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Juntao
5
Apr 22, 2017
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Can someone explain how a DAC/headphone amp enhances music and gaming? I dont know much about audio equipment so im curious to know how much of a difference this device makes. I like how small it is and im definitely okay with spending $60 but is it worth it for my setup? Im currently using a pair of Kanto Yumi speakers and HiFiMan HE-350 headphones for my PC.
Jisheng
257
Keyboard Club Member
Apr 22, 2017
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JuntaoWell if the MD listing is true for the impedance of your headphone, at 19 ohms you won't need an amp for those cans. And that's all I know...lol
RiflemanFirst
685
Apr 22, 2017
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JuntaoTo put it simply, the components used in external DAC/amps tend to be of significantly higher quality and more powerful when compared to the onboard audio circuitry on most computer motherboards (and many add-on sound cards) for example. Using an external DAC/amp also takes the audio signal away from other parts inside your computer case which can cause interference, such as a power supply or video card. This results in an audibly cleaner sound with a lower noise floor. You will hear subtle details in the background of your music & games that you never noticed before. External headphone amps are useful when you want to use high impedance and/or lower sensitivity headphones, which onboard audio is often unable to drive adequately.
I definitely recommend giving an external DAC/amp a try if you only have onboard audio in your computer. You might think that the sound is "good enough" already, but an external DAC/amp is worth a try at $60. If you aren't impressed, I'm sure you could find someone else to buy your E10K for $60 easily.
I definitely recommend giving an external DAC/amp a try if you only have onboard audio in your computer. You might think that the sound is "good enough" already, but an external DAC/amp is worth a try at $60. If you aren't impressed, I'm sure you could find someone else to buy your E10K for $60 easily.
Juntao
5
Apr 22, 2017
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RiflemanFirstThanks for the explanation! I feel like a DAC/amp is something id have to experience for myself to further understand what its like so i'll give it a shot and buy one (:
RiflemanFirst
685
Apr 22, 2017
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JuntaoGlad I was able to help you make a decision. The E10K is a solid choice for your first external DAC/amp and I hope you enjoy it.
BeardedAlbatross
16
Apr 24, 2017
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JuntaoIn all likelihood you won't hear any difference with your speakers and Headphones. Unless your motherboard's onboard sound is noticeably distorted (hissing, high noise floor, etc) then don't bother. IF there is an audible difference between DACs then you need much more expensive equipment to resolve that kind of detail.
A DAC just changes a digital signal into an analog one. We've gotten very good at doing this. I don't know what kind of magic everyone thinks DACs do to their audio.
RiflemanFirst
685
Apr 25, 2017
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BeardedAlbatrossYou have some valid points. A properly functioning DAC won't magically transform/color or distort the audio in any way. The main reason I first decided to try out external DAC/amps (more specifically the Schiit Fulla 2) was because my sound card picked up interference from my video card and I knew this would be an easy solution. An added benefit was also being able to use higher impedance headphones such as the Sennheiser HD650s. I have since then traded up my Fulla 2 towards a Modi Multibit & Vali 2 stack and have no desire to go back to onboard audio or a sound card for my desktop computer.
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