[FarFromCentre]

I either need a sound card (I'm thinking about the Auzen X-Fi Prelude) or a DAC to pair up with my Beyer DT880's and my future Millet MAX. I don't really need all of the fancy features that come with a sound card, I'm just wondering which would have better audio quality. And if you could recommend me a good DAC around $200 (Up to $250 if really necessary), that would be great. I don't really want a DIY model because I will be asking for this for Christmas. Thanks.

 

[Tarkovsky]

The DAC. An external dac.

 

[kevg73]

An external DAC would certainly be better sound for music... but if you game alot, DAC's dont come w/ EAX

so for mostly music go with a DAC.

for about $200 you should definitely go with the Beresford TC-7510. this is a great DAC/amp. all reviews i have read say it is a great value for the money even if you only use the DAC part w/ a different amp. but the built in amp is pretty good until you get a different standalone amp

 

[pompon]

I own X-Meridian 7.1
I own the Citypulse dac too ..
I have listen the Fubar III + supply
I have listen the Gina 3G semi-pro soundcard

The soundcard is much better to all those products.

Don't know if the Prelude can match the X-Meridian ... what I have read, it's not the case unfortunally.

So many product, it's difficult to know the best one.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Get an external DAC. Computers are electrically noisy and you don't want RF hash in your source. Soundcards are good for feeding a digital signal to a DAC, though.

I'd go with an external DAC if I were you. I can't recommend one since I haven't been up on them for awhile. But look around the Forum; you'll find lots of good recommendations.

 

[Apocalypsee]

I suggest you buy sound card first, then buy a DAC and feed it through sound card later on. Onboard sound is very noisy compared to sound card, at lest it isn't as noisy as onboard

I've comparing onboard to external DAC via coax vs. sound card, I prefer sound card over the DAC, the sound too harsh for my liking

 

[Redo]

Usb Dac

 

[kamal007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apocalypsee /img/forum/go_quote.gif I suggest you buy sound card first, then buy a DAC and feed it through sound card later on. Onboard sound is very noisy compared to sound card, at lest it isn't as noisy as onboard I've comparing onboard to external DAC via coax vs. sound card, I prefer sound card over the DAC, the sound too harsh for my liking

shouldnt be that much of a difference since theyre feeding digital signal

 

[Apocalypsee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamal007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif shouldnt be that much of a difference since theyre feeding digital signal

I read that the noise still can get through the coax cable, unless it's optical. That's what I read though, I never do any testing on it

 

[kamal007]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apocalypsee /img/forum/go_quote.gif I read that the noise still can get through the coax cable, unless it's optical. That's what I read though, I never do any testing on it

nice info..btw im from malaysia too but currently studying in us

 

[FarFromCentre]

Thanks for the info guys. What about an USB external DAC? How could interference affect that (since it is a digital signal to the DAC)? I still haven't gotten that many recommendations, I would like it to be bought from a online store or something, hopefully not DIY or Ebay, unless it is REALLY good. Thanks.

 

[infinitesymphony]

If you care about gaming or multi-channel audio at all, go with the AuzenTech X-Fi Prelude.

 

[Apocalypsee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamal007 /img/forum/go_quote.gif nice info..btw im from malaysia too but currently studying in us

Good, you can buy lots of stuff there

I wish I was someplace else than Malaysia

 

[FarFromCentre]

Okay, I'm stuck between either the Lite Dac-AH: Pacific Valve Lite DAC AH. Or the E-MU 0404 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface: Buy E-Mu 0404 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface online at Musician's Friend. If I were to go SPDIF, then what would be the best way to go, I think my integrated sound card has both SPDIF outputs. I think SPDIF would be the way to go because I don't think many USB DAC's support Vista x64.