself a pair of AudioEngine A5. Pretty good speakers, good to the extent that I now feel the need for a better source. My current options of source are:
1. My Vaio laptop (running the crappy realtek a97).
2. Nokia N82.
3. I-Pod (4th gen)- this went kaput yesterday.

note: music would be high bitrate mp3 or flac.

What i have in mind:

1. Connecting an audiophile USB DAC to my laptop.
2. Getting another ipod and a dock to bypass the analog part of the Ipod.

Please suggest if the above two options are good or is there something else that i can get.

Also, was thinking of adding a sub to the A5's. Any suggestions for that? Budget for the sub is max 15K.

Thanks

[reignofchaos]

Ipod Docks all use the analog chip in the Ipod other than the Wadia iTransport. You are better off with a USB soundcard like EMU 0404 USB or a DAC that can accept USB input.

[trance_nut]

thanks for the reply ROC. Any idea of where i can source it in NCR?
Also any sub options for the A5?

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

Ipod Docks all use the analog chip in the Ipod other than the Wadia iTransport. You are better off with a USB soundcard like EMU 0404 USB or a DAC that can accept USB input.

[navin]

Originally Posted by trance_nut

I recently got myself a pair of AudioEngine A5.
1. Connecting an audiophile USB DAC to my laptop.
2. Getting another ipod and a dock to bypass the analog part of the Ipod.
Also, was thinking of adding a sub to the A5's. Budget for the sub is max 15K.

for 15K you wont get an active sub that does the A5 justice. a poor sub will detract from the sound of the A5.

for the USB DAC I saw some nice stuff in Singapore incl something called a Firestone Fubar at Jaben (Adelphi). There is a nice guy we jokingingly call Uncle who will let you demo the stuff and buy what you like. dont know if he'll ship to india though.

http://www.firestone-audio.com/
Jaben Online Store

[bottle]

Yeah Jaben ships to India. Quite a few people have ordered from him but the shipping was painfully slow

For the sub you could look at Audioengines own sub, might go with the bookshelves

[Gurpartap Singh]

Is the Audio Engine AS8 sub really available in India? If so, from where and for how much? I wonder so because I can't find them listed on bajaao.com or the APS (AE importer).

What the Polk audio options? Any dealer who can ship them?

I'm in the same situation as you are trance_nut.

[trance_nut]

Thanks for the reply Navin. Any idea about this performance wise
JBL E-150P
JBL E-150P 150W Subwoofer at the best price in India! Sumaria.in

Originally Posted by navin

for 15K you wont get an active sub that does the A5 justice. a poor sub will detract from the sound of the A5.

I checked the Fubar II on some forums. Looks like a decently product for the price. How about the EMU 0404 USB as mentioned by ROC? Any idea where can the EMU 0404 USB be sourced in India?

Originally Posted by navin

for the USB DAC I saw some nice stuff in Singapore incl something called a Firestone Fubar at Jaben (Adelphi). There is a nice guy we jokingingly call Uncle who will let you demo the stuff and buy what you like. dont know if he'll ship to india though.

http://www.firestone-audio.com/
Jaben Online Store

[trance_nut]

The AS8 is available at Audio Products India - Powered stereo speakers for your home and office.

You can contact them for availability

Originally Posted by Gurpartap Singh

Is the Audio Engine AS8 sub really available in India? If so, from where and for how much? I wonder so because I can't find them listed on bajaao.com or the APS (AE importer).

What the Polk audio options? Any dealer who can ship them?

I'm in the same situation as you are trance_nut.

[dipen]

Originally Posted by Gurpartap Singh

Is the Audio Engine AS8 sub really available in India? If so, from where and for how much? I wonder so because I can't find them listed on bajaao.com or the APS (AE importer).

If its available, it wouldn't be more than 23000 all incl.