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Advice needed: am I going in the right direction?

I'm new to hi-fi sound world and spontaneously bought myself Yamaha NS BP200 passive speakers and Onkyo A-9030 amplifier, because I thought that connecting it to a PC will be a piece of cake - just buy some external sound card and you are good to go!

However after doing some research I found out that it's not that simple and now I'm kinda lost: does it (PC -> DAC or sound card -> amp -> speakers) even work like this. So, my question is:

Am I going in the right direction? And if yes, maybe you can suggest some DAC/external USB sound card that could suit my case (budget is about $150)?

jassblack
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Dragonfly is a good start.  If you want something that is even used at high-end shows, get the Sony HAP-z1es. Maybe get one used on Audiogon or ebay.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
One thing that is now not that clear for me, is there any difference between a cheap DAC and an expensive one, except for some noise that could be present in a low-priced ones and amount of outputs? Will they produce the same signal for the amplifier?


Big difference in a $10K DAC and a $200 or $1K DAC.  Less of a difference in $300 and $1K DAC.

Better DAC has lower noise floor, better dynamic range, faster transients, better bass, lower jitter (better imaging and focus).

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
gdnrbob
4,445 posts
 
@big greg.
+1
Your system will dictate the level of sensitivity you require.
In your case, I would suggest a Schiit Bifrost Multibit.
B
mesch
3,484 posts
 
Given your wishing to use a recording device, buy the Steinberg and see if it satisfies in your system. Seem to me it is very full function at it's price, not designed only as a  DAC. I would think a simple USB DAC would sound better for home audio.


jassblack OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for the replies, you really helped me a lot. So, an extenral DAC is a way to go, but in some time I will also buy the Steinberg sound card, it would be interesting to compare them. If someone needs an amateur opinion on a difference between $100 DAC and sound card of the same price, write me a message, and I will share my experience :)
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