[caddie444]

 
So I was directed here from a computer website where they said I would be able to get the best advice!
 
I currently compose orchestral works/film scores from my home computer as a hobby, my current setup is:
 
Intel core i5 2500K
with 16gb Ram
Cubase 5
 
I use various orchestral libraries as well (EWQL, GPO, Project Sam etc)
 
I am planning on upgrading from my logitech z5500 speakers to some Rokit 8s ( I heard they were great but would also like to hear some opinions on monitors)
 
I am seeking advice on soundcards/DAC's 
 
Question: Do I need to have both a soundcard AND a DAC? little confused about that...
 
I really do not know where to begin as I only do this for a hobby and have never really invested any $$$ into having a good sound system.
 
(I would like to have the option to use headphones as well, so would need a headphone amp)
 
My budget is probably around $500 for the soundcard/DAC, maybe more if it'd be worth it...
 
Is there anything else I should consider in order to set this up?
 
Thanks in advance,
 
 
Caddie444
 

 

[alien3456]

Maybe a DAC could be all you need. Personally, I have 2 soundcards in my system, and I seem to have less and less use for them everyday.
 
Creative X-Fi Titanium: Has Toslink input so I can connect it to my PS3 without having to switch the audio source on my DAC... and that's all.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX: Originally bought this for the amplified headphone jack, but then switched to external dac/amp, so now I use it's Coaxial-out to my DAC, and the Line-In for anything that outputs RCA audio, which I often use (VCR, consoles, camcorders).
 
I bought both of those before really taking an interest in my sound system (aka going a tiny-bit insane). Now, since anything I listen to goes to my DAC in a digital-format, the only difference the soundcard makes is if it does any processing to the audio. But most games today use purely software sound-processing, so they don't need special hardware specs to get the "best" sound. There's plenty of options to decode/process sound from music/video applications, so that leaves us in my situation where the only purpose my sound-cards serve is their various holes that I stick my plugs into. 

 
I cannot tell a difference between USB->DAC and my STX's Coaxial->DAC. 
 
Also, you might not need an amplifier depending on the DAC you get. I have a modest TubeMagic D1 DAC (~$200) and it's a damn-fine amplifier, so I eventually removed my Little Dot MK III amp from my setup (still being enjoyed at my work desk though).
 
Just figure out what you want to do ahead of time. Do you plan on connecting more source devices to your sound system? Do you use any instruments that could be hooked up to your computer? Do you play games? Do you need surround-sound?