should i switch from ipod to computer...?

[plonter]

Hi, my current setup is: ipod>lod cable>ultra micro amp.
i am thinking of maybe change it to: computer>dac>ultra micro(thinking of getting the ultra DESKTOP which will also improve the amplification and has a pretty good dac built in).
will this change improve my sound?
the ipod through the line out port is pretty good and sounds clean, but i didnt try my computer with a dac before...and i am thinking that maybe the sound card and the digital output of the computer will give better sound,cleaner and PURER . is it possible??
i have a good (i believe...)but simple soundcard,but upgrading later is definitely an option if i would like this setup. but its importing to my that it will sound better even with my simple soundcard.
thx!

 

[dwong]

Sound quality coming from my laptop is better than what I get from my ipod touch. Being able to play FLAC files helps a lot. I use ASIO4ALL plugin with my media player and I'd prefer my headphones being plugged straight into the onboard audio (no DAC/amp) over my ipod. I'm guessing this would be similar for desktops.

 

[terrymx]

^ enjoy the snow

The ipod wolfson dac quality is enough for me, but ofcourse why not. A strong source (in your case dac since thats where the digital signal end) that has a stronger output than your ipod line could get you fuller sound. The only limit is your money,...unless you are millionaire.

 

[Zarathustra19]

why choose? If you already have the portable set-up, why not build a PC based set up as well? Using a DAC will improve the sound if you have lossless files or are playing CD's directly, but if you have lossy files, you'll most likely get the same kind of results that the iPod gives you. The DAC will be able to bypass the on board audio card and enable you to have a purer sound, but it all depends on the quality of the music as to whether or not building the stronger PC rig will be worth it.

Cheers!

p.s. I'm not sure how much good taking the DAC to a Micro Amp will do, it depends on the headphones you're using. You may get superior results straight from the DAC if it provides enough power for the headphones you use. With the phones I see in your sig, you might need an amp, you might not (sorry, I'm not an expert on most of the phones you own).

 

[krmathis]

1. Yes, most probably.
2. Certainly possible, and probably likely.

So, I say go for it.

 

[plonter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zarathustra19 /img/forum/go_quote.gif why choose? If you already have the portable set-up, why not build a PC based set up as well? Using a DAC will improve the sound if you have lossless files or are playing CD's directly, but if you have lossy files, you'll most likely get the same kind of results that the iPod gives you. The DAC will be able to bypass the on board audio card and enable you to have a purer sound, but it all depends on the quality of the music as to whether or not building the stronger PC rig will be worth it. Cheers! p.s. I'm not sure how much good taking the DAC to a Micro Amp will do, it depends on the headphones you're using. You may get superior results straight from the DAC if it provides enough power for the headphones you use. With the phones I see in your sig, you might need an amp, you might not (sorry, I'm not an expert on most of the phones you own).

in fact i do listen to lossless all the time and maybe a few track incoded in 320 mp3, so the material is fine and now it is only depend on the source itself.
by the way...i am using the ultra micro and ipod as my home rig, i take the ipod with earbuds when i am outside.
i hope that the dac through computer will improve the sound..unless it will be just a waste of money.
thx for your answer.

 

[plonter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif 1. Yes, most probably. 2. Certainly possible, and probably likely. So, I say go for it.

thank you too for your anser krmathis...it is very incuraging me to go and buy me a better amp with dac. and like i have said...i hope that it will be an improvement.
i would like to ask a question if i may...what is the difference between connecting the headphone amp straight to the analog output of the computer(the headphone jack on board)and adding a dac to the chain and connect the amp to it? the only difference will be using the souncard's dac instead of an external one?

 

[Zarathustra19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by plonter /img/forum/go_quote.gif the only difference will be using the souncard's dac instead of an external one?

Pretty much. The DAC would come from a digital out and convert the Digital signal to an analog signal for you to hear. The difference is that with the soundcard (if it's stock and does not support ASIO or any other bypass) is that you'll get a processed signal that could be detrimental to the digital signal's conversion. The external DAC is built specifically to convert the signal from digital to analog, it is not integrated into another device that does other things as well, so you'll most likely notice a fair difference between onboard soundcard DAC versus external USB or RCA DAC.

Cheers!

 

[krmathis]

You're welcome!
You eliminate both the sound cards built in DAC and its headphone amplifier. Hence you have the option of using a higher quality external DAC, and also don't double-amplify the signal.

 

[plonter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zarathustra19 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Pretty much. The DAC would come from a digital out and convert the Digital signal to an analog signal for you to hear. The difference is that with the soundcard (if it's stock and does not support ASIO or any other bypass) is that you'll get a processed signal that could be detrimental to the digital signal's conversion. The external DAC is built specifically to convert the signal from digital to analog, it is not integrated into another device that does other things as well, so you'll most likely notice a fair difference between onboard soundcard DAC versus external USB or RCA DAC. Cheers!

ok..so the soundcard's is "playing" with the signal too much and ruining,"dirtying" the pure signal. so an external dac will do only this job of converting the "pure" and bypassed digital signal from the sound card straight to the amp and it will be much more close to the original.
did i get it right...?

 

[plonter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif You're welcome! You eliminate both the sound cards built in DAC and its headphone amplifier. Hence you have the option of using a higher quality external DAC, and also don't double-amplify the signal.

do the soundcard's have also a little headphone amp inside? because i thought that the signal coming out of the comp' headphones jack is NOT amplified but only going through the soundcard's dac...but not amplified in one way or another.

 

[krmathis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by plonter /img/forum/go_quote.gif do the soundcard's have also a little headphone amp inside? because i thought that the signal coming out of the comp' headphones jack is NOT amplified but only going through the soundcard's dac...but not amplified in one way or another.

It probably have a built in headphone amplifier.
You don't name the sound card, and I am not all into those cards anyway, so its a bit hard to say for sure. Either way you eliminate the built in DAC.

 

[plonter]

yeah..i guess youre right. an external seperate dac will do more good to the sound signal.
i am sorry for the bugging..but what exactly is the difference between a independent dac and the one in the soundcard or any other player(like ipod or cd player)?

 

[krmathis]

The design, implementation, parts, features, and more...
Exactly the same as comparing the built in amplifier to a solid external dedicated one.