Hey everyone! I just picked up a pair of Sennheiser HD560s headphones and I'm considering getting a sound card to enhance my audio experience. I mainly play FPS games, but I also love listening to music and watching movies. I'm looking for recommendations and would love to hear about your experiences with different sound cards—especially if you have any favorites that would work well for my setup. Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
If you do want to get a dedicated sound card, make sure you’re spending at least $300. Otherwise, onboard audio from your motherboard is generally better than any cheap sound card under $100. Just something to consider!
Honestly, if you're considering an internal sound card, you might want to think about why you need one. Internal cards can pick up a lot of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from your PC. An external DAC is usually a better bet because it keeps the digital signal clean and reduces noise. It’s worth looking into!
My desk isn't very spacious. Do you have any specific recommendations for external DACs?
If you want an affordable option, you can try a USB DAC dongle from Aliexpress. Something with a Cirrus Logic chip is a great choice—I've heard the sound quality is impressive for the price.
If you're in the states, I’ve heard good things about the Apple USB-C Dongle as a simple solution.

Do you have any specific brands you recommend for that price range?