Do i need to upgrade from my good soundcard to an external DAC?

Don't always take what others say for granted. Welcome the suggestions and personal opinions but in the long run it is about you enjoying your music. Appearantly you had a reason to look for an external DAC. A external DAC easily outperforms your X-Fi Titanium HD internal soundcard. The good ones obviously.

Now I think that is a bold statement to make if there hasn't been any extensive quality reviews yet that puts the BiFrost in comparison to other external DACs. Price and specs can indicate something about the sonic qualities but that is not enough. We need real world tests. If you can just audition a few DACs that's in your interest. I think that'd be more helpful to you.

But if you want opinions here is mine. If you upgrade to an external DAC why not spend a bit more on a DAC that is truly amongst the top tier class if budget allows. A good DAC is always usable and could last very long with the owner rather than possibly having spend more in the long run for multiple 'compromise' DACs.

Anedio D1 DAC just because I happen to be very happy with it. Head over to project86 review and read through the thread for impressions. Always great to read. Just remember recommendations are always in certain ways subjective. If the D1 catches your interest please also audition yourself and trust your own ears.

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/528473/review-anedio-d1-dac-my-new-reference-dac

You didn't explicitely stated a budget and since you were agreeing with my logic I came up with this. I can't say anything about BiFrost yet for the obvious reasons. Start looking around, do some research, audition and come back with more specific feedback. We'll be able to help you better.

What do you exactly expect from your 'future' DAC? Better would rather be vague... Most will agree that a DAC should at least give you the most truthful representation possible from your source. But often more than not some maybe are looking for a DAC that excels at a particular area because that's important for them. Soundstage definition maybe? Etc. etc. Just an example.

Be more specific. More opinions posted with no specific requirements from your side will not help.

My opinion on the matter rather unpopular at head-fi so I'll limit myself to just a suggestion: Get the Bifrost when it comes out and listen for yourself. Schiit has a wonderful 15 day return policy. If it makes no big difference, return it. If you like it, keep it. You've got nothing to lose.

Yes that could be a logical step. Most companies really do offer you a period to try it out. Thanks for adding it strannik! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaggothReborn 
 I just want them to sound better.

I'm afraid you'll come to find that this desire never really goes away regardless of what dac, amp, or phone you buy. Once the bug bites you've already lost the patient 

  For what it is worth, Tn is a beautiful state, one of the most beautiful states I have ever visited.

I live in China, let me introduce you to my world:

Heya,

I've always used soundcards in the past. However, after moving on to a portable entry level DAC and then finally moving into a quality mid-level DAC, I can say, I will never use a soundcard again (exception: gaming). I've used the STX, Forte, DG, etc. End of the day, a good external DAC is what I wanted. Oodles of inputs. Works with any device, not just a computer. I hear a difference, a clarity, didn't even know there was interference until I heard one that was dead silent with no interference (figured it was the recording, wasn't).

As a user, I can't help but recommend the Matrix Cube DAC.

It's also a pretty good amplifier.

I've A-B'd it versus other setups and found it to be a great quality sound and amp for the price. Completely happy with it. Good entry price for what you're getting.

The only time I'd use a sound card is to game for positioning, in which case, the HD Titanium is great.

Very best,