[Whimis]

Hello all, I've been looking to upgrade my audio from on-board sound on my PC. I have ordered a pair of ATH-M50's and they should be here tomorrow. I use my PC from gaming to movies to music, so im all across the board in audio use.
 
I have a budget of $300 CAD and would like to order from Canadian retailers to avoid duty charges.
 
Im either looking for a Amp/Dac combo like this https://www.springwateraudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=96#.UyvJf_ldXPm but I cant find reviews except for one from a different company http://www.head-fi.org/t/550692/impression-ber-muzik-tiny-tube-dac
 
Or 2 stand alone units like https://www.springwateraudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=48#.Uytn7fldXPk and a http://schiit.com/products/modi
 
I think I want to go with a tube amp, the dac is what im having trouble with deciding on. Do I go with a combo or 2 separate units?
 
Any other product recommendations? Thanks for taking the time to read my audio noob post

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Hello all, I've been looking to upgrade my audio from on-board sound on my PC. I have ordered a pair of ATH-M50's and they should be here tomorrow. I use my PC from gaming to movies to music, so I'm all across the board in audio use.
I have a budget of $300 CAD and would like to order from Canadian retailers to avoid duty charges.
I'm either looking for a Amp/Dac combo like this https://www.springwateraudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=96#.UyvJf_ldXPm but I cant find reviews except for one from a different company http://www.head-fi.org/t/550692/impression-ber-muzik-tiny-tube-dac
Or 2 stand alone units like https://www.springwateraudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=48#.Uytn7fldXPk and a http://schiit.com/products/modi
I think I want to go with a tube amp, the DAC is what I'm having trouble with deciding on. Do I go with a combo or 2 separate units?
Any other product recommendations? Thanks for taking the time to read my audio noob post

 
Asus Xonar DG or DGX sound card ($20-$40, USA)
Creative Sound Blaster Z sound card ($75-$95, USA)
 
Your 300 CAD would be better spend on buying better headphones (better then the ATH-M50s).

 

[Whimis]

Im really not looking for a sound card

 

[Whimis]

bump

 

[shaolin95]

I think the previous poster was trying to tell you that as cool as it is to buy electronics, the reality is, a headphone upgrade will make a MUCH bigger sound quality difference than a DAC. I have a DAC dont get me wrong, for my V-MODA M-100 but sometimes we get carried away in buyin things just because its cooler.
For example, I worked the audio industry before and it always baffled me that people will spend thuosands in speakers and electrics and CABLES!, yet they will not do ANYTHING about acoustic treatments on their rooms which makes a LOT more to improve the sound than ICs for example.

In any case, hope you get the reccomendations you want.
Regards