Quote:
Originally Posted by BigTone From experience, even the best PC soundcard, running in analogue mode, isn't up to much. There are simply far to many compromises inside of the PC box. I think you'd have a new world of sound with either a USB DAC or a different source. |
A sound card has a dac inside...
If you are thinking about the chain, whilst you can of course do
PC > sound card > dac > amp > headphone,
there is an uncessary addition there and you could just as easily go
PC > dac > amp > headphones
On the virtues of ampage, I am firmly in worry about source, headphone and quality of recording before an amp
Which mac do you use? If you have a macbook you could try straight optical out and not bother with usb. Not sure if other macs also have line-out?
I have a laptop and my usb Edirol UA-25 sound card is infinitely superior to the onboard sound, costing me in £130 region. I have added a portable RSA Tomahawk amp into the chain but I only have portable cans atm

Can't afford a desktop amp!