External D/A convertor

[tsteo77]

Found this small and affordable external D/A convertor that can replace and upgrade onboard sound chip. Just connect to the optical out
of the onboard sound, no driver and is usb powered. It's affordable and expensive than onboard sound chip. Worth a try and feedback. Kindly share your opinions.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004717261862.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000014.2.10be5325hHy0km&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.40050.281175.0&scm_id=1007.40050.281175.0&scm-url=1007.40050.281175.0&pvid=60926281-be87-420a-b2df-47b7f4514a32&_t=gps-idcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller,scm-url:1007.40050.281175.0,pvid:60926281-be87-420a-b2df-47b7f4514a32,tpp_buckets:668#2846#8116#2002&isseo=y&pdp_ext_f={"sku_id":"12000030215641179","sceneId":"30050"}&pdp_npi=2@dis!SGD!12.15!5.35!!!!!@2101c84a16748352190038841e2507!12000030215641179!rec

 

[86technie]

Actually most onboard sound these days are not bad, you don't need a D/A.
Remember to install the audio driver from the manufacturer website but not through Windows update.
Most Realtek onboard have the Realtek audio app to do EQ etc.

If want to improve sound than get a DAC or sound card, these cheap one basically just convert
the signal only.
A proper DAC is something like this:

It cost way more than $5 and at $5 don't think can make a big improvement.
Or compete with this DAC which cost around $200 - $300.
A proper DAC not only convert signal but do other function like amplify etc.

I used to play with DAC but have stop since now I am using ASUS ROG motherboard
which comes with ASUS SupremeFX onboard audio is more than enough for me.
ASUS SupremeFX onboard audio can set impendence level so headphone with high impedance
I can set it accordingly so it can drive it properly.

 

[caterham7]

i use this
$7.45
https://shopee.sg/JCALLY-JA21-USB-T...ter-for-Android-Windows-i.66630848.8330014068
if your pc doesn't have type-c port, can use adaptor, example below, $5.39 only
https://shopee.sg/Vention-Type-C-to...e-Samsung-S20-Connector-i.95236751.4965862050

 

[tsteo77]

Actually most onboard sound these days are not bad, you don't need a D/A.
Remember to install the audio driver from the manufacturer website but not through Windows update.
Most Realtek onboard have the Realtek audio app to do EQ etc.

If want to improve sound than get a DAC or sound card, these cheap one basically just convert
the signal only.
A proper DAC is something like this:

It cost way more than $5 and at $5 don't think can make a big improvement.
Or compete with this DAC which cost around $200 - $300.
A proper DAC not only convert signal but do other function like amplify etc.

I used to play with DAC but have stop since now I am using ASUS ROG motherboard
which comes with ASUS SupremeFX onboard audio is more than enough for me.
ASUS SupremeFX onboard audio can set impendence level so headphone with high impedance
I can set it accordingly so it can drive it properly.

i use this
$7.45
https://shopee.sg/JCALLY-JA21-USB-T...ter-for-Android-Windows-i.66630848.8330014068
if your pc doesn't have type-c port, can use adaptor, example below, $5.39 only
https://shopee.sg/Vention-Type-C-to...e-Samsung-S20-Connector-i.95236751.4965862050

If i'm not wrong both, your usb dac is only for headphone. the above i mentioned is for powered speakers, amplifier and headphone. A low cost upgrade for those using entry level onboard sound with no space left for soundcard.

Here is a much better one https://www.stereo.com.sg/fiio-k5-pro-ess-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp.html
, personally i prefer soundcard. And size matter when come to performance.

 

[86technie]

If i'm not wrong both, your usb dac is only for headphone. the above i mentioned is for powered speakers, amplifier and headphone. A low cost upgrade for those using entry level onboard sound with no space left for soundcard.

Here is a much better one https://www.stereo.com.sg/fiio-k5-pro-ess-desktop-dac-and-headphone-amp.html
, personally i prefer soundcard. And size matter when come to performance.

For speaker DAC it depends on the speaker, example if you are using computer grade PC
like Logitech don't need a DAC but a good sound card like Creative SB Z series will do.
However reference/studio monitor than you will need a sound interface or mixer.

 

[tsteo77]

Better external DAC for those with higher budget. So far it's the best i have come across. Most will love it's built.

https://www.schiit.com/products/modi-plus

 

[86technie]

Places to get DAC:

https://www.stereo.com.sg/shop.html?cat=191
For professional use like mixing, studio etc.

https://www.sweelee.com.sg/search?product_type=Audio Interfaces

Both have retail shop you can try the DAC and sound interface.