Entry-Level PC Sound System

[Doomhammer]

So I'm looking at getting a (comparatively) cheap sound setup for my PC (cheap being something like $300 or so). I'm going to be needing a sound card, a DAC/Amp, and a decent pair of headphones.

If my understanding on this is right (which, granted, it's probably not), if I'm going to be getting a DAC/Amp combo that has digital input, then the sound card really doesn't do much, so a cheap one will work just fine.

One thing I'm not real sure on: USB vs. Coax vs. Optical -- any difference in sound quality? I kind of already have an aversion to USB since, in my experiences, things like external USB sound cards and USB headphones tend to a) suck and b) have drivers that suck.

Right now I'm looking at getting:
- Newegg.com - SIIG LP-000022-S1 5.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz Sound Card
This is just the cheapest sound card on Newegg that does 24bit/96KHz (same as the DAC/Amp I'm looking at allows as input), and has an optical S/PDIF output - recommendations are welcome.

- The Beresford TC-7510 DAC
Seems to be very nice for the price, and I've seen some praise for it on Head-Fi so why not?

- A pair of Sennheiser HD280 PRO headphones.
I've had really good experiences with Sennheiser in the past, even on entry-level phones. Plus, the HD280's are pretty cheap compared to other headphones that seem to be in the same quality range.

Anyway, just looking for some input since I've never really owned a setup like this before.

 

[FallenAngel]

Would recommend against all 3 products mentioned.

DAC (usb interface) : AMB Gamma1 ($75)
Amp : This one ($100)
Headphones : Sennheiser HD580 ($150)

That's $25 over your $300 budget, but it's worth it.

 

[Doomhammer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif Would recommend against all 3 products mentioned. DAC (usb interface) : AMB Gamma1 ($75) Amp : This one ($100) Headphones : Sennheiser HD580 ($150) That's $25 over your $300 budget, but it's worth it.

Honestly I'm kind of wary of DIY stuff, if only because I'm not terribly confident in my 'mad soldering skillz'.

And that amp kinda scares me lol. Does it really run as hot as it looks like it does? That's a pretty fat heatsink for such a small little amp.

I'm still tempted to get the TC-7510, if only because it's about the same price (~$150 USD vs. ~$175 USD) as the DAC+Amp you mentioned, and I wouldn't have to solder it together myself.

And here's kind of a noob question about USB-interface DAC's: AMB's page for the Y1 claims it works under Linux/Windows/whatever without any drivers - but I'm not so sure I accept this claim. Can you really tell Windows to spit out digital audio to USB without some kind of software/driver to control it?

 

[obobskivich]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomhammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Honestly I'm kind of wary of DIY stuff, if only because I'm not terribly confident in my 'mad soldering skillz'. And that amp kinda scares me lol. Does it really run as hot as it looks like it does? That's a pretty fat heatsink for such a small little amp. I'm still tempted to get the TC-7510, if only because it's about the same price (~$150 USD vs. ~$175 USD) as the DAC+Amp you mentioned, and I wouldn't have to solder it together myself. And here's kind of a noob question about USB-interface DAC's: AMB's page for the Y1 claims it works under Linux/Windows/whatever without any drivers - but I'm not so sure I accept this claim. Can you really tell Windows to spit out digital audio to USB without some kind of software/driver to control it?

I would avoid Beresford like the plague, and again re-iterate FallenAngel's point, don't get any of the products you listed

if you're not going to litsen, and just want to bull-rush your way through, thats fine, but don't ask for help if thats the case

if you hate the idea of DIY, why not get something like the X-Fi Forte or Essence STX, and a decent pair of ~$100-$200 headphones, like AD700's or HD 595's (you really should audition before you buy when it comes to headphones or speakers

)

 

[genclaymore]

I would also agree on either a X-FI Forte or a STX. that way you get a headphone amp included on the sound card. So you dont have to DIY any thing. I know the STX headphone amp will support up to 600ohms, I have no idea what the forte headphone amp will support up to. Then for a pair of phones listen to some that obobskivich listed,even some HFI-780s and etc to find one which suits you.

Also in the future with both the Forte and the STX you can change out the Buffer op-amps to a diffent pair. And with the STX the I/V socket to a diffent pair.

 

[ROBSCIX]

True, if your planning on going with a soundcard, those are great options as they have the can amps built in. Both of decent quality also given the price.

If you want to go external, I suggest you listen to the suggestion already put out.

 

[The-One]

Quote:

Originally Posted by obobskivich /img/forum/go_quote.gif I would avoid Beresford like the plague, and again re-iterate FallenAngel's point, don't get any of the products you listed

I have to ask at this point why?? The marketing practise was suspect, but the products are solid.

 

[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomhammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Honestly I'm kind of wary of DIY stuff, if only because I'm not terribly confident in my 'mad soldering skillz'.

You don't have to trust your "mad soldering skillz", just those of the builder.

That looks like a very clean build. Just a nice price on a nice amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomhammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif And that amp kinda scares me lol. Does it really run as hot as it looks like it does? That's a pretty fat heatsink for such a small little amp.

The amp runs warm, consider it one of those things that keep your coffee warm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomhammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm still tempted to get the TC-7510, if only because it's about the same price (~$150 USD vs. ~$175 USD) as the DAC+Amp you mentioned, and I wouldn't have to solder it together myself.

I was actually recommending you contact a builder (like MisterX), to build you one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomhammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif And here's kind of a noob question about USB-interface DAC's: AMB's page for the Y1 claims it works under Linux/Windows/whatever without any drivers - but I'm not so sure I accept this claim. Can you really tell Windows to spit out digital audio to USB without some kind of software/driver to control it?

It is not that it works "without drivers", it uses a PCM2707 which follows the "USB Audio 1.1" standard and those drivers come pre-installed with pretty much every operating system.

 

[Doomhammer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by obobskivich if you're not going to litsen, and just want to bull-rush your way through, thats fine, but don't ask for help if thats the case

Sheesh since when did questioning a single suggestion become the same as being not willing to listen to any suggestions?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel You don't have to trust your "mad soldering skillz", just those of the builder. That looks like a very clean build. Just a nice price on a nice amp.

Ah; I thought you were recommending buying the parts and building an AMB Y1, that's what I meant I'd have to solder together.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel It is not that it works "without drivers", it uses a PCM2707 which follows the "USB Audio 1.1" standard and those drivers come pre-installed with pretty much every operating system.

Well yeah USB drivers are no problem; but, it does need some other piece of software to actually give it audio to work with?



So, would it give me more bang for my buck to get a really nice sound card and a nice pair of headphones, rather than getting DAC/Amp/Headphones?

And I'm also curious on this one:

Quote:

Originally Posted by The-One Quote: Originally Posted by obobskivich I would avoid Beresford like the plague, and again re-iterate FallenAngel's point, don't get any of the products you listed I have to ask at this point why?? The marketing practise was suspect, but the products are solid.

I saw some thread on here from quite a while ago where the Beresford was voted as being one of the best cheap DAC's on the market.

 

[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomhammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well yeah USB drivers are no problem; but, it does need some other piece of software to actually give it audio to work with?

Nope, that's what the driver does. Once a driver is installed (which is plug-and-play), you can select it as an output device.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomhammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, would it give me more bang for my buck to get a really nice sound card and a nice pair of headphones, rather than getting DAC/Amp/Headphones?

While I openly advocate sound cards as great sources, and on a budget, they would provide a good solution, sometimes you come across a really nice deal (such as the Gamma1 and a used DIY amp) that it's a better alternative to go separate. Once you get into high-end gear, separate is definitely the way to go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doomhammer /img/forum/go_quote.gif I saw some thread on here from quite a while ago where the Beresford was voted as being one of the best cheap DAC's on the market.

There seems to be some animosity against Beresford and creative name-calling notwithstanding, the re-branding and "mods" were said to be a hack.