Some Help Please TIA

[zydon2]

i want to improve my pc audio for music only no games or movies. i am currently using a dell xps 420 with onboard hd audio and logitech z340 i think which sounds decent but i want to get a better sound and clearer high volume out of my pc. i have already switched my media player to musicbee which has already made a big difference figured it would be easier to learn than foobar and so far i reallly like it. i want to keep this simple i dont have alot of knowledge or budget. the plan is to get the Swan M50 2.1 speakers. so i was thinking of maybe doing the soundblaster x-fi pro external soundcard i know there are better soundcards but i like the external because its simple plug and play im not sure i could put in a soundcard correctly and dont want to pay someone either or jus keep the onboard hd audio which seems to sound pretty good and add a good dac. i could add a ext soundcard and a dac but dont know if that is necessary so everybody let me know your opinion on the best way to go thanx

 

[shanindia]

You can just get a good USB DAC, and connect the speakers directly to it as they are powered ones. Dragonfly, ODAC are couple of good ones around $100 mark.

However the sound depends upon the amp and speaker resolution as well. As I have not heard z340 or Swan 2.1, I cannot comment upon if a DAC would make difference to the sound quality of either of them.

 

[zydon2]

Thanx shanindia for your reply that helps alot i will definetly check out the dacs you suggested. the z340 is an old logitech 2.1 got them about 12 years ago i guess they are decent but not hi end at all the swans should have a really nice sound from all the great reviews. thanx again shanindia

 

[theironhorse]

Thanx shanindia for your reply that helps alot i will definitely check out the dacs you suggested. the z340 is an old Logitech 2.1 got them about 12 years ago i guess they are decent but not hi end at all the swans should have a really nice sound from all the great reviews. thanks again shanindia

as you are in states. for the price of swan+ sound card. i would suggest upgrade the Dac first then if needed change the speakers later... below are your best bets

Odac : 100$
schiit Modi : 99$
HimeDIY : 50$
Dragon fly
Udac etc..

 

[greenhorn]

A Dedicated Dac makes sense Only if you are planning to upgrade to something more expensive. I would spend $100 on better speakers.

The Behringer UCA202 is a decent DAC, if you're not planning to upgrade further.

I'd say buy the speakers first, then the DAC.

PS: are Bookshelf speakers in your radar?

 

[gametubeserd]

you are planning to upgrade to something more expensive. I would spend $100 on better speakers.

 

[tiger0691]

If you can get Onkyo PCI-200 sound card, I recommand you to use it.
It has very good dac inside and will give you nice sound with low noise.
I am using it now. Its sound quality is as good as my Dac.