Computer Audiophile on the Cheap

[esldude]

So I am unclear here what your goal is.  You really just looking for cheap sources for the H-K and speakers you have? If so is the budget $100?

 

The limits to how good a sound you can achieve is going to be the speakers.  So if you are saying keep what you have and get a good source that is one thing.  And we still need a target budget.  A list of components as Melvin said are needed.

 

Do you plan to play from a computer?  If it is a desktop a Xonar sound card might be cost effective. 

 

So I guess the question is, what are you keeping and what are you willing or able to change? Are we talking second hand as well as new.

[esldude]

If you were starting from scratch and with my opinion speakers are most important, I would tout yet again those JBL LSR305s.  Crazy good, and crazy cheap.  Powered speaker with active DSP crossovers built in for $260/pr or sometimes a bit less.  Add say your Modi 2 (assuming it is good haven't heard one) and you have quite a good sounding system.  Or say the 301 Teac DAC/pre/headphone unit or an Emotiva or similar.

 

You'll have seriously good sound for a relative pittance.  No it won't equal spending $2k or more, but it is better sound than ever before possible for this amount of money.  And super simple.  Pick a DAC, get the speakers, connect them and add a computer or tablet or phone or portable player.  Off you go with good music.