What formats can a PC play?

Computer Audio Asylum

Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

I am in the process of settingup a nice media center PC. I just got the basic computer system up and running and all I can say is wow. I havent done to much tweaking as of yet, but I do have the 4200x2 slightly overclocked to 2.6ghz and its running cool and stable. Im only running a cheap hsf right now which i plan on upgrading to something a bit more quiet in the future possibly even liquid cooling. Anyways the system is as follows
ABIT A8T X32 Mobo
AMD 4200x2 cpu
2x1gig OCZ Gold ddr500
74gig WD Raptor(windows drive)
2x250gig WD SE16 Caviar(storage drives)
2xATI X1600 256meg crossfire setup
Creative X-fi extreme music sound card
Ultra X-connect 500w psu(got it at MicroCenter for $19 w/$70rebate!!)
Coolermaster Wavemaster ATX aluminum case
19in Nec accusync lcd monitor
SO I basically built a pretty high end system but without spending to much money it came out to around $1500 or so. So now that I have the computer built and setup I am starting t focus more on the audio/video stuff. Now the X-fi sound card is great for music and movies bt just doesnt do justice to 2channel music, so i a going to eventually go with a seperate usb DAC and i was wondering if they make a computer drive that will play hirez music disks like SACD and DVD-a?? If so what hardware do i need?? If not its not a big deal as idont own any of these hirez disks anyways. As far as speakers, im having a hard time figuring out what to get as well. They make a few nice all in one computer speakers systems like the Klipsch promedia ultra 5.1. This ould be great for movies or games but for real 2 channel listening?? Im thinking more alongthe lines of an external DAC with a volume caontrol(apogee mini, Benchmark Dac1) driving a pair of active monitors like the Wharfedale Diamond 8.2 pro or Mackie hr624...etc Anyone do something like this??
thanks
Frank

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Topic - What formats can a PC play? - Frank25 06:58:49 03/20/06 (1)

Hirez - jbmcb 11:14:04 03/20/06 (0)

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