[gdourado]

Hello, how are you?

I am looking for good onboard audio on a Z97 board that would allow me not to run a dedicated soundcard. I am looking for good music reproduction with headphones and good gaming with both headphones and speakers.

I have my music collection all in ALAC 16 bit, from 44100 to 192000.

I am currently looking at two boards that have different audio solutions.
 
One is the Asus Maximus VII Formula that has:
- Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC
- TI LM4562 AMP
 
The other is the MSI Gaming 9 AC that has:
- Wolfson WM8741 DAC
- TI TPA6120A2 dedicated headphone amplifier, supported by a pair of TI OPA1652 amplifiers, 1 per channel.
 
I am no audio expert, so I am a bit confused.
 
Which is the better option?
Any hands on experience with any of these boards?
 
Thanks and cheers!

 

[jiiteepee]

I think the DAC itself does not play big role there in your case but the analog outpu stage and overal implementation. Try to find some reviews with listenng test/RMAA results for these boards.