Counseling wanted for soundcard

[MetalManiac]

I like the sound of my computer, I have some cool Monsoon ribbon speakers, through a Nakamichi amp, with a Nak Sub.

I've been reading where the onboard sound on my cheap computer can be bested noticeably with a good soundcard.

I'm looking at the Audigy soundcard - which is ~39.00, however I do not think it will work in my computer, casue it doesnt seem to fit .

Should I get a good outboard sound card? Any recommendations?

What is a "DAC"? Is this DAC a soundcard? I can spend around 200 for a good DAC , if so.


TIA

 

[Brandenburg]

Re: Counseling wanted for soundcard

I like the sound of my computer, I have some cool Monsoon ribbon speakers, through a Nakamichi amp, with a Nak Sub.

I've been reading where the onboard sound on my cheap computer can be bested noticeably with a good soundcard.

I'm looking at the Audigy soundcard - which is ~39.00, however I do not think it will work in my computer, casue it doesnt seem to fit .

Should I get a good outboard sound card? Any recommendations?

What is a "DAC"? Is this DAC a soundcard? I can spend around 200 for a good DAC , if so.


TIA

are you using for recording.. or music listening..?

200 should get you something with acceptable performance.. much like video cards.. soundcards can really get expensive.. all depends on the features you want and the performance you expect

Im using the venerable Soundblaster X-Fi XtremeMusic that I bought in '06.. I added the I/O bay in '08 or '09.. This old card still smoke most onboard soundcard.. time for an upgrade though .. but i need to get a better video card and retire the Xfire.. this will free up a PCIe slot or i guess i could always go with external soundcard

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Counseling wanted for soundcard

Impossible to answer without knowing the spec of your IBM-compatible box of bits and which OS you run on it.

Some hardware changes upset Microsoft. They sometimes interpret hardware changes as an attempt to re-home a legitimate copy of Windows in new build machine in an attempt to circumvent the obligation to purchase a fresh OS license.

 

[Brandenburg]

Re: Counseling wanted for soundcard

Impossible to answer without knowing the spec of your IBM-compatible box of bits and which OS you run on it.

Some hardware changes upset Microsoft. They sometimes interpret hardware changes as an attempt to re-home a legitimate copy of Windows in new build machine in an attempt to circumvent the obligation to purchase a fresh OS license.

sometimes but this is usually a mobo change.. not a soundcard/video card.. this is only relevant if the OS in question OS legit as well.

 

[LLL]

Re: Counseling wanted for soundcard

...

 

[BurningShrine]

Re: Counseling wanted for soundcard

Based on his post he wants a good sounding Digital to Analog Converter for listening purposes only.

Since you use a Nakamichi amp, you need a small Interface with Cinch Connectors (the International name is RCA, with two connectors, red and white)
And a high quality RCA Cable (a cheap one might work for smaller distances but try and get a high quality one, these cables aren't balanced and pick up interferences rather easily).

Something like this:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ScarlettSolo

There's cheaper ones out there as well, most of them sound good and don't color the sound.