Sound Cards, DACs, and Amps as Fast As Possible

Sound cards, DACs, and amps are all highly discussed topics in the PC and audiophile worlds. Here's what I think you need to know about them...

[Pragmag]

I always wondered why my speakers had that hissing noise and why it grows when I start applications. Thanks Linus, these are super dope and informative!

[milkywayprince_]

I watched it 3 times and still know nothing.

[aMuthaFingNinja]

I think you forgot to mention that if you aren't an audiophile, and there isn't anything physically wrong with your speakers/motherboard ect, then you probably don't need any of this.

[Simon]

Friberg: "WTF Flusha U WAT M8!"
hahahahahaha
I see what you did there.

[danukenator]

These Counter Strike jokes are amazing. Clearly there is a GO fan in the editing department.

[thomasneidenmark]

Wow Linus, your timing is impeccable. I'm just about to buy a Amp/DAC combo, and I've been surfing around a lot to find out more about what I need. This is perfect, thank you!

[HAZARDOUS]

Always used external soundcards. Fast Track Pro did the job for years and was amazing. Now that it's started to show it's age, I upgraded to a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and it's incredible!

[EposVox]

Nice video. Just started using a DAC over my sound card, loving the difference. Need some good cans, though. #nomoney  

[xurtis]

Awesome Linus. Also, crosstalk is also a large issue with on-board solutions which is much less an issue with DACs, AMPs or combo units. Not only does less crosstalk make stereo music more enjoyable, but it also makes directional sound in games far more accurate and use-able.

[Mega_Arrow]

You guys got me good. I thought the thumbnail was a redheaded Olivia Wilde XD 

[AndrewTranAT]

Since Techquickie was meant to host to host short videos that can be shared with non-tech savvy people, you need to remember to briefly clarify what certain abbreviations you use mean, (DAC, EMI, etc), either through the scripted writing or with a short on-screen text popup. Otherwise there would be some confusion for those who haven't watched a corresponding previous video.

[RickyMon]

I got an audio interface for my eletric guitar years ago, its an external USB Toneport UX2 and I use this as my main sound card even for gaming

[yaltschuler]

1:59 Those headphones? Those are the Sennheiser HD201's, they retail for $25.

[elvere]

For all of you guys asking if you should get a soundcard just go for a cheap one like the ASUS Xonar DG, it will help to isolate the signal plus it has an integrated headphone amp. Its only $30 so its worth a try and even if its not a huge improvement it is still an upgrade to your PC, there is nothing to lose.

[shaung]

3:03 THANK YOU for honouring us producers who do all of the work~! You are awesome :D

[AD]

Just bought a Fiio E10K and it makes a world of difference compared to my onboard. So much more detail and depth in the music I have been missing all this time.

[PowerMangoLP]

So.. I dont have a problem with my onboard sound.. No hissing, no distortion and (at least in my opinion) Good Sound, i dont know if a new soundcard would make a big difference though.

What do you guys think ? Should i get a soundcard or nah ?

[jonathanhedges]

If you buy anything to reduce hissing or pops, try changing components of your system. My speaker power cable somehow became damaged which led to hissing. A sound card wouldn't have done anything to fix that.

[JonathanKing]

is it just me or is Linus's..s voice getting higher?

[Azortharion]

Really awesome script imo. Didn't notice it was different till you said it. Did seem fresher, no information lost. 10/10