Recommend a DAC or card under $200?

Zangmonkey

Zangmonkey

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I've got a 5.1 setup (which is almost always used in 2-channel) with nice speakers.

I have a spare quality receiver I can use, but would rather not if I don't have to. I've also got a nice integrated amp I can use but would rather not if I don't have to.

It's time to upgrade my M-Audio revolution and X-Mystique.... I'm open to an internal card or a USB solution.
I *rarely* use headphones.
My primary uses will be music and gaming.

Thanks for any advice.
 
Well I reviewed the Audioengine D1 in my own thread in this sub forum. I love it. But if you can wait until the end of the month the ODAC is coming out and its supposed to be quite a deal for the money (its a bit more expensive at $182 with an enclosure compared to the D1 which is $169).

That would be my recommendation.
 
Godmachine said:
Well I reviewed the Audioengine D1 in my own thread in this sub forum. I love it. But if you can wait until the end of the month the ODAC is coming out and its supposed to be quite a deal for the money (its a bit more expensive at $182 with an enclosure compared to the D1 which is $169).

That would be my recommendation.
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Is there a link showing the $182 pricetag somewhere? All I'm able to find is the NwAvGuy blog.
 
Zangmonkey said:
What about the Xonar Essence STX?
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Well for gaming , no doubt. It does great surround headphone emulation. As for music/movies , it does pretty decently. Its not as flexible as a USB solution and drivers can be an issue , there are unified drivers that work alright.

I own a ST (which is virtually the same card with very small upgrades) and its a good one. But if you aren't going to be doing any surround sound headphone gaming than the ODAC will probably be a better deal and slightly cheaper.
 
You can find the STX on sale occasionally for $150-ish, price seems to jump up and down a lot between that and $180-ish. I got mine last week for $151 with a Newegg code, those emails they send out for active discounts on Wishlist items are great. :D
 
Odac is what i am leaning heavily towards personally. I am awaiting reviews but am strongly considering sellling my asus dx to help fund the change. I love 5.1 but the difference in sound quality btw analogue and digital is profound with my setup. So i prefer digital stereo over analogue 5.1. I don't have an hdmi capable receiver to try using my 560 hdmi out. I wonder if that might be another good option.
 
Fiio e17 when it's back in stock maybe? lots of people love it and it has 24/192k just like the d1. It may replace your sound card though because of the built in amp.
 
jacqg said:
Fiio e17 when it's back in stock maybe? lots of people love it and it has 24/192k just like the d1. It may replace your sound card though because of the built in amp.
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Another great choice but hard to find in stock and at retail price. Excellent portability as well. However despite that the D1 has a better headphone amp (as it can even push some planar magnetic headphones , not incredibly well but to very pleasing levels).
 
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