[NovakRJ]

Hello All,

I currently have $150 to improve the sound quality of my computer. I am using Grado 325i headphones. My source is a desktop computer with standard Creative Labs soundcard. Recommendations?

new sound card?
headphone amp?
other?

thanks for any feedback.

 

[VeipaCray]

Maybe a DAC/Amp combo... how about the Emu 0404?

 

[QQQ]

Portable amp\dac.

 

[blessingx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by VeipaCray /img/forum/go_quote.gif Maybe a DAC/Amp combo... how about the Emu 0404?

x2

 

[alitomr]

This received excellent reviews Headphonia.com - Headstage Lyrix Pro USB

I think it would be a very good option...I am going to order one later if i dont win an auction...im hoping to get it a few bucks cheaper than retail obviously.

They have a 30 days money back warranty if you are not satisfied. I am going to be using it to power the HD650 and i am only buying it to see what difference it makes compared to my receiver, which apparently has a very powerful headphone output.

 

[feh1325]

emu0404 popped in my head

probably the best purchase i've made a while
i use that thing nonstop when i listen to music through my laptop
then i can plug in my electric guitar and microphone and record a song while monitoring myself with headphones

i even use it on stage as a preamp for my microphone with my band!

 

[carlineng]

I agree on the source upgrade. A decent DAC will vastly improve sound quality over a Creative sound card.

 

[NovakRJ]

the feedback from all of you was EXACTLY what I needed.

THANK YOU!

 

[crappyjones123]

perhaps a auzen prelude. those things are cheap as heck now =/ i paid 200 beans for mine. but then you wont have the advantages of a usb dac/amp combo of the 0404. 0404 is probably a better choice but if you dont need the extra thingamajiggys then dont not consider the prelude. it had enough juice to power the hd 650s so it should have no trouble with the grados.

 

[Dominat0r]

how about a total bit head? Might be a decent choice for for the money. Its a Dac/amp combo and headroom gear is awesome.