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Please help with basics of computer setup

post #1 of 7
3/4/11 at 7:54pm
Thread Starter 

Hello head-fi members,

 

My usual listening setup is CDP > Amp > Headphones.  However, with newer additions to my music library being mainly digital files on pc these days, I'm looking for a way to hook up Headphones/Amp to my pc.  

I'm not so good with computers but I know there has to be a better way than just connecting Amp to headphone jack on pc.

What would be a typical setup to enjoy your headphones with pc?  Sorry for such a basic question.

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post #2 of 7
3/5/11 at 3:05am

Nothing wrong with a basic question, no idea why no one's answered it either. You could connect up your computer via headphone jack but as you suspect it's not a very good solution. You need either a good soundcard or a DAC (digital to analogue converter). A DAC only provides an output unlike a soundcard so tends to give you a nicer sound at the same price point. You can connect up a DAC via USB, toslink or s/pdif, take your pick.

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post #3 of 7
3/5/11 at 3:19am

yeah, get yourself a DAC and use that instead of what i assume is onboard sound.

 

something like the FiiO E7 would work fine for you

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post #4 of 7
3/5/11 at 6:24am
Thread Starter 

Thanks Marcus_C!

 

So, if I go with a pc > USB DAC > Headphone Amp option, quality of my pc soundcard does not matter because it is being bypassed right?  I'll research more on USB DAC.  It seems to be a better option for me.

 

Thanks again.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marcus_C View Post

Nothing wrong with a basic question, no idea why no one's answered it either. You could connect up your computer via headphone jack but as you suspect it's not a very good solution. You need either a good soundcard or a DAC (digital to analogue converter). A DAC only provides an output unlike a soundcard so tends to give you a nicer sound at the same price point. You can connect up a DAC via USB, toslink or s/pdif, take your pick.



 

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post #5 of 7
3/5/11 at 6:27am
Thread Starter 


Thanks makr2410 for your suggestion.

I'll read more on FiiO E7.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mark2410 View Post

yeah, get yourself a DAC and use that instead of what i assume is onboard sound.

 

something like the FiiO E7 would work fine for you



 

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post #6 of 7
3/5/11 at 6:48am

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/507363/fiio-e7-review

 

what i made of it

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post #7 of 7
3/5/11 at 7:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HF_Frodo View Post

So, if I go with a pc > USB DAC > Headphone Amp option, quality of my pc soundcard does not matter because it is being bypassed right?



Yes it is.

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