Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 138 conversations about:
If you have a MAC, you don't need a DAC
By
JGalt
Carmonben
7
Dec 25, 2018
The problem isn't the dac itself, it's the fact that said dac is in the middle of a ton of emi bouncing around the case
Carmonben
7
Dec 25, 2018
CarmonbenIf you are not sensitive to high frequency noise, or don't care, it's good enough
Nonyabuzi
7
Dec 25, 2018
CarmonbenWhat hight frequency noise?
Carmonben
7
Dec 25, 2018
NonyabuziThe emi creates noise.
for example your battery charging or discharging would create some emi.
Anything causing a high amount of current would cause emi.
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Dec 25, 2018
CarmonbenMore specifically, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is the noise, the source is the AC circuit, all of which radiate to some level. Not all interference is radiated either, conducted coupling via a ground loop for instance is a common noise source too.
This is a nice point, I would add though that there is no escape here. The external DAC or a DAP also needs to contend with self interference (either it's own battery/PSU or sometimes its display as well for instance). We need to hedge our bets in this regard as to whether the integrated or external will tackle things better.
bootster1
61
Dec 26, 2018
GiantHeadphoneSquid"We need to hedge our bets in this regard as to whether the integrated or external will tackle things better."
No we don't. A dedicated DAC device will always be superior in it's implementation than a sound output stage of a laptop or motherboard. That's like saying that separates are more noisy than AVR's because there are interconnects between the preamplifiers and amplifiers. The chassis of the separate audiophile component is always inherently less noisy than an all in one integrated within the same class of components. Dedicated preamplifiers are always less noisy than a computer The laptop or motherboard of a computer will never have the upper hand when it comes to sound quality potential over a dedicated device. Just because you have to send the signal into a premium outboard device doesn't mean the signal will be altered in any way to degrade it when you are looking at the output specifications, and listening to the inherent advantages of adding the external DAC component.
There are youtube videos that show the painstaking implementations of how premium component makers go about isolating crosstalk, EMF interference, and noise that can interfere with the these audiophile grade DAC's. There is no comparison at all to the laptop or motherboard implementations when it comes to isolation of these potential sound degrading forces or even static interferences. To suggest so is to ignore the fact that these engineers of these external DACs have the advantage of implementing noise reducing technologies that are just plain unavoidable in any apple, or any phone, laptop, or PC product.
GiantHeadphoneSquid
639
Dec 26, 2018
bootster1Certainly, I'd be very interested in seeing youtube videos on EMI considerations in audio devices. Please link them; I'd also like to find out more about this audiophile exclusive noise reducing technologies you mention at the end there(?)
An external DAC has many of the exact EMI concerns that a laptop or cell phone does, particularly the USB connector, a power delivery network, and potentially a display etc.
EMC/EMI is not a trivial concern for laptop/device makers, they deal with signals that are several orders of magnitude higher frequency than audio. They bring substantial expertise and (particularly in Apple's case) unrivaled resources to the problem (that audio hardware also benefits from). Of course, even the best teams screw up or the bean counters win over the techies (Apple's laptops certainly have their issues), but this is also true of audiophile manufacturers.
Don't get me wrong, there are many bad integrated soundcards and great external DACs. But there are also many great integrated headphone outputs that rival quite expensive dedicated DACs, contrary to your repeated assertions. An easy example of this would be something like the LG V series cell phones, they have a 32 bit ESS Sabre DAC that has very respectable performance.
Broody
183
Jan 6, 2019
Carmonbenthe problem is also the DAC.
Carmonben
7
Jan 6, 2019
Broodyin what way does any modern dac cause the issue on its own
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop