sHaRkKaE 0 Report post Posted January 28, 2007 I'm kind of stuck in between getting an external sound card e.g. EMU 0404 USB or the M-audio Audiophile USB and a DAC e.g. dared mp5 Could anyone tell me the difference between a DAC and an external sound card? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loop_ 0 Report post Posted February 1, 2007 (edited) don't really think there's a difference. A sound card is just a DAC really, except that many soundcards tend to cater more to specific needs arising from computer use e.g. gaming, and hence have 6.1 surround sound etc. a usb dac/amp combi like that dared mp5, on the other hand, is for stereo music only. so you won't get much satisfaction out of it if you want surround. Then again, some soundcards don't have that either! Also, with the dac/amp combi, you don't have to buy another amp, whereas for the soundcards you'll prob want to. In terms of noise level, I think you have to look at reviews. You'll probably hear more noise from a usb connection then an internal soundcard, though this is a big generalisation. sound, as always, is subjective Edited February 1, 2007 by loop_ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
