recommendations for a dac

[Guest]

I dont know much about external dacs but i heard they can make my audio sound better. I dont really know what to get.

right now i just use the onboard audio on my motherboard, it says its realtek audio.

 

headset: hyperx cloud alpha

 

specs:

amd r5 5600x

ram 16gb 2x8 3600 cl15 trident z rgb

mobo gigabyte b450m ds3h

gpu evga gtx 970

[GamerDude]

I know of purely audio (no mic output) DAC stack/combo, but with a HyperX Alpha Cloud, I'd say just stick with your present setup (using mobo audio/mic outputs). A DAC stack (consisting of separate DAC and amp sections/units) or combo (both DAC and amp built into one unit) would be needed for perhaps higher sampling rate audio, DSD, MQA, etc support....though I don't think MQA is all it's been made out to be.

 

I'd gotten DAC combos because I'd needed DSD support, want Balanced headphone output (my Oppo HA-1 supports this) as well as to drive all manner of headphones, from regular dynamic drivers to Planar Magnetic.

 

With just the HyperX Alpha Cloud, buying an expensive DAC stack/combo would be a waste of money as you'd probably not hear a difference as gaming cans do not scale well with better gear upstream. It's when you buy an audiophile grade can, like the HD600 for example, which scales well with better gear that perhaps justifies a reasonably good DAC stack/combo.

[ShearMe]

I doubt a gaming headset will benefit from an external DAC

[weez]

I have the Hyperx Cloud Alpha and honestly unless you're noticing audio bleeps, bloops, static, or pops I would just use your onboard. If you want external for ease of use having a volume nob, look used. Astro Mixamps usually go for cheap used, at least in my area

[rice guru]

7 hours ago, rippy4500 said:

I dont know much about external dacs but i heard they can make my audio sound better. I dont really know what to get.

right now i just use the onboard audio on my motherboard, it says its realtek audio.

 

headset: hyperx cloud alpha

 

specs:

amd r5 5600x

ram 16gb 2x8 3600 cl15 trident z rgb

mobo gigabyte b450m ds3h

gpu evga gtx 970

Just get a better headphone that's how you would improve this setup the best.

[GoldenSound]

An external DAC and amplifier can certainly be very beneficial, but in this situation the money would be better spent on a headphone upgrade first.

It's not worth getting an external DAC and/or amp for a gaming headset

[Pickles von Brine]

Schiit Hel also second headphone upgrade. Plenty of great ones out there for under 200. 

[Tan3l6]

For a budget DAC Fosi Audio DAC-Q4 is good option.

It might be overpriced now though, I got mine for 30€