Do i need an external DAC?

[timmy3010]

Earlier today i tried playing my music (FLAC) through my hTC one m8 connected to my swans m50w and it was a lot better than when i plug it in to my pc, the bass is more punchy, the vocals are more clear and its just better, so is my mobo's soundcard really bad? and i should buy an external DAC? Im planning to buy the FiiO E10k but is it worth it?

 

[creatip123]

What's the jack on PC did you plug the speakers to? It should be the LINE OUT jack. 

[timmy3010]

What's the jack on PC did you plug the speakers to? It should be the LINE OUT jack. 

i plugged it in to the green 3.5mm jack (on the back,), it doesnt say anything

[Torg73]

Earlier today i tried playing my music (FLAC) through my hTC one m8 connected to my swans m50w and it was a lot better than when i plug it in to my pc, the bass is more punchy, the vocals are more clear and its just better, so is my mobo's soundcard really bad? and i should buy an external DAC? Im planning to buy the FiiO E10k but is it worth it?

I have the Fiio E10 Olynpus and its improved my sound over all on my PC, but I needed something to drive my DT990 250ohm headphones.

 

A cheaper option my be for you is getting a sound card but there no guarantee that will help, if you can afford the DAC then go for it as you will see over all sound improvement's on you're system

[Eugene Yap]

I personally own Zdac, its huge improvement over build in soundcard (P8Z77-V PREMIUM),

I've Up upgraded to Parasound Zdac about 3 years ago from Auzen X-Fi Bravura as the heat from GFX cooked the sound card.

 

Over all its worth the upgrade. It sounds better in terms raw bass, treble and mids. its perfect from music and movies.

But you'll lose some of the gaming sound effects like EAX/OpenAL and 7.1 surround.

It doesn't really bug me as I don't those in gaming anyway and prefer using 2 higher end speakers then 7.1 lower end speakers

 

My Sound layout is Parasound Zdac>Marantz SR7007>Cerwin-Vega xls-215(Bi-Amp)

Reviews of Zdac below

http://www.whathifi.com/parasound/zdac/review

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/parasound-zdac

http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/parasound-zdac

 

Does the onboard soundcard really bad?

No, but there is a huge improvement if you switch to DACs.

 

Should you buy External DAC?

Base on your speakers it could help a little, I would recommended listening through your ears 1st before buying as it may not suit your taste as DAC,AMPs,Speakers sounds differently as they stack differently.

 

Do all DACs sound different?

Yes, I've compare to my friend's "iFi iDAC" it sound totally different on my sound system, so it boils down to taste.

 

PS: Sorry I'm lack of experience with FiiO E10k so i can't judge that Dac.

[creatip123]

i plugged it in to the green 3.5mm jack (on the back,), it doesnt say anything

 

Try plugging into line out jack. Refer to motherboard's manual 

[SSL]

Does the onboard soundcard really bad?

No, but there is a huge improvement if you switch to DACs.

 

I've always said that two DACs are better than one. Now it's official!!

[Eugene Yap]

I've always said that two DACs are better than one. Now it's official!!

 

Jokes aside, I forgot to add the brackets

[creatip123]

I've always said that two DACs are better than one. Now it's official!!

 

Crossfire 2x 24/192 DAC, and you got yourself a 48/384 DAC....

[ShearMe]

Crossfire 2x 24/192 DAC, and you got yourself a 48/384 DAC....

I prefer SLI so I can use GSync to smooth the stairsteps away.

[Pomfinator]

I think you have Beats Audio turned on....