Hello folks!
I'm looking for advice about picking optimal sound source for my headphones. I use Audiotechnica ATH-M50x (35 ohm). My current PC has ALC1200 chip built in, which I well... don't like at all. Previously I used these headphones with Asus Xonar D1, which I found very good, suitable for my taste.
But now, I don't know which way should I follow:
1. Buy internal sound card. My obvious choice is Xonar DX (D1's equivalent). Used one, cheap, not so easy to find. Other options I consider are Xonar AE and Sound Blaster Z. I don't have any experiences with these cards. I've seen enthusiastic opinions and ratings about AIM808 - most difficult hardware to find and old one too.
2. Buy DAC& combo. Options to consider are SMSL M2, Fiio E10K, AudioQuest DragonFly Black or Red, Audiotrak Prodigy Cube Black or something like this. I know Schiit products are good but are unavailable in my region, and shipping costs are utterly absurd.
As you may see, my budget is quite clear - I don't want spend more that AudioQuest DragonFly Red (it's most expensive piece of hardware in my list), prefer to spend less
Please give me some advice - thank you very much in advance!
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Basic info:
- 30% gaming (microphone input not needed).
- 70% music. MP3/FLAC. Metal only - other genres not applicable
- no movies at all, no streaming, etc.
- no sound editing, recordings. I don't care about sound recording function at all.
- I'm not audiophile, my knowledge about audio stuff is somehow limited. Please take it into account
I'm looking for advice about picking optimal sound source for my headphones. I use Audiotechnica ATH-M50x (35 ohm). My current PC has ALC1200 chip built in, which I well... don't like at all. Previously I used these headphones with Asus Xonar D1, which I found very good, suitable for my taste.
But now, I don't know which way should I follow:
1. Buy internal sound card. My obvious choice is Xonar DX (D1's equivalent). Used one, cheap, not so easy to find. Other options I consider are Xonar AE and Sound Blaster Z. I don't have any experiences with these cards. I've seen enthusiastic opinions and ratings about AIM808 - most difficult hardware to find and old one too.
2. Buy DAC& combo. Options to consider are SMSL M2, Fiio E10K, AudioQuest DragonFly Black or Red, Audiotrak Prodigy Cube Black or something like this. I know Schiit products are good but are unavailable in my region, and shipping costs are utterly absurd.
As you may see, my budget is quite clear - I don't want spend more that AudioQuest DragonFly Red (it's most expensive piece of hardware in my list), prefer to spend less
Please give me some advice - thank you very much in advance!
---
Basic info:
- 30% gaming (microphone input not needed).
- 70% music. MP3/FLAC. Metal only - other genres not applicable
- no movies at all, no streaming, etc.
- no sound editing, recordings. I don't care about sound recording function at all.
- I'm not audiophile, my knowledge about audio stuff is somehow limited. Please take it into account
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