External DAC even neccesary?

[Likesm]

Hi guys, I´m not really an "audio guy" in terms of understanding much about the topic, but I would say that I enjoy listening to music, even more if it sounds really well. I´m having for about 3 years now a Asus Xonar Phoebus Sound Card and bought areound two years a go a pair of Beyerdynamics DT 880s because I´ve got a really good deal on them (190€ for the 250 Ohm Version). By now I´m not having any trouble with neither with the soundcard nor the headphoenes, but I keep asking myself if I still could the sound quality. I hope you could help me by telling me if it would really make sense to sell my soundcard and buy a new external DAC&AMP. Could there be an improvement and would this improvement justify the price of a new external DAC? My budget would be a max of around 300€ (around 335$).

[FloRolf]

No. You wouldnt notice a difference. Better get new cans for the 300€. Something like HD650.

 

even on sale, right now, in germany. http://www.amazon.de/Sennheiser-HD-650-analog-Kopfh%C3%B6rer/dp/B00018MSNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431357863&sr=8-1&keywords=HD650

 

 

my recommendation doe: save your moneys.

[ZetZet]

if you really really want a dac get something simple and tested by time like Fiio E10K. No need to spend €300.

[jamie.k.hofer]

If you would like less electrical noise and increased sound quality go for a Schiit Modi and Magni. Unless you have good headphones you may not notice a difference.

[Volbet]

There might be a small difference, but not one anyone would notice.

You would be better off getting a new pair of headphone, although, I wouldn't say that would be necessary either. 

[xtroria]

External dac is useful when you have an active speaker or use external amp

[manikyath]

an external DAC is mostly for special cases, or enthousiasts, just like -for example- a titan X.

 

some people buy it because they need to render videos, and dont really care whats under the hood, as long as its fast.

others buy it because they want that bit of extra when gaming, and like the idea of having THE top of the line card.

[kristaps552]

The Schiit Stack is quite cool, and the sound is really amazing for the price you pay.