so i have a msi x99s gaming 9 ack whit the option of connecting the sound part of the motherboard directly from the powersupply instead of draining it from the motherboard itself (i dont know if this is pure marketing or actually does something to the sound quality) and my headphone is a sennheiser hd650, i want to clarify that i dont have any problem whit it, i just want to upgrade my audio quality, there is no budget, but obviously dont list me something that only high end studios can buy, i dont know whats the difference between graphics card and a DAC, what does each thing do, what are the pros and cons of it, or maybe you guys can just explain to me something to buy that will raise my sound quality and search something that fits my tastes and my budget.
another spec thread
- Thread starter jasfest
- Start date
Not bad, a 145 word sentence - full stops are allowed here by the way 
Seriously?
A graphics card produces the image you see in front of you, while a DAC converts digital audio data into analogue signals that when amplified and converted to vibrations by a transducer (speaker), we perceive as sound.
Difficult, seeing as you haven't told us your tastes or stated your budget, however .......
Worthy of HD 650:
Internal Sound Card: Asus Xonar Essence STX II (£185)
Good for gaming (virtual surround sound via headphone) and music
External Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X7 (£285)
Good for gaming (virtual surround sound via headphone) and music
External DAC and Amp: Schiit Audio Modi 2 Uber (£140) & Schiit Audio Vali 2 Tube hybrid amplifier (£150)
Better for music but still good for gaming as long as stereo is enough, though surround can still be had through software.
Seriously?
A graphics card produces the image you see in front of you, while a DAC converts digital audio data into analogue signals that when amplified and converted to vibrations by a transducer (speaker), we perceive as sound.
Difficult, seeing as you haven't told us your tastes or stated your budget, however .......
Worthy of HD 650:
Internal Sound Card: Asus Xonar Essence STX II (£185)
Good for gaming (virtual surround sound via headphone) and music
External Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X7 (£285)
Good for gaming (virtual surround sound via headphone) and music
External DAC and Amp: Schiit Audio Modi 2 Uber (£140) & Schiit Audio Vali 2 Tube hybrid amplifier (£150)
Better for music but still good for gaming as long as stereo is enough, though surround can still be had through software.