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The best USB DAC?

post #1 of 121
8/28/12 at 4:48pm
Thread Starter 
I need a USB DAC because I am on a laptop and I want Dolby Headphone support. Also it would be nice for 5.1 and 7.1. What are my best options?
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post #2 of 121
8/28/12 at 5:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by logicPwn View Post

I need a USB DAC because I am on a laptop and I want Dolby Headphone support. Also it would be nice for 5.1 and 7.1. What are my best options?

http://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Surround-Processor-Xbox-360-63043006306200/dp/B006W41X36/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1346198426&sr=1-1&keywords=Ear+Force+DSS2

+

External DAC of your price range.

Either that or get a receiver.
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post #3 of 121
8/28/12 at 5:07pm
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What about the new Creative Soundblaster Recon3D USB? My price range is under $150.
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post #4 of 121
8/28/12 at 5:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by logicPwn View Post

What about the new Creative Soundblaster Recon3D USB? My price range is under $150.

Haven't used the USB version, but I wouldn't use JUST the Recon 3D USB version. I would use it for gaming and that's about it. Use another external DAC for music because the Recon 3D is poop and typically Creative does a better job with internal hardware than USB hardware.
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post #5 of 121
8/28/12 at 5:21pm
Thread Starter 
Hmmm reviews seem better for the Creative but none seem from any real professional as it's not a true professional device. They both basically have the same tech right? Which would you recommend, taking into consideration TB is 70 and Creative is 120.
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post #6 of 121
8/28/12 at 5:25pm
Thread Starter 
Or what about the Astro Mixamp Pro - http://www.astrogaming.com/mixamp-usb?
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post #7 of 121
8/28/12 at 5:39pm
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Would've loved a quick reply as I'm seriously about to buy
Edited by logicPwn - 8/28/12 at 5:45pm
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post #8 of 121
8/28/12 at 5:57pm
rolleyes.gif

You probably don't need more than the DDS2, but I'd take the Astro over the Creative Recon3D simply because it's more tried and true.
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post #9 of 121
8/28/12 at 6:25pm
Thread Starter 
I have seen tons of crappy reviews for the DSS2 that say it makes SQ worse. The Recon3D is catching my eye because it is more of a sound card solution that I need. I'm using a laptop and wanted a DAC also. I guess I'll start with the Recon3D give some feedback and move up to a real card when I build my custom rig in December.

Edit: After all my research the one I really wanted was the Asus Xonar Essence One - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132023. What do you guys think about that one?
Edited by logicPwn - 8/28/12 at 6:30pm
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post #10 of 121
8/28/12 at 9:53pm
Absolutely expensive. Could never recommend it. But if you like to throw out that kind of cash go for it.

I just don't think it has Dolby Headphone and I don't think it would be as good for gaming as you believe it to be.

You're paying 5-600 dollars for an external DAC here rather than a gaming external DAC. I think the main problem you're failing to see is that there is no USB DAC that's high quality and also supports gaming which is why I led you down the Dolby Headphone USB + USB Dac route. USB DAC for music listening, USB Dolby Headphone product for gaming.
Edited by Simca - 8/28/12 at 9:59pm
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