There are plenty of external DACs that can output surround audio.
Hardware & Technical New Computer- speaker recommendations
- Thread starter Nat1984
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There are plenty of external DACs that can output surround audio.
I did not know that - thanks.
To elaborate, most external DACs are essentially USB sound cards that can include any capabilities (channels, amplification, etc) the manufacturer feels like including. Any digital receiver placed outside the system is also technically an external DAC, even if it's not what most people mean.
There are many 5.1 and 7.1 mainstream external DACs, like this Creative one (not a recommendation, just an example), and if I looked hard enough, I'm sure I could find a USB 24.1.10 (two-dozen floor speakers, a sub, and ten overhead speakers) DAC for the highest end Dolby Atmos home cinema setups.
I use a DAC to link my television and my amplifier.Same here.
But really, for PC connection I can't recommend a DAC enough. I paid like 200 dollars for mine, and I could hear massive difference in sound quality immediately.
The one I have is just a small gadget I hook up to a USB port and plug the amp to.
The DAC is responsible for converting the digital signal from the PCs 'sound processor' into the analog signal for our old amps. The onboard DACs on the motherboards are often very cheap and often does not deliver a very crisp convertion.
Of course, your mileage may vary. Some people say they can't hear a difference at all after buying a separate dac
Digital / analog conversion works well
This little DAC is amazing. I had paid thirty euros. A very good manufacturing quality with the metal shell. Solid.
For the PC I directly connect the sound output to the amp.
The PC motherboard has a Supreme FX sound chip.
The quality is excellent on my speakers
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INDEED!! I couldn't agree more!
I have the exact same Fiio DAC and use it from my motherboard straight to my headphones.
The very best sound I could ever ask for!!
I personally have a little desktop amplifier I got from amazon and a couple of decent bookshelf speakers I got from Richer Sounds a few years ago. I think the whole lot probably cost me around £100 and sounds so much nicer than most "2.1 audio" setups.
www.richersounds.com
www.richersounds.com
Something like that. I'd probably spend an extra 10-20 quid on the speakers, though.
Or like this, if you want it really cheap
www.richersounds.com
Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 (Black)
Shop for Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 Black Speaker Pair with Richer Sounds for a 6 Year Guarantee, expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed
www.richersounds.com
Cambridge Audio Topaz AM1 (Black)
Over the past 25 years, Cambridge Audio have been market leaders with its range of budget amplifiers - the Cambridge A1 was one of the best selling amplifiers of all time! So we're proud to bring you its latest model, the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM1. 'Sound first' philosophyDesigned from the...
www.richersounds.com
Something like that. I'd probably spend an extra 10-20 quid on the speakers, though.
Or like this, if you want it really cheap
Pioneer XEM16 (Black)
Shop for Pioneer XEM16 Black Mini System INC Speakers with Richer Sounds for expert advice and lowest prices guaranteed
www.richersounds.com
It was very strange. I opened it up (it was an ebay special several years ago) and examined it. Metal Case. Unearthed. Not double-insulated.
Going to bin it. Even if I could fix it I'm not putting up with that as it isn't very safe. The 240v live wire (which is insulated) literally runs down inside the metal case. So in the event of certain failures, my case would be live. Brilliant.
Going to bin it. Even if I could fix it I'm not putting up with that as it isn't very safe. The 240v live wire (which is insulated) literally runs down inside the metal case. So in the event of certain failures, my case would be live. Brilliant.
A good pair of headphones shouldn't cause ear pain even after hours of continuous usage. In any case, I recommend you look at this website to have an educated decision.
www.audiosciencereview.com
Articles, Reviews and Measurements of Audio Products
Audio Hifi Equipment Reviews Stereo
www.audiosciencereview.com
I have the iconic Magni 3 / Modi 3 combo for my headphones. It's virtually the best in its price range.
I ended up getting a good deal on a Soundblaster Kratos S5 2.1 system. I think I payed around £108. And it includes a USB DAC. You'd have to like big, ballsy sounds and that's what it's there for but if you do you'll love it. Sounds great in games and for listening to music provided you don't mind it's proclivity to shake the room!
Also it has RGB, so is worth at least 30FPS.......
Also it has RGB, so is worth at least 30FPS.......
I use a DAC to link my television and my amplifier.
Digital / analog conversion works well
This little DAC is amazing. I had paid thirty euros. A very good manufacturing quality with the metal shell. Solid.
View attachment 174047
View attachment 174048
For the PC I directly connect the sound output to the amp.
The PC motherboard has a Supreme FX sound chip.
The quality is excellent on my speakers
---------------------------------
Agree, those Fiio are tiny neat devices. I have a E10k DAC plugged to my desktop with the sole purpose of driving my AKG K712 cans.
The "standard" audio instead is an ancient Logitech X-230 2.1 set plugged into an old Creative X-Fi. It doesn't sound half bad, but the difference with the AKG+Fiio combo is jarring. Especially with high quality recordings or a game like Elite, it's like half the sounds and nuances are simply not there on the 2.1 compared to the headphones. Also, as far as comfort goes, as someone wearing glasses and prone to pain and discomfort issues with headphones on prolonged session, these are the first ones I've had so far that I could literally wear for hours on end. Just very well made.
The fact I found them for half their price in a thrift shop, followed by the Fiio for a third of its price in a different thrift shop a week later, made the combo only that much sweeter.
Yes currently we can get technology for a very good price if we look a little.Agree, those Fiio are tiny neat devices. I have a E10k DAC plugged to my desktop with the sole purpose of driving my AKG K712 cans.
The "standard" audio instead is an ancient Logitech X-230 2.1 set plugged into an old Creative X-Fi. It doesn't sound half bad, but the difference with the AKG+Fiio combo is jarring. Especially with high quality recordings or a game like Elite, it's like half the sounds and nuances are simply not there on the 2.1 compared to the headphones. Also, as far as comfort goes, as someone wearing glasses and prone to pain and discomfort issues with headphones on prolonged session, these are the first ones I've had so far that I could literally wear for hours on end. Just very well made.
The fact I found them for half their price in a thrift shop, followed by the Fiio for a third of its price in a different thrift shop a week later, made the combo only that much sweeter.
I like this FIIO brand.Agree, those Fiio are tiny neat devices. I have a E10k DAC plugged to my desktop with the sole purpose of driving my AKG K712 cans.
The "standard" audio instead is an ancient Logitech X-230 2.1 set plugged into an old Creative X-Fi. It doesn't sound half bad, but the difference with the AKG+Fiio combo is jarring. Especially with high quality recordings or a game like Elite, it's like half the sounds and nuances are simply not there on the 2.1 compared to the headphones. Also, as far as comfort goes, as someone wearing glasses and prone to pain and discomfort issues with headphones on prolonged session, these are the first ones I've had so far that I could literally wear for hours on end. Just very well made.
The fact I found them for half their price in a thrift shop, followed by the Fiio for a third of its price in a different thrift shop a week later, made the combo only that much sweeter.
The products are really excellent manufacturing.