Asus Xonar Essence STX or Audioengine D1 USB DAC

[mapexlegend]

Hi, I'm planning on upgrading my audio from on board to something a bit better, I was wondering what is better to power a set of 2 channel monitors and a set of headphones, and internal sound card e.g Asus Xonar Essence STX or and external USB dac like the Audioengine D1?

[t0wer]

go for the audioengine d1, you can use it as a standalone dac if you buy a dedicated amp in the future.

[mapexlegend]

go for the audioengine d1, you can use it as a standalone dac if you buy a dedicated amp in the future.

Thanks, also would I need an amp if they are going into powered speaker like the audioengine 5+ speakers?

[t0wer]

no, there's a headphone amp in the d1, and the a5's have their own amp.

I would recommend something like a lepai amp and passive speakers over the a5.

amp

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-300

speakers, check local thrift stores, or go with these or the audioengine p4, and save some money.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=302-017

[a1f2]

Isn't some of the reason to go with a exteral DAC to get away from any interferance from other computer components?

[t0wer]

yes, which is one reason I'd take a cheap dac over a sound card, other reasons are a dac is more portable/transportable and dedicated analog volume control is way better than software volume control.

[mapexlegend]

no, there's a headphone amp in the d1, and the a5's have their own amp.

I would recommend something like a lepai amp and passive speakers over the a5.

amp

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=310-300

speakers, check local thrift stores, or go with these or the audioengine p4, and save some money.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=302-017

No offence but the products you linked me two would never compare to audioengine. i was looking at 600 dollars system, not 100. thanks for the help but im looking to get high quality equipment