Is USB soundcard just as good as external DAC?

[elliotpiano]

Would running the sound from my laptop through a USB soundcard to a headphone amp be comparable in quality to an amp that has a DAC?

 

[PurpleAngel]

USB DAC/amps should provide at least a little better sound quality, for the price, compared to a USB sound card (for the same price range).
Give us a budget please?

 

[elliotpiano]

I've decided to go with the Aune T1, so I won't need it anymore. Thanks though!