DAC+AMP suggestion for ATH-M50x

[PodWind]

Hello all, I currently have an Asus STRIX SOAR sound card, which is actually noticeably more clear than onboard sound.

 

Problem is, I use headphones (ATH-M50x) and since I've had this card, I get coil whine on the left channel when loading up the GPU. Depending on the game, I get more or less whine, but none when idle. I already tried adding an isolating group loop, which did improve the whine, but not fully remove it.

 

I've finally cracked and decided I can't take the buzzing in my left ear anymore when playing quiet games, so I'm looking for an external DAC+AMP.

 

I'm looking for suggestions for an external USB separate DAC+AMP or a combo unit. I'm not looking to cheap out, but I'm also not looking to spend a fortune, so probably something mid tiered (~$600 ish USD). I do play games, but I also watch a lot of YouTube and Movies/TV on my computer. Something balanced and exaggerated highs or lows would be ideal.

 

Oh and I'm in Australia, so chances are, I might have to import something anyway. Thanks!

[Stahlmann]

I had the same issue and switched from a Xonar Essense STX II sound card to a FiiO K5 Pro external DAC/AMP combo. It powers my Beyerdynamic Amiron Home headphones fine and sounds great.

[fuzz0r]

I will always recommend the Schiit Stack. I love mine.

[HenrySalayne]

The ATH-M50x is easy to drive and doesn't need anything special. A Behringer UMC202HD would be a decent choice.

[Tigerleon]

Sound Blaster G6. Great  software comes with it.

[pas008]

5 hours ago, HenrySalayne said:

The ATH-M50x is easy to drive and doesn't need anything special. A Behringer UMC202HD would be a decent choice.

and not really worth wasting money on

 

i'd say get new headphones before spending anything on m50s

[rice guru]

6 hours ago, PodWind said:

Hello all, I currently have an Asus STRIX SOAR sound card, which is actually noticeably more clear than onboard sound.

 

Problem is, I use headphones (ATH-M50x) and since I've had this card, I get coil whine on the left channel when loading up the GPU. Depending on the game, I get more or less whine, but none when idle. I already tried adding an isolating group loop, which did improve the whine, but not fully remove it.

 

I've finally cracked and decided I can't take the buzzing in my left ear anymore when playing quiet games, so I'm looking for an external DAC+AMP.

 

I'm looking for suggestions for an external USB separate DAC+AMP or a combo unit. I'm not looking to cheap out, but I'm also not looking to spend a fortune, so probably something mid tiered (~$600 ish USD). I do play games, but I also watch a lot of YouTube and Movies/TV on my computer. Something balanced and exaggerated highs or lows would be ideal.

 

Oh and I'm in Australia, so chances are, I might have to import something anyway. Thanks!

For $600 I would go for a schiit stack and a better headphone m the m50x is honestly not a headphone worth spending $600 unless. You want to spend $600 to run more expensive gear. I like to preach spend more on your headphones than your source gear.