[Marl]

I'm a newbie and am just beginning to get an idea of how things work. I also have some extra cash around and my sound card is failing. Also I am ordering some Grado sr80s today. I am only going to use my PC as my music source.

Here is my question, should I pour money into a new sound card for my PC or should I get a DAC/AMP sort of setup for around the same price? I'm looking to spend around $150.

While looking around, I saw head room's bithead amp/dac. It looks like what I want. Can such a DAC handle flac? What about games? (I'm not a big gamer anyway so that isn't really a factor but it would be nice).

 

[technobarbie]

I had the same question a few years ago. I went for a sound card first, and then saved my money for a nice external DAC. That will give you time to save, and figure out exactly what you want. However, figuring out what you want is still a problem of mine.

 

[Capunk]

Stretch your budget a bit, you might want to consider to get Go-Vibe petite (AMP/DAC), external DAC always better than on-board soundcard *unless it's heavily modified*, beside using amp would improve your headphone listening

 

[Marl]

Laugh. I knew coming here was going to "stretch my budget a bit." But that looks about like what I want.

Isn't there anything else?

 

[MrKazador]

The Total Bithead is $149.
If you can find a Chaintech Av-710 that'll leave you some money for an amp. Check the FS forum.

 

[Marl]

Would the sound from the Total Bithead be superior to a Chaintec/AMP combination?

 

[penguindude]

If your computer has Optical Out, you can consider the Beresford DAC that I'm currently selling. Extremely good sound quality for a fraction of the cost.

 

[Marl]

No optical, just usb.

 

[P90NINJA]

Hi, Don't mean to jack your thread but I have the same problem. I have X-Fi card and was looking at getting an external DAC/AMP to pair with my HD650s. Looking for something under 500$ but I could be persuaded to spend more if there was a significant difference.

Any suggestions?
tia

 

[Marl]

Alight, I narrowed it down to four DAC/AMPS that look like they are in my price range.

Which one would be best with my Grado sr80s?

UHA-3 USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier
Headstage Lyrix Pro USB
HeadRoom Total BitHead
Go-Vibe petite

Help would be appreciated.

 

[Capunk]

All of them should be alright with your Grado SR80,
now back to your personal preferences, what kind of sound do you after?

 

[Dorito123]

Get the Total Bithead, perfect place for you to start. It's portable and will give you the functionality and sound quality you need with your computer.

HeadRoom - Right Between Your Ears

 

[Marl]

I mostly listen to indie/rock/post rock/electronic sorts of stuff, but I listen to classical a bit as well. That's why I chose Grado in the first place, but that seems like an easy decision comparatively. I suppose I want an in-your-face-rock sort of sound, but clean at the same time.

Also I just sold off my 360 and rock band for a little more room in this endeavor, so 220 including shipping is a good new limit.

 

[Capunk]

Quote:

I suppose I want an in-your-face-rock sort of sound, but clean at the same time.

In that case, check out the new Corda 2Move DAC/AMP, it's little brother 'headsix' has that kind of sonic characteristic, very engaging, closer to stage. I'm sure you will like it.

 

[Marl]

Link please? Google isn't being very friendly