DAC - yay or nay?

[gooooofpie]

As a average gamer and a student, is a DAC worth the investment? Specifically Audioengine D1 at $169

 

 

 

[Octavialicious]

No, not at all. My $500 headphones sound the same on my onboard audio. (They are easier to drive then most expensive headphones, but still)

 

you're not going to notice a difference, save your cash

[gooooofpie]

No, not at all. My $500 headphones sound the same on my onboard audio. (They are easier to drive then most expensive headphones, but still)

 

you're not going to notice a difference, save your cash

Which DAC did you compare it against and what motherboard?

[Octavialicious]

Which DAC did you compare it against and what motherboard?

FiiO E10K vs. Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SOC

 

They also sounded great on my old M5A99X Evo R2.0

 

Unless your mobo is ancient, it's fine

[Aphexx]

if you want different sounds then invest in multiple headphones before you go into a dac

an open back a closed backed ("monito"r)  a boomy bassy one .... these headphones will give you enough variety and changes in sounds that would greatly outscale any insignificant if any audible differences of getting a dac

[RevoltTrain]

I'd get one if you are willing to pay for one. It's a really nice thing to have and adds a bit to your audio experience. 

[SSL]

If you don't currently have complaints about your onboard, no.

 

If you just want to spice up your audio, get new headphones first.

[Tomoko]

99% placebo.

[creatip123]

I'd say yay. Without a DAC you won't be able to play any digital sounds at all. You need at least 1 working DAC circuit....

 

OK, serious point, need? No, unless the existing system got problems. Want it anyway? That's for you to answer. 

[Nup]

Nay!

[Eugene Yap]

If you are a student, save the money.