DAC vs high end computer speakers

[dgpac]

I have RealTeck High Definition Audio sound card on my PC and would like input regarding improving my sound further. Investing in a Cambridge DAC using my current Creative Gigaworks T40 Series II speakers versus no DAC and high end speakers?

 

[Howard]

If your PC is still audible, you probably won't want to do either first.

 

[sdifox]

higher end speakers if you are going to do one thing. Really depends on your budget. Personally I would not buy any "computer" speakers.

 

[dgpac]

looking at Axiom Audiobyte speakers with the EPZero subwoofer, both for about $575 vs the the Cambridge DacMagi about $599

 

[uhohs]

get a cheaper dac. spending $600 on a dac for use with computer speakers is nuts.

 

[sdifox]

looking at Axiom Audiobyte speakers with the EPZero subwoofer, both for about $575 vs the the Cambridge DacMagi about $599

You can get a nice 2 channel setup for that price.

 

[Howard]

looking at Axiom Audiobyte speakers with the EPZero subwoofer, both for about $575 vs the the Cambridge DacMagi about $599

Can you hear your PC from where you sit?

 

[dgpac]

My 2.0 speakers are on my desk. The PC is on the floor underneath the desk, so it is audible.

 

[mshan]

Audio Engine D1?: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/blogs/Audioengine-D1-versus-DacMagic

 

[alcoholbob]

Better speakers first. DAC/electronics is when your speakers are already really good and you want to start incrementally increasing performance.

 

[dgpac]

Thanks for input. I like the price on the Audio Endigine D1 DAC and will use the cost savings of the Cambridge DAC to save for high end speakers.

 

[alfa147x]

At $350 the Schiit BIFROST is a bit much. That said I love it.

 

[moonboy403]

Speakers

 

[Howard]

My 2.0 speakers are on my desk. The PC is on the floor underneath the desk, so it is audible.

Spend the money on making your PC completely silent first.

 

[weez82]

Upgrading dacs is pointless if you dont have highend speakers

 

[Fallen Kell]

As said, if you don't have good speakers, a good DAC will not do anything at all. If you take the "Home Theater" rules of thumb, you should be spending 80-90% of your speaker/pre-processor/amplifier budget on the speakers alone. So if you have a $10,000 budget, you spend $8,000-$9,000 on your speakers, and $1,000-$2,000 on your pre-processor/amplifier. You need good speakers first before good electronics will make any difference.

 

[thelastjuju]

Realtek onboard sound is IMO anyway.. the worst onboard sound I've ever heard. It sounds noticeably inferior to my older mobo with nvidia onboard sound.

I popped in an old ass Creative Audigy 2ZS to that rig, and it significantly improved the sound quality of my decent little Logitech 2.1 PC satellite speakers over the Realtek HD onboard sound.. you can probably pick up a used one on ebay for like $30, because unless you are running something like studio monitors, the DAC isn't going to be a big enough of a factor in determining sound quality.. but even entry level PC sound cards can have surprisingly good DACs.