Improving Computer Audio

[Zachary Ferch]

Hi I'm just wondering if I should get a DAC/AMP or a sound card to get better quality sound. Right now I'm using ATH-M50X's and they sound wonderful with my Samsung Galaxy S7, and HP laptop (w/ Beats Audio), but my computer is running a basic audio configuration with a MSI motherboard. I also want an option to plug in my speakers to boost the sound quality a little bit.

Regarding the audio, I'm looking for some bass but not overwhelming.

I don't know if I should get just a dac, or just a soundcard, or both. Thanks for your help


(I'm running a 4 year old computer and I don't want to build another computer which is why this would be very helpful!)

 

[CountMike]

Well, one thing is sure, you don't need both. You can go either way if you are not satisfied with present sound.
There are many sound cards out there but only best ones have better sound than than computer chips. If you use that DAC/AMP, it's good only for headphones or stereo speakers. The sound may not be better as it depends on the quality of analog parts and it's amplifier, same as on sound system on the computer MB.
Before you go for it, did you play with equalizer in Realtek HD audio panel ? Did you set highest bit rate and resolution in Speaker properties in Control panel ?

 

[Zachary Ferch]

The quality ended up being on "16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)" and changed it to "24 bit, 192000 Hz (Studio Quality). Music sounded great with that little change! I tried the other enhancements but the sound seems like it's "fake" and doesn't have a good soundstage compared to my laptop and phone.

Which soundcard do you recommend? I heard sound blaster is good but I'm really not sure which one would be comparable to my other devices.

Do I need more power going to the headphones, or just a better audio driver?

 

[CountMike]

Creative has quite a lineup. From ordinary, just to replace a bad integrated sound Audigy series, thru slightly better than normal stuff like X-Fi to killer game and even studio quality. Just depends how much you are willing to pay.