I am using a HP Pavilion PC with an integrated audio codec (IDT 92HD65C) for listening to music and watching movies/videos.

I was using an Edifier R401 powered 2.1 speaker system, but I found the sonic presentation lacking clarity and detail.

Recently I replaced the Edifier with the Yamaha DSP-A3090 AV amplifier and TDL RTL2 reflex transmission line speakers.

These are audio gear left over from the 1990s when I was an avid AV enthusiast.

What a difference that made. Really 'night and day'.

Surprisingly, the integrated audio codec did a pretty good job. It can decode 24bit/192kHz audio files (foobar2000 with wasapi plugin).

Unfortunately the PC does not have a digital out, so I can't use the DAC in the Yamaha amplifier to hear the sonic difference.

Will an external USB DAC improve sound quality in my present PC audio setup?

The Yamaha DSP-A3090 amplifier


The TDL RTL2 reflex transmission line speakers


This post has been edited by raynman: Feb 21 2017, 09:01 AM

Usually DAC can improve the sound quality, but ain't come cheap. Usually good DAC costs over RM2K. but first the question, you wanna stereo output or multichannel output?

For me, stereo output takes precedence over multi-channel.

Will an external USB DAC improve sound quality in my present PC audio setup?

Good external DAC will improved sound quality compare with on-board sound card.
If you want cheap, basic & good USB DAC try FiiO E10k or better DAC try SMSL M8 or Chord Mojo. You could find it at Garage Sale here or Lazada, test it with your AV system.

Your Yamaha AV receiver among the top/highend model, it could bring very good natural detail sound.

http://www.lazada.com.my/sh-smsl-m8-portab...e-20166281.html

This post has been edited by azuradaniel: Feb 21 2017, 09:31 AM

get a USB DDC and use your yamaha DAC

Definitely. An external DAC will be an improvement over the onboard solution.

I can't afford a Chord Mojo.

Why not try SMSL M8 or Dragonfly black/red, already good enough. Anyway built-in DAC inside your Yamaha AV Receiver also not bad.

Good idea !

Anyway where could we get it locally or any DIY seller locally?

Great idea!

Never thought of that.

Where can I get it?

Jaben should have some. I believe they sell the iFi audio stuff too.

I only could find expensive USB DDC like this: http://www.lazada.com.my/sotm-dx-usb-hd-di...dc-1152657.html

It is just to test out the DAC in my Yamaha amp.

No way I will spend this kind of money.

If you're interested, someone is selling a Consonance Box 1.1 USB to SPDIF converter.
The impression is great in this audiokarma thread.
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php...oly-cow.430272/

USB 24bit/96KHz input, S/PDIF coaxial output.
Plug and play with Windows/Apple.
Excellent sound quality.
Well engineered product by Consonance Audio.
Condition: Used less than one year. Like new. Perfect working condition. 9/10
No original box.
Included one Belden 75 Ohm digital coaxial cable.
Price RM 400 firm.
Shipping free in Malaysia.
Reason for sale: bought to use with my non USB DAC.
Now upgraded to new DAC with USB.

At this price I prefer USB DAC, may be order SMSL M8 to replace my GoVibe U-DAC.

This post has been edited by azuradaniel: Feb 21 2017, 11:19 AM

I don't think for RM400 a USB DAC will sound substantially better than your built in DAC on the amp.
But if you're interested I have an extra Aune T1 MK2 I don't use. I can loan it to you until you get a new DAC. You can try comparing too.

Is there an external USB DAC with optical or coaxial digital out that I can use to connect to my Yamaha amplifier's digital input?

I also want to know how my Yamaha DSP-A3090 DAC sounds like.

try this:

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/MU...2382833706.html

does your yamaha amp have optical in? i think a desktop should have a optical out so u can try to use that connection, (transport the digital file to ur amp to decode) .
i'm using Audinst MX1 dac/headphone amp, it does have line out and optical out. but now it is more expensive than before.
suggest u go try cheap usb dac like our local Stoner acoustics products.

This post has been edited by barjoyai: Feb 21 2017, 01:05 PM

Will an external USB DAC improve sound quality, in my present PC audio setup?

When you said "improving sound quality", first you must know what do you actually want to improve; high, mid, low frequency? soundstage? noise? etc. Smoothness?

You will get overwhelming suggestions from others. But do they sound good to you? That comes back to your preference again. It also depend on your gears.

I normally will opt for neutral and low noise dac ... Then you can move along to your amp and speaker for the sound of your liking.