USB DAC Recommendation

**eshwar** · 16-02-2012, 09:21 PM

So as a follow up to the headset thread, i have been recommended the Asus Xonar DG and U3 as affordable entry into quality sound. I have a laptop currently and maybe a PC in the future.

Any options to those? OK let me refine this, in a similar price range.

Is there such a thing as an external DAC that does the Dolby Headphone stuff with a button press or something. So that it's not driver dependent.

My challenge is I use Ubuntu for work and listen to music on the same laptop. So none of the fancy driver based stuff would work for me. So this usb thing I am assuming is plug and play as well!

**JollyJamma** · 17-02-2012, 08:49 AM

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Multimedia- ASUS Xonar Essence One
Asus Xonar Essence One USB DAC: Hardcore Sound for Audiophiles
It got excellent reviews

**eshwar** · 17-02-2012, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by JollyJamma

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Multimedia- ASUS Xonar Essence One
Asus Xonar Essence One USB DAC: Hardcore Sound for Audiophiles
It got excellent reviews

This one I know

! Out of my budget by faaaaar!!!

**kdmaka** · 17-02-2012, 09:12 AM

Have you seen this one ? Found it on head-hifi.org ,dont know what it sound though...but price seems reasonable.
Audioengine D1

**JollyJamma** · 17-02-2012, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by eshwar

This one I know

! Out of my budget by faaaaar!!!

Yeah I'm sure, excellent just not worth not eating for a month for.

**eshwar** · 17-02-2012, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by kdmaka

Have you seen this one ? Found it on head-hifi.org ,dont know what it sound though...but price seems reasonable.
Audioengine D1

which part of Head-Fi's website has these USB DACs?

**kdmaka** · 17-02-2012, 09:55 AM

There u go
Best USB DAC & Amp for IEMs?

**eshwar** · 17-02-2012, 11:02 AM

Musiland monitor 01 us looks yum

Edit : anyone want one too?

**eshwar** · 20-02-2012, 08:30 AM

So last night I took the plunge! I decided to order a Musiland Monitor 01 US.

Let's see how this exercise turns out! Hoping that I am not buying audiophile stuff for the near future

**SaFFeR** · 20-02-2012, 08:16 PM

Let me know how this goes please!
I want to get Sennheiser 598s to use with the PC straight from the motherboard. I get the idea that it might be a waste of an expensive headphone... maybe a DAC will let it perform to its full potential?

Edit: have a look at what people buy along with the HD 598s on amazon. everyone seems to buy that "FiiO E7 USB DAC and Portable Headphone Amplifier (Black)" and the Iphone adapter with it.