What will a DAC do?

[admin_exported]

I have just replaced my small desk top speakers with an amp and floor speakers(Marantz PM6004 and Monitor Audio). Would a DAC make any further diference to this set up?

John

 

[FennerMachine]

What sources are you using?

 

[Anonymous]

Dont know what you mean by source?

 

[FennerMachine]

CD player, record player, radio tuner, Ipod, PC...

 

[Anonymous]

The source then is my computer, Spotify, I Tunes etc

 

[tino]

So are you using the 3.5mm analogue line output jack of your computer to the input of your amp, or some other type of connection?

If you are using the 3.5mm line out of the computer then a DAC probably will make an improvement - depends on the quality of your computer's soundcard really.

 

[Anonymous]

Amp is connected to the head phone socket on the PC. Can you improve a sound card somehow?

 

[Overdose]

You could fit a better sound card, but you might get better connection options with an external DAC.

 

[tino]

I think a DAC would represent an upgrade over the headphone socket of a PC if the PC contains a standard sound card. I have found this device to be quite a good quality versatile little box of tricks ... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-Sound-Blaster-X-Fi-Card/dp/B003RRY3WE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342635739&sr=8-1

It is a external "audiophile" (in quotes) sound card and USB DAC, it has recording capabilty via its analogue or optical digital inputs, and also provides a separate volume control, headphone socket and microphone input. Here is a very detailed review http://www.hardocp.com/article/2011/09/20/creative_xfi_hd_usb_sound_card_review/1 ... if you check out the comparison graphs with a "standard PC" it is a worthwhile improvement.

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks folks.

Tino that is one detailed review. WOW