external DAC or sound card?

apologetic_zombie · Nov 10, 2016

So recently I decided to upgrade my audio, first thing I want to get is a better source then get better headphones. However I dont know whats generally better, an external DAC or a Sound Card. I will be using this mainly for just music and video games.

Jester Maroc · Nov 10, 2016

A DAC is definitely the better solution if your primary concern is improving sound quality.

You can look at this guide of DACs: https

/www.reddit.com/r/Zeos/comments/4kyg38/guide_dacs_headphone_amplifiers/

A sound card is convenient as it does not need space on your desk, but it does need space in your case. And that is where the problem comes in as it is still exposed to all that electrical noise in your PC case which has a negative impact on sound quality. For this reason a DAC is better as it is outside your case and not subjected to any interference.

audie-tron25 · Nov 10, 2016

It depends on your budget. Although DAC's are generally recommended because they are away from most of the interference from your PC, sound cards are a lot cheaper. Do you have an idea what audio setup you are upgrading to? Can you also give us an idea of what you have at the moment?

BringerOfTea · Nov 10, 2016

I bought a sound card... creative sound blaster Z... only downside is that it has two big red leds... Works like a charm with a decent pair of headphones and the antlion modmic

jsmithepa · Nov 10, 2016

apologetic_zombie :

Generally DAC better, it moves the analog stuff away from noisy PC, plus you get a dedicated headphone amp, but you pay more.

apologetic_zombie · Nov 10, 2016

audie-tron25 :

Currently I just have the built in audio on my motherboard which is the Gigabyte z170x ud5h v1

I just want something that will sound better in general, I would hope to keep it on the cheaper side however. (like under 200$ if possible but i dont know how pricing works with dacs)

audie-tron25 · Nov 11, 2016

apologetic_zombie :

I ask this because you would notice a more noticeable difference with better headphones than with a DAC or soundcard. You have an ALC1150 codec on your motherboard which is meant to be pretty good, many people say it can be more or less as good as a Xonar DG in quality (but not sure if your motherboard has a headphone amp). What headphones do you have? You might be better off just with better headphones depending on what you have.

Jester Maroc · Nov 11, 2016

audie-tron25 :

I agree. Putting most of your money into the best headphones you can afford will be the best return on money for you. Getting a DAC to connect to a pair of cheap headphones will be a huge waste of money.

So, basically what I am say is that ONLY if you already own a good pair of headphones will it be worth getting a DAC (or a sound card).

If you need help picking a good set of headphones for music: https

/redd.it/5b1qb3

If you need to pick it for gaming: https

/redd.it/57ml11

I am partial to the Audio Technica ATH-M40x as I own them. They represent incredible value yet excellent sound.

apologetic_zombie · Nov 11, 2016

Jester Maroc :

audie-tron25 :

I agree. Putting most of your money into the best headphones you can afford will be the best return on money for you. Getting a DAC to connect to a pair of cheap headphones will be a huge waste of money.

So, basically what I am say is that ONLY if you already own a good pair of headphones will it be worth getting a DAC (or a sound card).

If you need help picking a good set of headphones for music: https

/redd.it/5b1qb3

If you need to pick it for gaming: https

/redd.it/57ml11

I am partial to the Audio Technica ATH-M40x as I own them. They represent incredible value yet excellent sound.

Jester Maroc · Nov 12, 2016

apologetic_zombie :

Jester Maroc :

audie-tron25 :

I agree. Putting most of your money into the best headphones you can afford will be the best return on money for you. Getting a DAC to connect to a pair of cheap headphones will be a huge waste of money.

So, basically what I am say is that ONLY if you already own a good pair of headphones will it be worth getting a DAC (or a sound card).

If you need help picking a good set of headphones for music: https

/redd.it/5b1qb3

If you need to pick it for gaming: https

/redd.it/57ml11

I am partial to the Audio Technica ATH-M40x as I own them. They represent incredible value yet excellent sound.

Nice, the Hyperclouds are actually a nice pair of headphones unlike many gaming headsets. They would benefit from a DAC.

apologetic_zombie · Nov 12, 2016

I agree. Putting most of your money into the best headphones you can afford will be the best return on money for you. Getting a DAC to connect to a pair of cheap headphones will be a huge waste of money.

So, basically what I am say is that ONLY if you already own a good pair of headphones will it be worth getting a DAC (or a sound card).

If you need help picking a good set of headphones for music: https

/redd.it/5b1qb3

If you need to pick it for gaming: https

/redd.it/57ml11

I am partial to the Audio Technica ATH-M40x as I own them. They represent incredible value yet excellent sound.[/quotemsg]

[/quotemsg]

Nice, the Hyperclouds are actually a nice pair of headphones unlike many gaming headsets. They would benefit from a DAC.[/quotemsg]

Do you know any decent but cheaper DACs I could get?

Jester Maroc · Nov 12, 2016

Yes, if you look at the first link that I posted you will see a list of DACs and their prices/reviews. The cheapest is basically $65.

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