[caborvan]

I'm looking for an upgrade over integrated computer audio, I'm hearing a lot of electrical interference when playing games. I currently use Porta Pros, and my computer is a desktop, but there's no room for add in cards. Would prefer to not spend much. What should I get?

 

[pbui44]

You can get this DAC/amp, which you possibly also use with your smartphone:

https://www.amazon.com/USB-DAC-Port...df1a1&pd_rd_wg=eNVdm&pd_rd_i=B07VL9XCQ5&psc=1

You can also add some yaxi porta pro pads and get free shipping:

https://www.amazon.com/YAXI-EARPADS-KOSS-PORTAPRO-Blue/dp/B01N1UKBCD/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=TTBDDJP3VYHX&keywords=yaxi&qid=1642734290&sprefix=yaxi,aps,178&sr=8-3

...or if you want a USB DAC/amp with a volume knob:

https://www.amazon.com/Reiyin-Optical-Coaxial-Converter-Optional/dp/B07ZVJJSKZ/ref=sr_1_207?crid=2SN4C1R9W9396&keywords=usb+dac&qid=1642738787&sprefix=usb+dac,aps,236&sr=8-207

...or if you need coax/spdif with your USB and volume knob:

https://www.amazon.com/Liccx-Amplifier£¬USB-24bit-Optical-24bit-192kHz£¬DAC-Headphones/dp/B08H26WLZW/ref=sr_1_232?crid=2SN4C1R9W9396&keywords=usb+dac&qid=1642739132&sprefix=usb+dac,aps,236&sr=8-232

...lastly, if you think that your porta pros deserve dsd and a muses op-amp so much that you are willing to wait for it:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...%3B-1%40salePrice%3BUSD%3Brecommend-recommend

 

[earmonger]

You want a digital-audio converter that grabs the signal before it goes through your PC and gets the interference. It depends on your computer's ports: USB or USB-C?

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Don't know exactly how much will you spend. On a budget I reccomend is FiiO E10K around $70. If you go for a litte extra you can go to a Schiit Fulla 2 or FiiO K3 around $110.
Reviews are all over.

If it is still expensive for you. Then go to portable DACs. Like Ibasso DC05 or similar.

 

[vanhiel]

One thing to keep in mind, if you have any intention of streaming or using a mic for voice coms... Make sure the unit you get also has a microphone port.

Shiit makes a few units made for gaming with inputs, or you could look at the myriad offerings in the pro audio space for audio recording and mixing as many of those are a rather good value.

 

[caborvan]

You want a digital-audio converter that grabs the signal before it goes through your PC and gets the interference. It depends on your computer's ports: USB or USB-C?

I have both.

 

[earmonger]

Check out the iBasso, Fiio, Schiit suggestions above.

 

[caborvan]

Thanks guys, I appreciate it!

 

[dunring]

On creative labs site they have a refurbished section and the Sound blaster G6 is $99 with free shipping, no tax last time I got one, and 3 month warranty. Nice if you have no slots free and won't break the bank.