ROG SupremeFX Impact II Vs. Audioengine D1 - Need Help About Audio Quality

[Brickstone]

As the title implies I need to know the sound quality difference of the two, as I am in verge of buying Audioengine D1 DAC / Amp.
 
ROG SupremeFX Impact II came with my Mobo Asus Maximus VII Gene. I use ATH-M50x for gaming and listening music at the same time mixing. Will there be a significant audio improvement if I purchase Audioengine D1, I will also add JBL LSR305 on my current setup for Monitoring in the future.


Hope you could help me as I am also a noob. Thank you very much.
 
Best Regards,
 
 
Paulo Angelo Remoroza​

 

[PurpleAngel]

For headphones like the ATH-M50X, I would not really want to spend more then around $80, for a external DAC/amp to drive the them.
Like the FiiO E10K, USB DAC/amp ($76) and it comes with a separate line-output, for the speakers.
The FiiO Q1 might also be another option.

 

[Brickstone]

  For headphones like the ATH-M50X, I would not really want to spend more then around $80, for a external DAC/amp to drive the them.
Like the FiiO E10K, USB DAC/amp ($76) and it comes with a separate line-output, for the speakers.
The FiiO Q1 might also be another option.

I am going to purchase JBL LSR305. I mean will FiiO E10K suffice to act as DAC / Amp for both my headset and LSR305?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I am going to purchase JBL LSR305. I mean will FiiO E10K suffice to act as DAC / Amp for both my headset and LSR305?

 
To me it would suffice.
Just need a stereo 3.5mm (1/8") plug to dual mono 1/4" (TS) plug cable, to connect the E10K to the LSR305.

 

[Brickstone]

   
To me it would suffice.
Just need a stereo 3.5mm (1/8") plug to dual mono 1/4" (TS) plug cable, to connect the E10K to the LSR305.

I​f 3.5mm is possible would it be okay to use same cable to plug my LSR305 to my existing Sound Card (ROG SupremeFX Impact II). Asus didn't put or indicate specs of their card, I had nothing to compare it.
 
Would there any be a significant quality improvement If I use either FiiO or D1 Dac / Amp over my existing card?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I​f 3.5mm is possible would it be okay to use same cable to plug my LSR305 to my existing Sound Card (ROG SupremeFX Impact II). Asus didn't put or indicate specs of their card, I had nothing to compare it.
Would there any be a significant quality improvement If I use either FiiO or D1 DAC / Amp over my existing card?

 
Yes, you could easily directly connect the motherboard's on-board audio, to the input on the JBL LSR305
You could also connect an iPhone or iPod or smartphone or mp3 player, etc, to the input on the LSR305
All those devices have a output jack, with a built in low powered headphone amplifier, but the connection would still work.
Better would be a dedicated line-output (3.5mm or RCA), the analog audio signal from a line-output, is better for feeding a signal to studio monitors, then a headphone output jack.
 
Not sure what kind of audio processor or DAC chip is used for the SupremeFX impact II.
Guessing is a Realtek ALC1150 audio processor, which comes with a built in DAC function.
An Asus Xonar DX or D1 sound card (used $50) or a Hifimediy USB or optical DAC ($60-$65) would at least be a little better DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).
 
I think the Audioengine D1 ($170) is a little over priced, for what is seems to offer.

 

[Brickstone]

   
Yes, you could easily directly connect the motherboard's on-board audio, to the input on the JBL LSR305
You could also connect an iPhone or iPod or smartphone or mp3 player, etc, to the input on the LSR305
All those devices have a output jack, with a built in low powered headphone amplifier, but the connection would still work.
Better would be a dedicated line-output (3.5mm or RCA), the analog audio signal from a line-output, is better for feeding a signal to studio monitors, then a headphone output jack.
 
Not sure what kind of audio processor or DAC chip is used for the SupremeFX impact II.
Guessing is a Realtek ALC1150 audio processor, which comes with a built in DAC function.
An Asus Xonar DX or D1 sound card (used $50) or a Hifimediy USB or optical DAC ($60-$65) would at least be a little better DAC (Digital to Analog Converter).
 
I think the Audioengine D1 (4170) is a little over priced, for what is seems to offer.

Actually someone will sell me 2nd hand D1, 3 months used only for around PHP 4,000 = $85 w/c was bought in Amazon and in pristine condition. Though the receipt and original box were thrown away by the original owner. Is this a good deal?
 
I also confirm tinker a little more on my audio setup and found out that it is in fact ALC1150 that comes with DAC function.
 
Now we have the facts can you say there will be a large improvement if I use Audioengine D1 vs ALC1150? Is this considered a big upgrade?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Actually someone will sell me 2nd hand D1, 3 months used only for around PHP 4,000 = $85 w/c was bought in Amazon and in pristine condition. Though the receipt and original box were thrown away by the original owner. Is this a good deal?
I also confirm tinker a little more on my audio setup and found out that it is in fact ALC1150 that comes with DAC function.
Now we have the facts can you say there will be a large improvement if I use Audioengine D1 vs ALC1150? Is this considered a big upgrade?

 
Guess $85 (PHP 4000) is a fair price for a used Audioengine D1, in good working order.
But i can't say for sure how much it would be better then the on-board audio.
Every year on-board audio gets a little better, so it's not easy to judge the quality of on-board without hearing it.

 

[Brickstone]

   
Guess $85 (PHP 4000) is a fair price for a used Audioengine D1, in good working order.
But i can't say for sure how much it would be better then the on-board audio.
Every year on-board audio gets a little better, so it's not easy to judge the quality of on-board without hearing it.

My on board audio is ACL1150, are you familiar with its sound quality or output? You can judge it via your experience vs Audioengine D1's​

 

[PurpleAngel]

  My on board audio is ACL1150, are you familiar with its sound quality or output? You can judge it via your experience vs Audioengine D1's​

 
The DAC chip used is just one factor in audio quality, some of the parts used around it also effects audio quality.
 
I'm sure the

AKM AK4396 DAC chip used in the D1 is a fair bit better, then the DAC function built into the ALC1150.​

 

[Brickstone]

   
The DAC chip used is just one factor in audio quality, some of the parts used around it also effects audio quality.
 
I'm sure the

AKM AK4396 DAC chip used in the D1 is a fair bit better then the DAC function built into the ALC1150.​

Great thanks man. =) Will definitely buy the D1.. ^_^

 

[Brickstone]

I bought the used Audioengine D1 and I am very happy with it. There is a huge difference over ROG SupremeFX Impact II (ALC1150)​, I immediately notice the improvement on the separations. The sound quality improve. I actually didn't notice any improvement at first and find everything the other way around, until I remember Z Reviews instruction to disable all enhancements.
 
I am very happy to have it around PHP 4,000 - $85.10. As the unit is perfectly in good condition, almost brand new (No Scratch, Dent & Dust) & smells new. Hahaha..

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I bought the used Audioengine D1 and I am very happy with it. There is a huge difference over ROG SupremeFX Impact II (ALC1150)​, I immediately notice the improvement on the separations. The sound quality improve. I actually didn't notice any improvement at first and find everything the other way around, until I remember Z Reviews instruction to disable all enhancements.
 
I am very happy to have it around PHP 4,000 - $85.10. As the unit is perfectly in good condition, almost brand new (No Scratch, Dent & Dust) & smells new. Hahaha..

 
Trying using the free program Foobar2000 (W/ WASAPI) for playing music audio.
https://www.foobar2000.org/
https://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_out_wasapi
 
K-lite for any video (besides Blu-ray)
(VLC is also good)
http://www.codecguide.com/
 
The Audioengine D1's USB connection is fine for music or any other 2-channel audio.
USB will bypass the sound card features.
 
If you get into FPS gaming, you can add a Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z sound card, connect it to the D1's using optical
And be able to use the SB-Z's SBX Headphone surround sound features.

 

[Brickstone]

 
 
Quote:

   
Trying using the free program Foobar2000 (W/ WASAPI) for playing music audio.
https://www.foobar2000.org/
https://www.foobar2000.org/components/view/foo_out_wasapi
 
K-lite for any video (besides Blu-ray)
(VLC is also good)
http://www.codecguide.com/
 
The Audioengine D1's USB connection is fine for music or any other 2-channel audio.
USB will bypass the sound card features.
 
If you get into FPS gaming, you can add a Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z sound card, connect it to the D1's using optical
And be able to use the SB-Z's SBX Headphone surround sound features.

I don't understand why would you use internal sound card and attached it on another DAC? If this is possible, I can just use my default optical from Mobo that has ROG SupremeFX Impact II features surround​ and attached it to D1?
 

 

 
I am using VLC for movies;
 
The only thing that I don't understand is Foobar2000 and its add-ons. What is the benefit of using plain Foobar2000 over Foobar2000 w/ WASAPI? I also read that Foobar2000 can play DSD formats I download some but it cannot play the DSD format.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  I don't understand why would you use internal sound card and attached it on another DAC? If this is possible, I can just use my default optical from Mobo that has ROG SupremeFX Impact II features surround​ and attached it to D1?
 
 
I am using VLC for movies;
The only thing that I don't understand is Foobar2000 and its add-ons. What is the benefit of using plain Foobar2000 over Foobar2000 w/ WASAPI? I also read that Foobar2000 can play DSD formats I download some but it cannot play the DSD format.

 
Chances are a SB-Z sound card would offer better headphone sound sound, then the on-board audio hardware.
The add-on sound card is just an option, but nothing you have to have.