[Sine]

This one's a two-part question:

First, I'm looking for a decent external USB DAC to replace my (gasp!) Realtek HD onboard audio. It doesn't sound terrible to me, but I wouldn't be a very good Head-fi member if I knew there was something better and didn't act on it.

I don't want to completely bankrupt myself though, so I don't want to spend more than about $100. I may consider an 0404 USB if you really think it's God's gift to audio, but staying under budget is obviously preferable.

My audiophile offense is that my crappy onboard audio is currently being routed to an independently powered set of freebie JBL computer speakers that came with a Compaq machine about 7 years ago. My reason for doing this is two-fold: First, I don't have to crawl under my desk every time I want to switch headphones, and second; it gives me a handy volume knob within arm's reach.

I've done countless A/B tests between the speaker output and a direct line to the sound card, and for what it's worth, I couldn't tell the difference (lest you think I have completely leaden ears, I can easily tell the difference between FLAC and 256kbps MP3). My question is, is this negatively affecting my audio in any way? Also, would I be able to plug these speakers directly into a DAC and not use an amp?

Thanks in advance for your help.

P.S. - Before your head explodes, I've never used this "setup" for any critical listening.

 

[Jay B]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sine /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've done countless A/B tests between the speaker output and a direct line to the sound card, and for what it's worth, I couldn't tell the difference (lest you think I have completely leaden ears, I can easily tell the difference between FLAC and 256kbps MP3). My question is, is this negatively affecting my audio in any way?

If you can't tell the difference, then it's not negatively affecting your audio. Really, how it sounds to you is what matters.

Quote:

Also, would I be able to plug these speakers directly into a DAC and not use an amp?

Yup. Some DAC's (like the EMU 0404) have 1/8" output jacks, which I'm assuming your speakers have if they are computer speakers. But even if the DAC only has RCA outputs you could buy a RCA-to-1/8" connector. If they are computer speakers you shouldn't need an amp for them since almost all computer speakers are designed to run without an amp. Also, do your speakers have a power adapter or plug into the wall? If they do, that means they have an amp inside them, so in that case you definitely wouldn't need an amp for them.

 

[Sine]

Yep, the speakers do plug into the wall. Thanks for your help.

 

[riceboy]

If you can't tell the difference and you're happy I would just stick with what you got. Your wallet would be happy.

I have a HP with the HD Realtek sound and coming out from it with speakers sound fine. I was just more picky on my headphones.

 

[TheVinylRipper]

My advice, and take it with a grain of salt, would be to upgrade your transducers (speakers/headphones) first, that's where the sound actually comes from.

I'm an old audiophile and a penny pinching curmudgeon. It sounds like you are on a limited budget so perhaps my advice will appeal to you.

The Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 is THX certified and when I checked the prices I was shocked to see how cheap it is. It also has a headphone output so you won't have to climb behind your computer ( I have my desk about two feet from the wall) to plug in the headphones.

The Pro Media seem to be well thought of here and my brother has them, to my ears they sound very good indeed, particularly for the money.

Klipsch has been building speakers since before I was born (!) and have a lot of experience. When I was growing up the ultimate speakers were Klipshorns, massive suckers that you couldn't get into a normal living room and have any space left.

 

[riceboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVinylRipper /img/forum/go_quote.gif My advice, and take it with a grain of salt, would be to upgrade your transducers (speakers/headphones) first, that's where the sound actually comes from. I'm an old audiophile and a penny pinching curmudgeon. It sounds like you are on a limited budget so perhaps my advice will appeal to you. The Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 is THX certified and when I checked the prices I was shocked to see how cheap it is. It also has a headphone output so you won't have to climb behind your computer ( I have my desk about two feet from the wall) to plug in the headphones. The Pro Media seem to be well thought of here and my brother has them, to my ears they sound very good indeed, particularly for the money. Klipsch has been building speakers since before I was born (!) and have a lot of experience. When I was growing up the ultimate speakers were Klipshorns, massive suckers that you couldn't get into a normal living room and have any space left.

I agree with thevinylripper in that you should upgrade your speakers first. I had the Klipsch Pro media and they sounded great, with lots of bass. I then brought these Logitech X-230s and I liked them just as much and maybe more. They sounded great and for the price they can't be beat. I'm sure you could listen to them at retail outlet somewhere. I also have these Kilpsch iFi and I'm still impressed with the Logitech. Of course this is just IMHO, but go and give them a listen. You might like one of the 3, or you might stumble on one that you really like. All were connected to my HP that has the same realtek HD soundcard that you have.

 

[Jay B]

x3

Speakers would be a great upgrade. I have the Logitech X-230's and they arent too bad, but I demo'd them side-by-side against these Gigaworks T-20 speakers and the Gigaworks are much nicer. The Gigaworks won't produce deep bass since they dont have a subwoofer, but the mid-bass is punchy and the mid's and high's are very nice. A much higher fidelity speaker. And the lack of deep bass is a plus if you don't want to bother everyone in the house. Plus they have a headphone jack right in the front of them.