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At least if you're sitting at a computer it seems worth getting a better DAC before crazy-pricey headphones. I was quite surprised how much for example http://h
by mkj 11y ago
At least if you're sitting at a computer it seems worth getting a better DAC before crazy-pricey headphones. I was quite surprised how much for example http://hifimediy.com/sabre-dac-uae23 http://hifimediy.com/sabre-dac-uae23 improved sound over Intel/Dell motherboard output.
- 4ad 11y agoUnfortunately many PC motherboards ship with really poor DACs. If you use an iPhone, or an iMac, don't bother though. Their DAC are truly excellent. The only reason to upgrade would be if you have high-impedance headphones, or low-sensitivity headphones that require a more drive than these DACs can produce. Note though that the iMac DAC has higher output that most cheap external DACs, so chose accordingly. This is the only reason to get a different DAC. These DACs have lower output impedance than most DACs under $500. Edit: http://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/iphone-5/audio-quality.htm http://www.kenrockwell.com/apple/iphone-5/audio-quality.htm
- mkj 11y agoI tried that one I linked above on my macbook pro retina (2013?) and it seems _slightly_ better. Nowhere near the difference to my work Dell though. Guess laptop parts are more constrained too.
- qb45 11y agoYour link deals only with iPhone. I'm pretty sure that Apple's x86 systems use the same HD Audio codecs everybody else is using. They may or may not have better analog output amps (if they have any, but iirc at least some laptops have such) but as for using better DACs - links or it didn't happen.