How much DAC to improve on an X-Fi?

[Nugget]

I've been muddling by with an X-Fi Fatality running to a XiangSheng 708B amp powering some stock DT770/80s. I'm going to Darth the cans at some point, and I'm heading generally for bigger and better things (thanks, Head-Fi!), so ATM I'm wondering if a Zhaolu would be a noticeable improvement over the X-Fi.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Maybe... If you're looking at the D2.5C, you'll be trading the CS4392 DAC for the CS4398 DAC, which will be an upgrade. A significantly noticeable upgrade? Maybe not.

 

[cotdt]

I have both the Zhaolu 2.5AD and 2.5CS. The stock X-Fi is nowhere near the Zhaolu, but the modded X-Fi surpasses the stock Zhaolu. I prefer the cheaper AD DAC over the CS DAC.

 

[Nugget]

Hmmmm. I've been thinking about modding the X-Fi, but I won't have the time for quite awhile. Also, I have a distaste for doing an upgrade without the possibility of A/B testing -- I'm paranoid about the placebo effect.

It surprises me that that you prefer the AD to the CS. Isn't the CS supposed to be the higher-optioned model?

@infinite: I thought the major advantage to an external DAC was that it eliminates the EM noise and PSU ripple, so even with a similar DAC external is better? My X-Fi sits three slots under a video card that burns 200 watts, in a rig with a heavily overclocked chip, so I'm guessing the X-Fi isn't exactly in the best environment ATM.

I've also been thinking about an EMU 0404 USB, but seeing as how I've already got what I think to be a competent AMP (Xiangsheng 708B with NOS tubes) I'm not sure I need it. Besides, the thought of having to deal with driver conflicts make me go all weak in the knees.

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget /img/forum/go_quote.gif @infinite: I thought the major advantage to an external DAC was that it eliminates the EM noise and PSU ripple, so even with a similar DAC external is better? My X-Fi sits three slots under a video card that burns 200 watts, in a rig with a heavily overclocked chip, so I'm guessing the X-Fi isn't exactly in the best environment ATM.

That's true, but you also save $250 by not upgrading.

With an external DAC, you introduce possible jitter as a result of the necessary conversion to and transmission of S/PDIF or TOSLink signals. From what I've read, the Zhaolu doesn't do as much as some other external DACs in terms of jitter reduction, but I could be wrong. My point is that the Zhaolu won't be a huge upgrade from what you already have; you might be better off saving up for something that will give you a significant improvement.

 

[afireinside]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cotdt /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have both the Zhaolu 2.5AD and 2.5CS. The stock X-Fi is nowhere near the Zhaolu, but the modded X-Fi surpasses the stock Zhaolu. I prefer the cheaper AD DAC over the CS DAC.

What DAC would be an improvement over the modded x-fi?

 

[cotdt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by afireinside /img/forum/go_quote.gif What DAC would be an improvement over the modded x-fi?

In terms of stock DACs, the Lavry DA10. But a modded Zhaolu would be the best way to go if you can DIY. I prefer the modded X-Fi over the Benchmark DAC1, so probably cheap DACs won't cut it, either. You're going to have to spend some serious bucks to beat the modded X-Fi.