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Reasonable next step in my computer setup

post #1 of 5
11/19/09 at 4:54pm
Thread Starter 
Hey guys

I'm afraid of my PC being a bottleneck in my new system. You see, I have a HEED CanAmp and a set of AKG K701's on my way, and I'll be using my PC as source.

The PC is pretty new, and is a pretty capable stationary rig, but it only has an onboard sound card. The onboard card does have optical/toslink out, though.

As I want to get the most out of my new components, would a decent (USB-)DAC be a reasonable purchase? Would I need another sound card as well, or can I use the optical out that's already on my board? If i've understood things right, the optical out bypasses the soundcards' mixer, and then everythings ok?
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post #2 of 5
11/19/09 at 7:39pm
Assuming you want bitperfect, you'll need to use something like the WASAPI plug-in with Foobar to bypass the Windows Kmixer (the soundcard itself doesn't have one).

To get off onboard you could use either a USB DAC or a simple SPDIF one hooked to the toslink (or coax if it has one). As long as you don't use the motherboard's analog circuitry it's a step in the right direction.
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post #3 of 5
11/19/09 at 11:46pm
You're on the right track - get a decent sound card or decent DAC.
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post #4 of 5
11/20/09 at 12:44am
Lose the onboard sound for sure.
Get some new gear either internal or external depending on your needs and what features you want.
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post #5 of 5
11/20/09 at 5:05am
Thread Starter 
Alright. A DAC it is then.

Would a Valab DAC be a good match to my gear? I've read a bit about it here on the forums, and it seems like a good choice.. both performance and money-wise.

If not, are there any other DAC's i should consider in that price range? 200-300usd.
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