Questions re: ITX Audio Set-Up

Random Guy Esq. · 17 Dec 2015 at 17:54

Hello audio experts!

I'm building an ITX gaming system in January. Just wondering what would be a decent set-up for getting good audio for gaming, but also music and movies.

I'm currently thinking of using X-fi MB3 software with the games I play (have always used Creative cards in the past, for better or worse). Then some form of digital out to a dac/amp combo like the Schiit Stack or O2 from Mayflower? Then when watching movies or listening to music, I'd turn off the Creative software.

I already have a pair of Q701s I picked up cheap from a classified ad, but I'd also like a pair of 2.0 or 2.1 speakers for normal every day use. Do either of those amp/dac solutions allow speakers to be connected? And if I want to use a mic in gaming, I assume I'll just connect it directly to the motherboard's mic in?

What do you think would be my best course of action? All feedback welcomed!

rids57 · 17 Dec 2015 at 18:57

The Schiit Modi 2 Uber (£130) and Vali 2 (£146) both have pre-out (RCA) sockets, so can be used to feed and control the volume of active speakers and can be bought in the UK from Electromod.

The Mayflower has an option for RCA sockets but I don't know whether it's a pre-out (adjustable volume) or line out (full volume) - You may also get stung on import duty as it has to come from the US.

Angst · 17 Dec 2015 at 19:09

For the cost of the schiit uber solution you may as well buy an audiolab qdac for £200. That has all the functionality you are lookign for aswell as a lot more connectivity than the schiit option. The question is will the creative software work with external dacs.

Edit: its on sale for £149 at the momentt http://www.richersounds.com/product/dacs/audiolab-/qdac/audi-qdac-blk

rids57 · 17 Dec 2015 at 21:44

It's certainly a lot cheaper than a Schiit Stack but I wonder how it measures up in sound quality?

Angst · 17 Dec 2015 at 21:57

rids57 said:
It's certainly a lot cheaper than a Schiit Stack but I wonder how it measures up in sound quality?

I used to have the schiit stack, i paid £250 for the qdac in january and i would say it worth every penny. Sound wise the differences are as always only marginal but it seems to have a fuller sound to it and a tad less brightness depending on the filter selected.

rids57 · 17 Dec 2015 at 23:10

in that case it's a bargain as a Schiit stack will cost a minimum of £220

Random Guy Esq. · 18 Dec 2015 at 15:51

Thanks guys. I'll have a read over some reviews for the QDAC. In the meantime, would you (or anyone else reading) have any suggestions for good 2.0 or 2.1 active speakers (for on top of the desk)? Budget is about £150-200. Thanks!