Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Budget DAC for Laptop
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Budget DAC for Laptop

post #1 of 10
12/19/11 at 5:18pm
Thread Starter 

Hello world! I'm new here so forgive me if I sound like an idiot. =P

 

Anyway, I have a G74SX laptop and a pair of DT 770 Pro 250ohms headphones. I also have a .22 ordnance amp to power them since I use my iPod mostly, but I am thinking of switching to my laptop since I won't have to worry about space. Portable players are getting more expensive than it needs. =.=

 

The laptop sound quality sucks (as usual) so I am looking for a DAC. Any recommendations? Price range 50-75USD/CAD (I currently live in Canada).

 

I mainly listen to a lot of music. Prefer bass (yes, I am a bass head). Game audio is secondary, no where as important to me as music. I'm not sure if this helps, but I use lossless files.

 

Please and thanks for the help! =]

Reply
post #2 of 10
12/20/11 at 6:43am

The fiio E10 but i'm not sure if it will drive 250ohm headphones, you might be better off spending a bit more and getting the fiio e7/e9 combo which will have no problem with 250ohm.

Reply
post #3 of 10
12/20/11 at 7:58am

I'd suggest running the Asus U3 into your amp, personally. 

Reply
post #4 of 10
12/20/11 at 12:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRG1990 View Post

The fiio E10 but i'm not sure if it will drive 250ohm headphones, you might be better off spending a bit more and getting the fiio e7/e9 combo which will have no problem with 250ohm.


well, I already have the amp to drive the headphones, so I really just need a DAC. My room mate just got his E11 and I thought it was okay. I was thinking outside the Fiio series. Just a thought of course. =] But thanks for the recommendation.

 



Quote:
Originally Posted by SanjiWatsuki View Post

I'd suggest running the Asus U3 into your amp, personally. 


I was reading a bit about the U3. Though, It's been getting a rather mix view on it here wasn't it? I wouldn't mind trying it though, but it would be best if I could just buy one and not get it exchanged for something else. Don't like regretting a purchase. XD

 

Reply
post #5 of 10
12/21/11 at 10:25am

udac2, small and portable, sounds decent.

Reply
post #6 of 10
12/21/11 at 12:34pm

don't waste your money.

Reply
post #7 of 10
12/21/11 at 12:35pm

it makes a difference, especially those laptop sound cards are pretty crap.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by giovanni View Post

don't waste your money.



 

Reply
post #8 of 10
12/21/11 at 2:34pm
I'm also interested in a good recommendation here. As far as standalone DACs go I've really only seen a couple in the OP's price range. The creative X-Fi 5.1 is available around $60 on amazon but it sounds like the X-Fi HD would be a better fit for the cans. I've been considering something like iio E7 or iBassio D-Zero for their built in amps, since it's also for my laptop and having them combined means less to carry/connect.
Reply
post #9 of 10
12/21/11 at 4:28pm

Quite a few posters on avforums recommend the Behringer UCA202 for a budget DAC which produces good sound quality to connect Laptop>Behringer UCA202>Amp>Speakers.

 

Does anyone with this device have any opinions on using it for a headphone DAC and to maybe connect to headphone amplifier? Quality?

 

 

Reply
post #10 of 10
12/22/11 at 12:50pm

Just came across this little guy on Amazon. Currently $29.60 after MIR. I'm actually jumping on it myself and may get a different one later too, but it supports Dolby Headphone which is something I've been looking for. It is aimed more at the OP's secondary use though, movies and music.

 

Edit: Forgot the link.http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Xonar-Sound-Cards-XONAR_U3/dp/B0054L8GVK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1324586722&sr=8-6

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Computer Audio
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Budget DAC for Laptop