Here is a set of FLAC files for ABX testing, that compares the line output of onboard audio (Realtek ALC887) and Xonar D1 to a version of the original audio that has been upsampled with high quality software sample rate conversion. There are two tracks that can be used for testing, both were...

The following article shows the results of a farily extensive test of the Xonar D1 PCI sound card. In my opinion, this card is very good value for its low (less than $100) cost, and can - if used in a machine where interference is not an issue - even compete with the ODAC. It is also available...

im not really sure where to put this, because im not really sure what i need. i have a pair of koss pro dj100's. which im sure arent the best. but they suit my needs. they stay at my computer 90% of the time. and for a long time i was just using the on board sound card on my motherboard. which...

[Edit] Dang I just realized this should have went to the amp subsection. My bad guys.   Hey guys, I know some of you may say that this has been discussed already, but there are a few finer points that I want to hammer out which I haven't found an answer to.   I have already decided on...

hi   i want to buy a some headphones for gaming, and mp3 player ( sansa clip+ punk rock music mainly)   price: 80 top   in my computer i have audigy se ( might upgrade it if you recommend it for something no more than 80dlls ), and its connected to an amplifier technics su-co4   ...

I've heard some interesting things about the AD2000. People say that they are one of the best heasphones in the world when matced with the right amp and DAC. It is also said to have one of the best mid presentations out there, and Im looking for a headphone with really good mids. What amp and...

Hello !   My PC 350 (from the Xonar Xense bundle) just passed away, and I can get a refund (200€). So I need a new soundcard, and headphones. From what I've read, the DT770 has deep basses, which is something I would like, because I mostly listen to dubstep. But I don't know anything about...

Hi there,   I'm sure this has come up many a time but I was wondering what you chaps would recommend! I'm looking for a sound card (PCI or PCIe) that will only be used for music listening, possibly recording but this doesn't matter, my main use will be listening! Budget is £20 to £30. My...

I am a bit confused, hoping someone can help here. I will start with my requirements, most of my music are on the computer, so DAC is a must. Some of them are lossless, and I have some MP3 as well. I listen to all types of music. I also watch some movies through headphone so that I won’t disturb...

Hi all, this is my first post here, and I really hope I'm not bringing up a repeatedly talked about subject.  One of the last helpful posts I found about this subject was from 2007 and that was connected to a DAC instead.   However, I wanted to know if anything different was required for a...

I am wanting to buy a sound card, which will then go into a DAC, then an amp for my headphones.  It will also be used to send the PC audio to my home theater, any suggestions? (I have a pair of k702's, and am going to get a 5.1 channel Polk setup (don't know the receiver yet) (I'm also using...

Hi, I own Sennheiser hd 518 which is powered through a Harman Kardon amplifier and i have a little question. Should I bother buying a new better soundcard that will replace my realtek onboard sound? And if so which one would you recommend? Maybe an Usb soundcard and then to the Hk amplifier...

Hello, i just built my computer and decided to use my old NAD c372 hooked up to the motherboard soundcard (z77 Extreme 4) using B&W  601 speakers or Grado 225/Sen HD280/TB P11 headphones (depending on the situation). I was wondering how i can improve the sound from this setup? I know i could...

Hey Mates,   So im pretty sure im going to be buying the Sennheiser hd558, and am wondering what of the next options will give me the best results within my budget - 100-120$ My main purpose is for Movies, after that just general use for music and gaming.   im using onboard sound at...

Hi,   I've never used headphones before.   only i used IEMs, then, i'd like to buy headphones.   but, i don't have any knowledge for it.   so plz feel free to recommend.   and i liked UE triple.fi 10 pro.

Hey guys, ive just got a couple of questions about possibly adding a DAC to my home setup, ive searched a bit through the forums but all of the threads i see are people going from right out of their computers to looking at DACs. I'm having trouble trying to figure out if adding a DAC will...

Hi,   I normally only listen using headphones at work where I am running a USB DAC (Music Streamer II) connected to a PPA. At home, I just use cheap 2.0 speakers with a line out from my motherboard. I noticed my motherboard also has optical out and possibly digital coax out as well. I have a...

I want to buy best 2.1 Speakers money can buy  (Max. US$ 400.)   Now the problem is where i live, there is nothing like you hear speakers before you buy them... we have to purchase without listening & returns are not accepted as well. The only speaker available to hear and demo are by...

I just purchased Beyerdynamic D770 Pro 250 ohms, and I have the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829121120 Soundcard in my PC, but I'm using a crappy 15   year old Sony Receiver to power my speakers atm, I want to get a nice desktop headphone amp to run straight from my...

hi, lately i decided to buy myself some new pc speakers and probably a sound card ( since i dont have one). im looking for a 2.1 speaker system. Ideally one of the speakers would have a mini-jack entry so i can plug in my headphones (atm-m50). i dont know what else to add, looking for...

Hi,   It's been a while since my last post here. I avoided head-fi (for economical reason) and managed to save myself some money and built a new PC earlier this month.   I need help on deciding an amp and/or sound card for $200. This time, budget is strictly $200 or under (if possible).  ...

Hey everyone, I was wondering if connecting the computer soundcard (from the motherboard) with a 1/8 jack to a Pioneer Reciever to the CD input with (RCA) would enhance the audio.  I plan to use my ATH-m50s to plug into the Pioneer headphone jack.  

Hi !   First of all, although I am new to this forum and don't know much about hifi, I did read the forum before posting here. But I still don't know what would be good for me.   I am looking for a good AMP + DAC combo under the 600$ price range. Here is my situation :   - I would...

Hey all,   I have been trying several different headphones, but still have yet to find one I like.  I started with the ATH-M50s.  I loved the sound, but the comfort was an issue.  It had too much clamping force, and not enough ventilation to prevent sweat, and the pressure was too much.   ...

Does the E9 help to "clean up" the sound quality? I know it isn't a DAC and that's why it has the port for the E7, but I plan on using it with my computer and the DT990 Pros 250 Ohm. The only problem is my computer's sound card is horrid and a few of the audio files are subpar; not horrible, but...