Hi. I've recently set up a super budget hifi for my little cabin/office. It's all used kit off ebay: Cambridge Audio S30 speakers, Cambridge Audio One CD/Radio/Amp unit. I play all my audio via my PC - a mix of audio files from my media server or streaming services.
At the moment, the audio is being handled by a Sound Blaster Play 3 USB dongle thing. I can't really tell if it's better than the motherboard audio (Asrock B450 Gaming ITX) - it's certainly not as loud, requiring about a 10DB boost from the Sound Blaster app to match that but no idea if that really matters.
Anyway, I'm wondering if it's worth spending a little bit on a better interface? Either a better USB one, or a DAC to take the optical output of the mobo?
Given I got the rest of the system for about £50 in total, I don't really want to be spending much. I
So I'd be grateful for suggestions on:
1. Is it really worth bothering at all
2. If so, what might be a good choice? There is a dizzying array of options out there: mini USB headphone DACs, PC audio USB interfaces, soundcards etc etc
3. If I get some interface/DAC, can I still use EQ on the PC?
Many thanks
At the moment, the audio is being handled by a Sound Blaster Play 3 USB dongle thing. I can't really tell if it's better than the motherboard audio (Asrock B450 Gaming ITX) - it's certainly not as loud, requiring about a 10DB boost from the Sound Blaster app to match that but no idea if that really matters.
Anyway, I'm wondering if it's worth spending a little bit on a better interface? Either a better USB one, or a DAC to take the optical output of the mobo?
Given I got the rest of the system for about £50 in total, I don't really want to be spending much. I
So I'd be grateful for suggestions on:
1. Is it really worth bothering at all
2. If so, what might be a good choice? There is a dizzying array of options out there: mini USB headphone DACs, PC audio USB interfaces, soundcards etc etc
3. If I get some interface/DAC, can I still use EQ on the PC?
Many thanks
Last edited: