do i need a sound card??

disco41 · 24 Sep 2010 at 23:31

Ok i got an Asus p5k wifi mobo with HD on board audio.

My question is this i listen to a lot of music thru the computer on good old NS1000 headphones would getting a sound card be of benefit to me??
If so which one budget about £80??

Thanks in advance

MagicBoy · 24 Sep 2010 at 23:37

In my opinion the onboard audio is fine, I quite happily use the same board with a set of Sennheisers.

disco41 · 24 Sep 2010 at 23:44

was thinking of adding the Fiio 5 'phone amp and getting away without buying a sound card?

Mr Krugga · 24 Sep 2010 at 23:50

Definitely get FiiO E5, I just purchased mine for £12 inc from Hong Kong

The amp helps a lot these headphones. Next step is to get a proper soundcard with Dolby Headphones - Xonar D1 for £45 inc would be my weapon of choice. However, if you're not a hardcore music enthusiast, Xonar DG does a great job (although its in-built amp is too weak for driving NS1000s well enough) and costs less than £30 (I got mine for £25).

MagicBoy · 24 Sep 2010 at 23:59

Worth a punt at that price. Might try one myself...

Mujja · 26 Sep 2010 at 12:00

The Fiio E7. Has a built in DAC. I used it with the laptop when at work or gaming and as a portable amp with the iPhone and Walkman.

It's just under £60 del but so much better than the E5 which had too much hiss and didn't make much difference to my Senn HD595's.

disco41 · 26 Sep 2010 at 12:26

I just ordered the NS1000 (£49.99 del) so will the E7 be better for them??

Mujja · 26 Sep 2010 at 14:37

A good soundcard may be just as good and give you extra outputs / channels for surrond sound. If you just want stereo for music then the Fiio E7 is an option. It can be connected via USB and to bypass the onboard soundcard and used as a portable amp.