Sound Blaster Z acting up. Return it?

[Dicehunter]

Okay okay.
I found a used DX for half the price (assuming its still up for grabs). Then I should have some leftover for an external mic.

But I still need my curiosity set with:
DX doesn't have a headphone amp. though[...]

I know DGX has the headphone amp., but its waaay cheaper making me think it doesn't have as good components. Honestly im not even sure I need an amp. in the sound card? I just assume it must be better than not having one, right?

Im gonna keep the Aurvana Live 2, they are 32Ohms.

Don't get the DX, Make sure to get the D2X, Same price as the Soundblaster you have, Well you can but I'd go for the D2X.

Don't skimp on sound quality to save a few measly pennies

And with your current headphones the amp thing will not be an issue

 

[Juusuhako]

Don't get the DX, Make sure to get the D2X, Same price as the Soundblaster you have, Well you can but I'd go for the D2X.

Don't skimp on sound quality to save a few measly pennies

And with your current headphones the amp thing will not be an issue

Maybe in the UK. Here the D2X are £30 more than the DX.

Right now I wanna get the money back from the SB-Z, and use those money for both a new sound card and an external mic. If I buy the used DX (half the price of SB-Z), I could spend the rest on a decent desk. mic.

If I buy the used D2X (same price as SB-Z), I would have to deal with a Zalman clip-on mic (to not spend more than what I already did). I havent tried one ever, but I just cant imagine its quality being as good as a headset mic.

hmm...

 

[Dicehunter]

Maybe in the UK. Here the D2X are £30 more than the DX.

Right now I wanna get the money back from the SB-Z, and use those money for both a new sound card and an external mic. If I buy the used DX (half the price of SB-Z), I could spend the rest on a decent desk. mic.

If I buy the used D2X (same price as SB-Z), I would have to deal with a Zalman clip-on mic (to not spend more than what I already did). I havent tried one ever, but I just cant imagine its quality being as good as a headset mic.

hmm...

If you're worried about £30 then you might aswell just stick with onboard sound dude.

Audio is an investment, Save a little bit longer if £30 is such a bank breaker.

If you're cheap with sound then that's what you'll get, Cheap

 

[Juusuhako]

If you're worried about £30 then you might aswell just stick with onboard sound dude.

Audio is an investment, Save a little bit longer if £30 is such a bank breaker.

If you're cheap with sound then that's what you'll get, Cheap

Haha, im not worried, but with GFs birthday and valentines coming up, I do have some expenses.

I would rather invest now and not have to spend £30 later.

I just know I read alot about D2X being more suited for speakers...

 

[Feronix]

Yeah, D2X supports surround sound and all that, the STX is made for use with 2.1 speakers I think, but mainly for headphones. Although that one's even more expensive...

 

[Juusuhako]

Yeah, D2X supports surround sound and all that, the STX is made for use with 2.1 speakers I think, but mainly for headphones. Although that one's even more expensive...

Yea STX is way too much imo. I just dont wanna buy something made for speakers and get a half-assed experience with headphones.

 

[Feronix]

What about just an external DAC with headphone amp then? Plenty of choice out there for that. They use the on-board sound and convert it from digital to an analogue signal which is better for audio.

I'm using a FiiO E10 at the moment, plugs into the back of the PC over USB and sits on my desk (it's tiny). Then on the back my speakers are plugged in and on the front I can plug in my headphones, for which it has a volume wheel as well.

There are also options from Schiit, Cambridge Audio and even Silverstone do one.

 

[Juusuhako]

What about just an external DAC with headphone amp then? Plenty of choice out there for that. They use the on-board sound and convert it from digital to an analogue signal which is better for audio.

I'm using a FiiO E10 at the moment, plugs into the back of the PC over USB and sits on my desk (it's tiny). Then on the back my speakers are plugged in and on the front I can plug in my headphones, for which it has a volume wheel as well.

There are also options from Schiit, Cambridge Audio and even Silverstone do one.

Do they perform as well as sound cards?

 

[barnsley]

Do they perform as well as sound cards?

Usually better.

 

[Juusuhako]

Usually better.

And are "DACs" the same as USB soundcards? Like Asus Xonar U7 and the like?

 

[Feronix]

Hmmm, no. A sound card bypasses and replaces the sound card that is built into your motherboard. A DAC takes the sound coming from the motherboard and converts it to an analogue signal, thus enhancing the quality.

 

[Juusuhako]

Hmmm, no. A sound card bypasses and replaces the sound card that is built into your motherboard. A DAC takes the sound coming from the motherboard and converts it to an analogue signal, thus enhancing the quality.

I see. Well what are some good suggestions for DACs then? I have no idea about those.
FiiO isnt available anywhere here, and I need a general idea of their prices.

 

[Lazlo]

Hmmm, no. A sound card bypasses and replaces the sound card that is built into your motherboard. A DAC takes the sound coming from the motherboard and converts it to an analogue signal, thus enhancing the quality.

Nope. Actually that's incorect. Especially if you connect via USB. Technically if you would connect an external DAC to an optical or digital out of a sound card, it will convert the digital signal to analog. But the signal coming from the sound card is digital anyway so effectively you're bypassing the sound card.
Your Fiio E10 is an "external sound card". it would actually work on a PC without onboard sound or internal soundcard.

 

[Feronix]

Nope. Actually that's incorect. Especially if you connect via USB. Technically if you would connect an external DAC to an optical or digital out of a sound card, it will convert the digital signal to analog. But the signal coming from the sound card is digital anyway so effectively you're bypassing the sound card.
Your Fiio E10 is an "external sound card". it would actually work on a PC without onboard sound or internal soundcard.

Hmm? I was sure the E10 was only a DAC and not an entire sound card? Especially since it's so tiny. But fair enough.

 

[Juusuhako]

So, any suggestions?

This is getting a tad confusing with all the choices.
I basically just need the best I can get for my headphones for £50, being a sound card or DAC. I have headphones, not speakers, so I dont need a speaker-optimized card, unless it also works very well with headphones.