Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › USB DAC that outputs to PC Speakers and Headphones?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

USB DAC that outputs to PC Speakers and Headphones?

post #1 of 5
4/20/11 at 12:20am
Thread Starter 

Is there such a thing as a good cheap USB DAC that can output to both pc speakers and headphones?

I'm new to all this. I just got some Audio Technica headphones and i've been reading and i've been told that i should get a DAC to get the fullest out of my headphones. I realize a USB DAC is the way to go, but i don't know where to begin. Is there a good DAC for about $150 that outputs to PC Speakers, and when i plug in my headphones, it automatically silences the speakers? The speakers i'm using will be the Swan M10's, and it does not have a headphone jack.

 

Thanks

Reply
post #2 of 5
4/20/11 at 12:24am

I heard about the Icon-2, and it seems to do what you're looking for.

http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/icon2/index.php

But it's $350 new. 

 

What about a DAC + AV selector? Would that work for your situation? Selectors are awful cheap.

Reply
post #3 of 5
4/20/11 at 1:19am
Thread Starter 

Thanks, I just checked out the Icon 2 from your link, and then i also saw the regular Icon. They both have Line-Out jacks. So... what's the difference between the Icon and Icon 2


 

Reply
post #4 of 5
4/20/11 at 7:41am
Take a look at the maverick audio Dac magic D1. It's pretty good value as a headphone amp/Dac/external tube preamp. Only cost 200 plus shipping. I got the upgraded tube which I think is worth it if you have decent desktop speakers, nothing over the top.
Reply
post #5 of 5
4/20/11 at 7:57am

The Fiio E7/E9 combo, it has rca out or a 3.5mm out for speakers and automatically mutes them when headphones are plugged in.

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphone Amps (full-size)
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › USB DAC that outputs to PC Speakers and Headphones?