I have the Benchmark DAC1 with the black front plate, maybe I should try the one with the white front plate? My EMU 0404 USB is white. I'm scared I will waste money when trying another DAC1.

Asus soundcards were the first ones I looked at. My friend has compared Benchmark DAC1 against Asus Xonar, he said the DAC1 was much muddier. I searched around and found that EMU 0404 USB is brighter than the Asus Xonar.   I made the comparison with both headphones and studio monitors using...

In what way is it better than the EMU? Have you made a comparison or do you base it on price?

I have searched around and found that all soundcards are muddier than the EMU 0404 USB, so I will keep this DAC.   My ears are sensitive to muddy sound, and the Benchmark DAC-1 definitely has it, it puts a blanket in front of the sound which cannot be ignored. I have made many direct...

I have had Benchmark DAC-1 before but it sounds too muddy and dark, so I switched to EMU 0404 USB and it became more transparent. Is there anything brighter than the EMU? Perhaps a soundcard inside the computer?

Thanks for all the responses guys 

I will buy my husband the new K812 to replace his K702, but what amplifier do they need? He has them plugged into a EMU 0404 USB DAC.

I am using EMU0404 USB DAC. Does the 3.5mm output include an amp?

I would like to plug the headphones directly into the 3.5mm output of my DAC, because there is no space to place an amp behind my computer screen. I want the same high resolution performance as from Stax headphones but without any amp. Which high-end headphones can be driven without an amp?

I have tried AKG K-1000 but the high frequencies were not as good as our white livingroom speakers. I don't like the looks of K-1000, I want something that looks more cute.

Do headphones have better high frequencies the more money you pay, or what do you mean?

I like high frequency sound in headphones but I don't like bass, what should I buy?