[Trevor Dennis]

Scott, I found this thread after Ty linked to it on his Audio Bootcamp Facebook group page. I recently decided to get serious about how I monitor sound on my NLE system. Previously I’d been using a mid level Logitech 5.1 speaker system, but without the rear speakers, and plugged my phones into the system box using the mainboard audio.

After a lot of research, a USB DAC appeared to be the first step, and there are devices out there costing many thousands of dollars. I wanted to keep things under control, so opted for an Aune X1 DAC I paid NZ$277 for it, but I think they go for about US$150 (we tend to pay a premium for such items here). There is a lot of discussion on best way to feed these devices, but the consensus seems to be USB. You’ll find some deeply technical information about jitter etc. if you hunt for it.

https://darklordreviews.com/2011/10/09/aune-x1-dac-follow-up-review/

Using the phones (HD280) it took me a couple of days to train my ears to hear the difference, but with the right source material, there is now very obvious improvement. More clarity and a sort of openness to the sound.

I swapped my Logitech speakers for a pair of used Mackie S5 near-field monitors, but there is a lot of choice out there. I thought hard about the smaller KRK monitors like the Rokit 5, but decided on price with a good deal on the Mackies.

All of the better smaller monitors seem to be bi-amped, and with a choice of inputs. I couldn’t use the balanced inputs on the Mackies because I only had phono out from the DAC.

The combination of the DAC and Mackie monitors is little short of life changing. I had some clients here last night to preview a nearly finished video project, and they were giggling with excitement – and we are talking middle aged women here, and not teenagers.

Quite apart from a more meaningful editing experience, I’m rediscovering my collection of MP3 music getting more enjoyment out of it than I can ever remember in my 60 plus years. Something to do with the closeness of the speakers, with speakers designed to work just this way.

Of the NZ$700 I spent in total, the speakers would be far the most obvious improvement, but if I was offered my money back on the DAC, there is no way in hell I’d take it. Overall an investment I wish I’d made years ago, and not just from the point of view of video editing.

The other thing I’ve had to look at was ambient noise level, and while I have made significant inroads into reducing the noise from my big NLE system, I still have work to do there.

https://www.silentpcreview.com/