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- Feb 27, 2018
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Hello dear Audio Science Review community,
I am looking for a cheap external DAC for my PC, which should cost less than 50 € if possible.
Unfortunately, I have massive background noise on the OnBoard sound chip as well as on the asus xonar dg, probably due to voltage fluctuations. (For the asus xonar dg only on one ear)
That's why I'm looking for an external DAC to handle my Superlux HD668 (56 ohms). In the search I came across the FX Audio DAC-X6 and this forum.
According to the tests, he looks very appropriate for me or does someone have a better idea?
Furthermore, I'm unsure how to connect the X6 to the PC and to achieve the best sound quality.
Either through the SPDIF of the asus xonar, SPDIF of the motherboard or USB?
You note SPDIF is an option, but is that via coax or optical? If the problem is electrical noise on the ground, I'd think optical would be the best option if your USB ports also have that issue. I've often wondered if an inexpensive device like this would reveal that problem and lead folks with this problem to the best solution, if they cannot borrow a USB DAC to check the quality of their ports:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8
I had the same problem (though I wouldn't describe it as "massive" but mostly just annoying) with my Asus MB's on board sound. I use a Fiio K1 via USB to drive my desktop speakers and an ODAC to drive my headamp and don't have noise issues with either of them.