My computer's audio jack broke.

[hipolymer]

Do those USB audio jacks cause a decrease in sound quality? Does it matter which one I buy, or should I just get the cheapest one?

 

[cel4145]

Most onboard computer audio is not that great, and it's very easy to upgrade to better sound with a USB DAC/headphone amp. 
 
Do you need this for headphones? For plugging in powered speakers? Both? What's your budget? Is your computer a laptop, or perhaps a PC where a new sound card might work? 

 

[hipolymer]

Yeah I've heard about DACs and amps but they're too expensive of an option for me now. 
 
For me, right now, the priority is just to be able to connect my headphones to my desktop PC and hear sound through them. I was thinking of this: 
http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SD-CM-UAUD-Adapter-C-Media-Chipset/dp/B001MSS6CS?tag=dealswoot-20
Would this even work, and how would the sound quality suffer, if at all?
 
forgot to mention, I use onboard audio (realtek).

 

[cel4145]

Yeah. But I would wonder how good it would sound. 

 

[hipolymer]

If I do decide to use a DAC, would the E7 work as an inexpensive option for my HD558s?

 

[hipolymer]

bump

 

[PurpleAngel]

Asus Xonar DG ($26, PCI) or DGX ($40, PCI-E) sound card.
Basic headphone amplifier and Dolby Headphone 5.1 surround sound.
Will work fine with the Senn HD558
 
Fiio E10, ($68), USB-DAC-headphone amplifier
Better DAC and Head amp. then the Xonar DG(X)
It's only 2-channel audio, no surround sound.

 

[hipolymer]

Thanks a lot for the help. I decided to order the E10 for 45 bucks.
 
One last question though: Is there a difference between these four adapters? 
 
http://www.adorama.com/HOGMP112.html
http://www.adorama.com/HOGMP386.html
http://www.adorama.com/HBMPSPJS.html
http://www.adorama.com/GRMINIADAP.html?utm_term=Other&utm_medium=Shopping%20Site&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=gbase
 
The last one is the most expensive. I'm asking because the 3.5 mm jack from my HD558s broke off in my computer's audio jack so I'm looking for a replacement 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter. I'd rather get the cheapest available, but I'm not sure what the difference is between the first two and why they're so much less expensive. 

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Thanks a lot for the help. I decided to order the E10 for 45 bucks.
 
One last question though: Is there a difference between these four adapters? 
 
http://www.adorama.com/HOGMP112.html
http://www.adorama.com/HOGMP386.html
http://www.adorama.com/HBMPSPJS.html
http://www.adorama.com/GRMINIADAP.html?utm_term=Other&utm_medium=Shopping%20Site&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=gbase
 
The last one is the most expensive. I'm asking because the 3.5 mm jack from my HD558s broke off in my computer's audio jack so I'm looking for a replacement 6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter. I'd rather get the cheapest available, but I'm not sure what the difference is between the first two and why they're so much less expensive. 

With the first two,
One is TRS, stereo 2-channel audio, HOGMP112 (two black rings)
The other one is TS, monochannel audio, HOGMP386 (one black ring), but the picture is incorrect, showing the HOGMP112
I'm guessing they are so cheap is because they are mass products by several companies.
 
Headphones use 2-channel

 

[hipolymer]

Ahh, makes sense. So would you recommend I just get the 112s over the more expensive Grado ones? 

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Ahh, makes sense. So would you recommend I just get the 112s over the more expensive Grado ones? 

I would get the Grado myself, but the $2 ones will work.