[hawk1410]

So I am looking for a DAC to pair with my Schiit lyr which is replacing my O2+ODAC combo. I dont have the cash to drop on a Biifrost right now, so I was wondering what would I be better off with for now, thinking of getting a standalone ODAC or a Xonar DX or DS soundcard. Also is there a difference in the DAC that each of the different Xonar sound cards have? If yes, which do you think will be best suited for me(currently looking at DX or DS)

 

[stv014]

I do not know about the Xonar DS, but the Xonar D1 or DX would be comparable in terms of measurable audio quality to the ODAC. However, using the ODAC with a USB isolator, while more expensive, will to reduce the chance of interference and ground loops, which can easily occur with Schiit amplifiers that use grounded 3-prong AC connectors. I would personally just have kept the O2, though.