[chipzahoy]

Of course you would need something between the 02US and the speakers - cable

The 02US should be fine for gaming/movies if you plan on using a 2-channel setup.

 

[jisu]

i meant other than cables,ie. an amp

What if I decide to add a sub later down the track?

 

[jisu]

One other thing I don't understand is what's the difference between a DAC and a sound card?

 

[jisu]

bump!

 

[chipzahoy]

The best way to do it with least sound degradation is by adding a preamp with multiple outputs (assuming that you plan on buying an active subwoofer).

USB DACs are essentially soundcards that operates with the USB interface, and internal soundcards are simplified DACs with only one digital input - the PCI. They really aren't that different.

 

[leftear]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jisu /img/forum/go_quote.gif One other thing I don't understand is what's the difference between a DAC and a sound card?

Simple, the difference is that, the DAC performance metrics, offers a maximum resolution of 32 bits, meaning more headroom and less impact on performance with higher input audio data resolutions. Maximum sample rate is up to 192kHz and DNR in single ended operating mode is 120dB.

 

[jisu]

I did not understand that lols

 

[Gilly]

a sound card turns the digital sounds on the computer into either digital output or analog output. it has a dac and an opamp.

a dac just converts a digital input (from coax, toslink, USB) into analog line level output.

 

[jisu]

ah i see, what's an opamp?

 

[ROBSCIX]

Amplifier chip that puts the DAC's output or the ADC's input to a usable level.

 

[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftear /img/forum/go_quote.gif Simple, the difference is that, the DAC performance metrics, offers a maximum resolution of 32 bits, meaning more headroom and less impact on performance with higher input audio data resolutions. Maximum sample rate is up to 192kHz and DNR in single ended operating mode is 120dB.

Uhm... no.

A DAC is a Digital to Analog Converter. As the name implies, its sole purpose is to convert an incoming digital stream into an outgoing analog stream.

A sound card is a computer interface that generally has a DAC in it, along with a receiver that the computer is able to communicate with and send a digital audio stream to be converted to an analog audio stream, likely be be amplified using an opamp to live or headphone level. Some DACs have already output line-level signal so what is generally known as a "line output stage" can be forgone.

 

[jisu]

I'm sorry to all those who are deaf

 

[MrGreen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by apatN /img/forum/go_quote.gif Voted for the DM. A dedicated DAC is better in my book.

x2