[gmaister22]

Hey guys,
 
i want to improve the sound output of my computer and i'm between a soundcard and a ODAC/AMP...what would you suggest?
 
My budget is about 200$ and i'm located in Europe

 

[billybob_jcv]

Are you primarily listening to music, movies or games?

 

[gmaister22]

Mostly i play games while listening to music, sometimes i watch movies
 
40% gaming
40% music
20% movies
 
somethin like that

 

[billybob_jcv]

If you want the surround processing (Dolby Headphone, SBX, Dolby/DTS multichannel, etc) then you will want a soundcard because a music DAC like the ODAC will not provide those features.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Hey guys,
i want to improve the sound output of my computer and I'm between a sound card and a ODAC/AMP...what would you suggest?
My budget is about 200$ and I'm located in Europe

 
Assuming this is for headphones?
Which model headphones?
 
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z sound card would be a good choice for FPS gaming, good sound quality, for it's price.
 
Asus Xonar DX or D1 sound card (used is fine) combined with a FiiO E11K headphone amplifier, would give you a volume knob at your finger tips.
The E11K to me is a better headphone amplifier, then the one built into the SB-Z.
The SB-Z and DX/D1 both come with the CS4398 DAC chip
 
The Asus Xonar Essence STX and Sound Blaster ZxR sound cards, come with better DAC chips, then the SB-Z & DX/D1.

 

[gmaister22]

Bad thing about the Xonar Essence STX is that it doesnt have a volume knob to place on my desk 

 

[cel4145]

The ODAC doesn't have a volume knob either. For that, you need a headphone amp like the Objective 2.

 

[gmaister22]

The soundblaster zxr is a solid solution you think?

 

[cel4145]

If you don't need the surround processing of the Soundblaster, then I would get the ODAC + O2. Do you need the virtual surround processing of a sound card?

 

[gmaister22]

Currently, no, but who knows about the near future...if the quality is the same, i can obviously go with the soundblaster zxr

 

[cel4145]

Currently, no, but who knows about the near future...if the quality is the same, i can obviously go with the soundblaster zxr

I doubt most head-fiers would consider the quality the same. Would the difference be worthwhile to you? I cannot tell you.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Currently, no, but who knows about the near future...if the quality is the same, i can obviously go with the Sound Blaster ZxR

 
If your really into FPS gaming, then I would say to go for a sound card.
If you really like a lot of detail in your music, then get the ODAC/O2.
A good deal on a used Modi/Magni combo is another option.
 
What headphones are you using?

 

[superjawes]

If your really into FPS gaming, then I would say to go for a sound card.
If you really like a lot of detail in your music, then get the ODAC/O2.
A good deal on a used Modi/Magni combo is another option.

What headphones are you using?

QFTruthiness

Before any amp (or DAC) is recommended, we do need to know the headphones. A solid sound card can do decent DAC and amping work, but you'll also get a bonus of sound processing that something like the ODAC or Modi can't do.

 

[gmaister22]

Or, i can get Astro A50s...looking good
 
Cause, for gaming then ill need a Microphone too, add 150$, 200$ for the card + some good headphones another 200$ ( i have good headphones but they are for djing, the sennheiser HD25's
 
I don't know..so confused...

 

[gmaister22]

what u guys say?