USB DACs and Gaming

[synaesthetic]

Does anyone know if these USB DACs, such as the Alien DAC or various DACs included with headphone amps, play well with games? Let it be known that I don't care about EAX, 3D audio or other "gaming" audio stuff, just that I get the sound one would expect to get.

 

[GordonFreeman]

I use mine to play Half-Life and it works fine. I do have to tell you though, I prefer the headphone out plugged into my amp because the computer sound card seems to do 2 channel gaming better than an outboard dac. Long and short is, yes it works but try it both ways and decide for yourself.

 

[The Legend]

I've read that some people prefer a DAC for certain situations, but overall a good soundcard provides better gaming quality.

 

[spacemanspliff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Legend /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've read that some people prefer a DAC for certain situations, but overall a good soundcard provides better gaming quality.

Used to be sure. Now, eax is not used in games as much. At least in real games. I believe HL2 has it's own sound engine as does COD4. That being the case, I prefer just running digital out from the mobo. Usb to dac is good. I am using optical atm and am not entirely happy. I am getting a Trends Audio usb to coax converter to serve as a transport. My understanding is that it really improves things by cleaning up the signal.

Ok so yes I prefer a dac to a soundcard. I will say that the Prelude does well enough as a cheap-ish "all in one" solution.

However, I also really liked my x-fi to Oritek Zhalou, PS Audio II, and several other dacs in the past for gaming.

Bioshock is a really cool sounding game btw.

 

[GordonFreeman]

Usb dac will give you better sound quality but the positional qualities are better using the analog output on my sound card.

 

[synaesthetic]

I play RPGs, turn based strategy and the occasional single player FPS; positional audio means jack poopoo to me. =P I just don't feel like having to disconnect my cans from the amp and into the sound card every time I want to play something.

 

[GordonFreeman]

What ever floats your boat.

 

[naamanf]

I play COD4 with my USB Opus DAC just fine. Sounds better than the onboard sound of my M1730.

 

[synaesthetic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by naamanf /img/forum/go_quote.gif I play COD4 with my USB Opus DAC just fine. Sounds better than the onboard sound of my M1730.

Yeah, I don't have enough money for both a USB DAC and a gaming sound card, and I'm sure the USB DAC will be better for gaming than my crappy onboard AC'97 audio.