ProtegeManiac
Headphoneus Supremus
Quote:
It's just a hypothetical - the good thing about buying an amp with a USB DAC for now is that you can get better than soundcard SQ now then just get a new DAC later IF USB2 gets phased out and then add that; just make sure you're getting a good amp with a USB DAC, as opposed to a good DAC with a so-so amp (in other words, you have to be paying more for the amp, at least for now, since that's the necessity). Or if SARS* sets in, which might set in much sooner but reason can always win. The only thing that's driven my upgrades in the past 12mos were changing needs - I needed global voltage, but initially went for a battery-powered amp, and then came across an amp (which happened to have global voltage) that I missed out on several times.
*Severe Audio Replacement Syndrome; sometimes referred to as 'upgraditis'
Big bass is not a must. Based on what you've said, I doubt I'll need a sub anytime soon if at all. If I do want some extra bass, I could always put on headphones.
So what I think you're trying to tell me is that I should buy a DAC separately from an amp? I was thinking I can concentrate on speakers and amp now then get a DAC down the road. I'm more than fine with that option.
It's just a hypothetical - the good thing about buying an amp with a USB DAC for now is that you can get better than soundcard SQ now then just get a new DAC later IF USB2 gets phased out and then add that; just make sure you're getting a good amp with a USB DAC, as opposed to a good DAC with a so-so amp (in other words, you have to be paying more for the amp, at least for now, since that's the necessity). Or if SARS* sets in, which might set in much sooner but reason can always win. The only thing that's driven my upgrades in the past 12mos were changing needs - I needed global voltage, but initially went for a battery-powered amp, and then came across an amp (which happened to have global voltage) that I missed out on several times.
*Severe Audio Replacement Syndrome; sometimes referred to as 'upgraditis'