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Sound Card + DAC/Amp recommendation?

gleggie33
By gleggie33
in Audio
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Go to solution Solved by ShearMe,

what do you mean by better connectors? 

 

The Monoprice unit has more connectors for various uses, plus they are more durable.

 

ec5328e68f.jpg

85b5c96050.jpg

 

 

 Also, If I have speakers plugged into the DAC, is it easy to switch back and forth between speaker/headphone output?

 

There is no switch. The outputs continuously transmit a signal. Only way to "switch" is to turn the speaker system on and off.

Posted

I am looking for a soundcard recommendation to go with a DAC/Amp combo.  I'm currently looking at the Fiio E10k for my DAC/Amp, and will be using ATH-M50's for my headphones.  I know they don't need an amp, but I might be going with something like DT770's later on with 250 ohms.  

 

When using a DAC/Amp, do you still need a better sound card?  If so, what sound cards are good?  Budget would be under $100 but prefererably around the $50 range.

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You don't need a sound card, just get the E10

 

 

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You don't need a sound card, just get the E10

It's no longer the e10 it's now e10k, i looked for the e10 and couldn't find it

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It's no longer the e10 it's now e10k, i looked for the e10 and couldn't find it

Still, dont need a soundcard

 

 

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Still, dont need a soundcard

yeah i agree with you fully

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The dac/amp replaces what the sound card would be doing. That's all you need.

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Thanks for the quick responses everyone, i'll be getting the e10k then, unless anyone has recommendations for a DAC/Amp combo.

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Thanks for the quick responses everyone, i'll be getting the e10k then, unless anyone has recommendations for a DAC/Amp combo.

If you want to be able to use it OTG (On the go) get the E18

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What does OTG do? I don't need it to be portable, as it will just be sitting on my desk

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What does OTG do? I don't need it to be portable, as it will just be sitting on my desk

 

He just meant that it's battery powered and can be carried around with a phone for example.

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Monoprice's Desktop Amp is just a tad more expensive, but the better connectors are worth it for a desktop unit, imo.

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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That Monoprice desktop amp/DAC looks pretty good, I read around and heard that its basically an e09k with a built in DAC.  Now this is a tough decision... what do you mean by better connectors?  Also, If I have speakers plugged into the DAC, is it easy to switch back and forth between speaker/headphone output?

 

Thanks for all the responses everyone

 

Edit: After a bit more research, i am leaning towards the Monoprice desktop amp

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  • Solution

what do you mean by better connectors? 

 

The Monoprice unit has more connectors for various uses, plus they are more durable.

 

ec5328e68f.jpg

85b5c96050.jpg

 

 

 Also, If I have speakers plugged into the DAC, is it easy to switch back and forth between speaker/headphone output?

 

There is no switch. The outputs continuously transmit a signal. Only way to "switch" is to turn the speaker system on and off.

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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Thanks for the info!  I'll be going with the Monoprice

 

Cool! Let us know what you think after you play with it for awhile. :)

PC Build in LTT Gallery - JBL J88 - Fostex T50RP (Modded) - Pioneer SE-A1000 vs audio-technica ATH-AD500X - Skullcandy Aviator  
audio-technica ATH-T400 - CHC Silverado and Laredo - Clip-On Headphone Roundup - Sony LinkBuds

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