Need help with DAC/amps

[Alec57]

Hi Guys,

 

I am building a PC for my brother. He will be using it for music production, gaming and video editing.

Solid audio is "pretty important" to him but we don't have a huge budget, so I am asking you guys if you think I need to get a DAC/amp.

 

We are going to get the Asus Z97 Pro (Wifi AC), Audio Technica ATH-M50X heaphones and Logitech Z623 2.1 speakers.

I personally have an Asus Z87 Pro (Wifi AC) and Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones.

For my rig the onboard audio doesn't sound too bad for my untrained ears. I plugged my headphones into the rear onboard port and they weren't too quiet and the sound is clear without any crackling, buzzing, humming, popping etc.

I'm assuming the sound will be pretty comparable for my brother's build. However, Asus supposedly have added audio shielding, dedicated audio PCB layers, an audio amplifier, Japanese capacitors and EMI protection to the new Z97 board which doesn't feature on the spec list for the Z87.

 

So do you guys think it is worth it getting a DAC/amp considering my brother's desire to produce music etc? Will the audio be considerably juicier/crisper/fuller?

Also is this the type of thing where you would only notice a difference in a more high end set of headphones?

And would we notice a difference if we plugged Logitech Z623 speakers into the DAC compared to the speakers not being run through a DAC?

 

If we do need to get a DAC/amp which one would be good without spending over the $100-150ish AUD pricepoint?

The Audio Engine D1 is on PC Case Gear for $169, is that one any good?

http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=116_1410&products_id=19169

 

Also I've heard the FiiO E10K and the Schiit Modi+Magni is good too but these arent on PCCG so unless I find another Australian store that has them I'd probably have to get them shipped internationally from Amazon or something.

 

TL;DR: will it make a significant difference to audio quality if I get a DAC/amp for my brother's PC Build and what is a good DAC/amp for someone not looking to spend too much money?

 

 

[H4X3R]

Nah, onboard will be fine.

 

PS It is very similar to yours, the differences are very minor and are exaggerated for marketing purposes.

 

side note: If he will be editing / producing music he should consider the akg k612 pro's instead.

[ShearMe]

Don't get a DAC or amp. Instead, toss the Logitechs and grab some real studio monitors. Good monitors are more important for music production than any other equipment. Mastering should be done on monitors, not headphones.

[Alec57]

So you guys don't think there would be an audible difference if we got a DAC/amp?

Also can anybody else attest to the quality of the AKG k612's?

[H4X3R]

So you guys don't think there would be an audible difference if we got a DAC/amp?

Also can anybody else attest to the quality of the AKG k612's?

I can

[Joshua Ondangan]

well if can grab shitty stack. pretty good for the price depending on where you buy. 

[xtroria]

K612 pro would be a somewhat more real reference sounding headphone. If you're going to grab that headphone, then you'll need an amp/dac.

 

Schiit magni + modi stack should be more than enough

[Alec57]

If he is not going to be super serious into music production in the near future would you guys be happy with the ATH-M50Xs? Also are these a big step up from the ATH-M40Xs in terms of quality and are they worth the price increase?

Also how do you guys think the ATH-M50Xs compare to Sennheiser 598 or the ATH-AD900X open back headphones?

[xtroria]

If he is not going to be super serious into music production in the near future would you guys be happy with the ATH-M50Xs? Also are these a big step up from the ATH-M40Xs in terms of quality and are they worth the price increase?

Also how do you guys think the ATH-M50Xs compare to Sennheiser 598 or the ATH-AD900X open back headphones?

 

ATH-M50X is somewhat overrated due to MKBHD's and many others' videos. They are decent (or good) but they arent "THE BEST SOUNDING HEADPHONE AT THIS PRICE" 

 

I'll pick AD900X over M50X, brighter sounding headphones are always more revealing, telling you what's wrong in a recording, the bass won't overpower your mids and highs

[ShearMe]

The K 612 is the most neutral headphone I've ever heard, aside from more expensive options. Closed soundstage of the M50(X) makes them kinda meh. ATH-AD series lacks a lot of bass. HD 500 series is my favorite that's mentioned so far, the easiest to listen to, but also isn't the most revealing of fine details.

[psychot]

As far as music production goes, I think the sounds signature of the m40x is more desirable than the m50x. I've listened to both fairly extensively, and the m40x is flatter. The m50x has a slight V shaped sound signature (ie recessed mids, louder bass/treble). The m40x isn't perfectly flat, but it's flatter than the m50x. In terms of build quality, they are essentially the same, only difference is the m50x's ear cups swivel farther. So IMO, the m50x definately are not worth the extra money, unless you really want that slight V sound. 

[Matacks]

Just from looking at the specs of the ath-m50x I would say you don't need an amp. the amp is meant to help out higher ohm headphones.

Still, it is not a bad idea to get an amp. An amp/dac combo is more expensive but an amp by itself costs less and is still pretty great to have.