Started using my IEM's on my computer and noticed that the realtek on-board card was ***** for that.. There is a hiss that is present on all volume levels when plugged into the front channel out. compared to my iPod gen 4 (running lossless files, EQ set to off. 16-bit, 48kHz is max out.) the lows sound muddy and to loud as if boosted. Didn't bother analysing them any more than that and stopped listening.
Anyways. I have never owned a DAC nor a headphone amp, have no idea what to look for, apart from a few "nice to have" features.
USB/Coax/toslink input
Line out for speakers
Headphone out for my headphones
volume knob.
At the moment I only have a few IEM's but in the future I might invest in some proper headphones. Also if im not mistaken the Coax and optical S/PIDF output on my computer, will using those bypass the realtek DAC? the SQ will not be ruined in anyway by the realtek if I use those?
Thanks
Regards
David
IEM:
Audio Technica ATH-CK10
Source gear:
iPod gen 4, 64GB
Realtek® ALC 892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
Audio Feature :
- Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless Sound
- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
- Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF out ports at back panel
Anyways. I have never owned a DAC nor a headphone amp, have no idea what to look for, apart from a few "nice to have" features.
USB/Coax/toslink input
Line out for speakers
Headphone out for my headphones
volume knob.
At the moment I only have a few IEM's but in the future I might invest in some proper headphones. Also if im not mistaken the Coax and optical S/PIDF output on my computer, will using those bypass the realtek DAC? the SQ will not be ruined in anyway by the realtek if I use those?
Thanks
Regards
David
IEM:
Audio Technica ATH-CK10
Source gear:
iPod gen 4, 64GB
Realtek® ALC 892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
Audio Feature :
- Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless Sound
- Blu-ray audio layer Content Protection
- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
- Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF out ports at back panel