DAC recommendations, $40-80 USD

[riixupvp]

I recently just got the ATH M50x headphones, they sound great with my phone and laptop, but my desktop sound is incredibly quiet. My motherboards audio output is not very good. I was wondering what DAC would be good for these headphones, thanks!

[Guest]

What's your motherboard?

[sgtrecker78]

https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=pd_bxgy_23_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8WCWNQ3G5792R1TPFZWQ
 

That's the best in your price range

I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1466273533&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=focusrite+scarlet+2i4+2nd+gen

[spwath]

You would want an amp, not a dac, to increase volume

[riixupvp]

1 minute ago, huilun02 said:

Your Z97-D3H already has a good onboard DAC (ALC1150)

Try plugging your headphone into the rear audio jack. That one has an amp on it.

 

3 minutes ago, sgtrecker78 said:

https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=pd_bxgy_23_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8WCWNQ3G5792R1TPFZWQ
 

That's the best in your price range

I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1466273533&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=focusrite+scarlet+2i4+2nd+gen

Oh, didn't realize I had that still in there. I have a Z97 Gaming 5 from MSI now. And ty for the recommendation I'll check it out.

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, sgtrecker78 said:

https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-E10K-Headphone-Amplifier-Black/dp/B00LP3AMC2/ref=pd_bxgy_23_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8WCWNQ3G5792R1TPFZWQ
 

That's the best in your price range

 

Uh, debatable.

[riixupvp]

8 minutes ago, huilun02 said:

Your Z97-D3H already has a good onboard DAC (ALC1150)

Try plugging your headphone into the rear audio jack. That one has an amp on it.

Yeah it is plugged into the rear one, still sucks lol

10 minutes ago, sgtrecker78 said:

 

[Hackentosher]

6 minutes ago, riixupvp said:

Yeah it is plugged into the rear one, still sucks lol

Sounds like you need an amp. Maybe a smaller, portable one? If not, I think the Schiit magni v1 would be a good choice assuming you can find one used.

[Guest]

13 minutes ago, Hackentosher said:

If not, I think the Schiit magni v1 would be a good choice assuming you can find one used.

 

No.

 

I suspect driver issues are to blame in this case; there may be a gain setting that needs adjustment, or headphone mode or something. A headphone that is as easy to drive as the M50X should be quite loud from even a line-out.

[Dackzy]

Check the link in my signature, I have some recommendations there.