DAC+Amp vs Audio Interface?

Ramonn · November 22, 2015

This is a branch from my earlier topic: DAC for both active speakers and headphones?

Would something like the Micca OriGen or the FiiO E10K (DAC+Amps) have a better audio quality in general than the audio interfaces such as the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or similar?

I'm wondering, because there are many more features to an audio interface. While I picked some of the cheaper DAC+Amps, audio interfaces do not seem to be very expensive (with most ranging at 100 bucks).

I'm looking to buy either of these, depending on what would be a good pick. For now, I don't really have a purpose for the mic inputs.. but it might be useful for future recording stuff.
I do very much care about the straight monitor output for my powered speakers though!

I just want to know, is there something about the DAC and Amps that an audio interface can't offer?

What would be the best choice, quality/price?
Thnx

November 22, 2015

I would get the Scarlett if you want that functionality down the line, they are a well-regarded company. The 2i2 has balanced monitor outputs and independant headphon/monitor volume controls which is nice.

Donk Quixote · November 22, 2015

From my experience the headphone amps in things where headphones are an afterthought do not sound as good. For example my Logitech THX 2.1 speakers have a control module where you control the power and volume. That's where the headphone out is, and it sounds like crap. Tiny sound, lots of interference, total crap. My Yamaha receiver sounds a lot better than that, but it does color the sound. It's not an accurate reproduction. It's not total crap, but music sounds better coming from my S4 phone or even my motherboard (if I am using easy to drive headphones).

The focus of any sound interface is the analogue to digital conversion of the mic. The digital to analogue conversion for speakers/headphones will be an afterthought.

Philosobyte · November 23, 2015

From my experience the headphone amps in things where headphones are an afterthought do not sound as good. For example my Logitech THX 2.1 speakers have a control module where you control the power and volume. That's where the headphone out is, and it sounds like crap. Tiny sound, lots of interference, total crap. My Yamaha receiver sounds a lot better than that, but it does color the sound. It's not an accurate reproduction. It's not total crap, but music sounds better coming from my S4 phone or even my motherboard (if I am using easy to drive headphones).

The focus of any sound interface is the analogue to digital conversion of the mic. The digital to analogue conversion for speakers/headphones will be an afterthought.

No, it's not an afterthought. It's an essential component of audio interfaces that is expected to work well. And when they don't work well, we don't buy them.

If you want the best converters in audio interfaces in the $100 to $250 price point, the Steinberg UR22 is your man. It also has very good, neutral preamps. However, the Onyx Blackjack audio interface has the best preamps in the price range with a huge signal to noise ratio, and very good converters too. Take your pick based on your priorities - both interfaces are better than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 in both converters and preamps.

Before today I've only been recommending the UR22 because I remember the Blackjack having driver issues. But it turns out I'm two years behind the news, because the Blackjack's driver issues were fixed in 2013

Edited November 23, 2015 by Raymondbl