Which soundcard?`

[Predator101]

Hello,

 

Price doesn't matter, power consumption also doesn't matter. I would like a high end (audiophile quality) soundcard for better audio quality, I would not like a soundcard for gaming and I don't require 7.1 surround sound. I'm planning on connecting it to my amplifier via phono connecters preferably.

 

The motherboard I have (encase of any compatibility problems) is a gigabyte z97x gaming 7.

 

Thanks in advanced,

Predator101

[theelitegamer]

What headset you have? 

[Predator101]

I won't be connecting my headphones straight to the sound card but into a separate amplifier. I am currently using a pair of sennheiser HD650s.

[Guest]

Is this strictly necessary? Don't you have a budget?

 

If you already own the amp, then I'd suggest a standalone DAC, if anything.

[creatip123]

Soooo....price doesn't matter, 7.1 doesn't matter, best quality possible? In other words, unlimited budget, stereo channels, best quality humanly possible? This is the kind of question I like so much....

 

Soundcards can only go so far, so I'd say go with an external DAC altogether. 

 

I would say, the DCS Vivaldi DAC: http://www.martinshifi.co.uk/product/2151/dcs-vivaldi-dac/

 

Praised as the best out of the best out of the best. Only 20.000 poundsterling. Dunno how much is that in US$

[Predator101]

I have a good audio setup already but I wanted to get higher quality audio from my computer, with an external DAC the quality coming from my PC wont be any different will it? I'm not totally sure and I do have a budget of £800

[Guest]

I have a good audio setup already but I wanted to get higher quality audio from my computer, with an external DAC the quality coming from my PC wont be any different will it? I'm not totally sure and I do have a budget of £800

 

It'll be better than a soundcard.

[Predator101]

Is a DAC connected to pc via usb? What DAC would you recommend for around £1000 (I can Stretch the budget)!

[BoredErica]

Soooo....price doesn't matter, 7.1 doesn't matter, best quality possible? In other words, unlimited budget, stereo channels, best quality humanly possible? This is the kind of question I like so much....

 

Soundcards can only go so far, so I'd say go with an external DAC altogether. 

 

I would say, the DCS Vivaldi DAC: http://www.martinshifi.co.uk/product/2151/dcs-vivaldi-dac/

 

Praised as the best out of the best out of the best. Only 20.000 poundsterling. Dunno how much is that in US$

The last time I said something like, Brianpena called me an asshole and it hurt my feels.  :mellow:

[Guest]

Is a DAC connected to pc via usb? What DAC would you recommend for around £1000 (I can Stretch the budget)!

 

USB, S/PDIF.

 

As for what I'd recommend, nothing, but if you are determined, the ODAC. Is basically endgame unless you need line outs or something.

[Stagea]

Is a DAC connected to pc via usb? What DAC would you recommend for around £1000 (I can Stretch the budget)!

 

Go to a Hi-Fi store and bring your amp and cans. Most will allow you to test different DACs.

 

The Arcam irDAC is an option worth checking. 

 

Other things to look at:

 

Cambridge Audio 851D

Musical Fidelity M1 SDAC

Audiolab M-DAC

[creatip123]

The last time I said something like, Brianpena called me an asshole and it hurt my feels.  :mellow:

 

If we answer un-accordingly, it's wrong.

If we answer accordingly (that it's unlimited budget), it's also wrong.

 

Can't win....