Desktop DAC advice

[kronos_100]

Desktop DAC advice


I’ve just build my new rig and my motherboard has got the ALC4080 codec, though it still sounds pants vs my old Sound Blaster Z (software/driver hell). My question is should I be looking at an internal sound card or external DAC? any recommendations?

Usage wise, I’m pretty much Gaming 50% and Music listening 50%
I’d say my budget it £200(ish)

My set up is as follows:

Speakers: Q Acoustics Q-BT3 (connected through S/PDIF)
Cans: Seinhinser HD 595s and Momentums

I’ve had a look around the net and there’s a lot of contradictory advice.

Initially I was convinced about external desktop DAC though then the EVGA NU Audio Card caught my eye.

The below seem to pop up as recommendations:

• EVGA NU Audio Card
• Chord Electronics Mojo (this is the dream but way out of my budget)
• Topping L30/E30 (not that easy to find)
• Sound BlasterX G6
• iFi Zen DAC V2
• fiio k5 pro

 

[kronos_100]

Thanks for your help. If I was to go down the SBX G6 route, I'm guessing I'd have to use the Line/optical out? to my speakers, would this bypass the onboard DAC on the speakers and use the G6s CS43131 DAC chip?

Currently using my onboard ALC4080 codec the Optical (Digital) sounds a lot better than the Line/optical out, though the Optical (Digital) cuts to hissing interference after a few song...that's another issue.

Thanks,
T