|
Computer audio does not have to suck!!
Hey folks,
I don't post here much, but I did some research that led to some purchase decisions that I wanted to share with you guys. I have recently started using an external DAC with my computer with 5" monitor speakers. It sounds very very good.
What's a DAC? It's a Digital-Analog-Converter. It takes the digital signal from your PC via SPDIF or USB and converts it to an analog signal for your speakers or headphones. Why an external DAC instead of integrated audio or a sound card? External DACs aren't operating in the electrically noisy environment inside your PC, so you get much better signal clarity. Also, external DACs tend to use higher quality components.
I'm using an ARCAM rPAC external DAC via USB with Presonus Eris 4.5 studio monitors and I'm using Audioquest Evergreen RCA cables.
Comparatively, I used to have an ASUS Xonar soundcard ($200) with Klipsch iFi speakers ($350) and high end cables ($150) for a total of $700.
Now I'm using the rPAC ($300) with the speakers ($220) and the cable ($30) for a total of $550 and it sounds BETTER.
Some good DACs to check out are anything from Schiit, Arcam, and Audioquest. A great entry level DAC for $150 that gives a great, lively performance, is the Audioquest Dragonfly. It's tiny size makes it ideal for laptops.
|
Threaded Mode