[pablobaluba]

Hello all,
 
I'm quite a newbie as an audiophile, but I have browsed recently the forums a lot and collected some useful information.
 
I currently own Sennheiser HD555 and AKG K518 (and plan to get the new AKG K267).
First of all, please correct me if I am wrong. Right now I am using the inegrated sound card of my 4 years old pc. I'm thinking to update my audio setup for my computer, so I think the first thing to buy is a better source. This could be a better soundcard or an external DAC+AMP that will bypass the actual internal soundcard. I understand that basically they both are DACs...one internal and one external. But I am confused about which one would be better in the same price range. I would like something around 200$ ...I could go even a bit higher if it's really worth. I'm only interested in sound quality for music...not games or other stuff.
 
Personally I see more advantages on an DAC+AMP. It's kinda portable (can be used with other pcs too) and has a built in amplifier. I would prefer this solution instead of buying a separate DAC and a separate AMP which will lead to a much higher price. I just need a starter setup, that will be an improvement over my actual built-in sound card.
 
I owned a Fiio E7. I could hear a better soundstage, but the improvement was not so big as I expected.
 
I have seen some interesting products: Yulong U100, Matrix Cube, Audinst HUD mini. Would I benefit from these products? Are they worth the investment in my case?
 
Help will be appreciated. If you need more info, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[pablobaluba]

Any other suggestions for good DAC+AMPs beside the ones mentioned above? I was looking even at the D100 Yulong, even if it is more expensive, but I read that there were some problems after some time with it.
Maybe the Schiit Bifrost is more reliable?