A little confused about DACs

[airbadger]

I'm new to the world of higher-end audio. I just ordered a pair of D2000s and I'm thinking about getting a Travagan's White to go along with it. What I don't understand is if I plug it in via USB to my computer, will I get none of the benefits that my X-Fi Gamer soundcard provides? What if I plug it in through the regular line-in input? I guess I just want to know if this DAC/AMP combo simply bypasses my soundcard entirely (I assume it does).

[EnOYiN]

Originally Posted by airbadger

I'm new to the world of higher-end audio. I just ordered a pair of D2000s and I'm thinking about getting a Travagan's White to go along with it. What I don't understand is if I plug it in via USB to my computer, will I get none of the benefits that my X-Fi Gamer soundcard provides? What if I plug it in through the regular line-in input? I guess I just want to know if this DAC/AMP combo simply bypasses my soundcard entirely (I assume it does).

If you use USB it bypasses your X-Fi completely. It uses the DAC on your DAC/ Amp combo instead of the DAC on your X-fi. You would have to use a (analog) RCA cable to hook in up to your X-fi. In the last case you obviously won't use the DAC on your DAC/ Amp combo.

[krmathis]

Since the Travagan's White connect by USB it will bypass the internal sound card. Meaning that you will not take advantage of any of your X-Fi Gamer's benefits (whatever they may be).
Instead of using the DAC and amplifier in your X-Fi Gamer you will use the DAC and amplifier built into the Travagan's White. Which may, or may not (I don't know these components at all), improve the sound.

If you use the Travagan's White's line-in you will need to provide it with a line-level signal, and hence use the DAC built into your X-Fi Gamer...

Edit: Sorry if that was not clear enough. As it might be too advanced for one unfamiliar with the technologies.

[jilgiljongiljing]

Well is there any particular benefit you are keen about? If its for gaming, then I guess you can just use the White as the amp, and use your Xfi, and connect the USB of the White when you arent gaming.