[Birghtest]

Hello everyone, 
 
I want to improve my sound quality from my PC, need help deciding between a Xonar DG sound card and the Sabre USB DAC.
 
The Xonar DG also has an amp, but how much would my ATH-M50 benefit from an amp, since they're easy to drive anyway?
 
The Sabre DAC is famous for its' sound quality , as much as I understand from its' reviews.
 
The Sabre DAC has a smaller version which costs a bit less, how much difference would it make considering the headphones I use? 
 
I should also say that I don't need any surround or multi-channel audio support, as I'm not playing any games nor watching any movies on my PC. 
 
Thanks!

 

[Birghtest]

?

 

[Birghtest]

up

 

[cel4145]

I haven't heard the two of them. But based on what I have read, I would go with the Hifimediy Sabre. Partially because internal soundcards can be more prone to some EMI than USB DACs.

 

[Birghtest]

but on the other hand, the Sabre is not an amp, while the Xonar has an amp.
I'm asking whether I will even benefit from Xonar's amp or not...

 

[flatmap]

In most circumstances, the ATH-M50 really don't need an amp.  However as the earlier poster noted, there may be more noise with an internal soundcard.
I don't think that increased noise is inevitable, but you have to be prepared for the possibility.  

 

[PurpleAngel]

  but on the other hand, the Sabre is not an amp, while the Xonar has an amp.
I'm asking whether I will even benefit from Xonar's amp or not...

 
I would think you would benefit more by upgrading from the ATH-M50s, the M50s are "bassy" headphones, which overshadows the mids.
Headphones with a more balanced sound might work for you.
Maybe sell off the M60s and find some used Audio Technica ATH-A900X, on eBay.