What is a good budget DAC to be used with this unit?
762983
The Schiit Modi DAC is a very budget friendly option. Schiit audio makes several other DACs at various price points.
762984
I paired the Marantz NA7004 with this unit. It is a very versatile DAC/network audio player that can perform digital to analog conversion from a variety of sources (iPod/iPhone via USB, computer via USB, Apple devices via AirPlay, any device that outputs via coaxial/optical). I think the NA7004 has been discontinued so they are being sold at discounted prices. If you want a no-frills DAC, any of the HRT offerings should work well. I would also look into the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100.
762985
The matching CD player CD6004 has a nice converter built in as well as a USB/iPod jack on the front panel
762986
I use OPPO usb port to play from usb no converter need, but most of the time I use CD not digital music
760904
Buy a Schiit Sys Preamp, it acts as a volume control and you can connect each speaker to it easily. Then you can connect the Sys to your DAC/amp
1779112
Good internal and external sound cards for under $50 some $25 and you will have your sound back with the proper hole
1617143
This would not be enough. If you want reasonable quality, you need an audio interface that would allow you to plug in (XLR or 1/4") and that had an onboard pre-amp. Look for Focusrite, Presonus, or M-Audio if you aren't trying to spend much money.
1990257
I am not that big into audio cards so I wouldn't know the perfect answer, but if you are to use these speakers, it would be best if you got a pretty good sound card that is pricier than the norm. Not top grade type of card, but somewhere mid ranged. Sorry, but I could not provide an example because of my inexperience, but check some cards out like these ones (if these are within your budget). FiiO E10 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132013. Hope I can help. I am not that big into audio cards so I wouldn't know the perfect answer, but if you are to use these speakers, it would be best if you got a pretty good sound card that is pricier than the norm. Not top grade type of card, but somewhere mid ranged. Sorry, but I could not provide an example because of my inexperience, but check some cards out like these ones (if these are within your budget). FiiO E10 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132013. Hope I can help.
1150025
It takes RCA and 1/8" trs, so there's no way to go right in from USB. You'd need a separate DAC if USB is your only option.
1923500
This headphone amp will work just fine when it's plugged into the headphone output of your PC. No DAC required.
2205989
An amp isn't necessary, however I have tried a friends DAC/AMP and it did sound better than my onboard audio on my computer, but that's the DAC more than the amp.
1846914
Yes, you really don't need an external dac with this unit...in fact I think that is it's main appeal. A good external amp would be a better compliment. It works pretty well as a complete unit(player, dac, amp) but getting a separate amp would allow you to custom taylor your sound to your given cans.
78101
I would go with DAC unless you're interested in more clear lossless formats like FLAC.
1990260
Try Creative or Asus they have a range of prices. I will recommend a card starting at 40 or 50 dollars to get a decent quality sound.
2182541
Consider, Fiio Alpen-E17 for your purpose. It comes with various inputs vs. This model which has 2, a coaxial and the typical, digital in.
677146
I have heard with my ears and from Tek Syndicate on YouTube they do not need a DAC. So they should be fine with on board audio.
174376
I think DAC of this Item is not so good, your idea is good. There is a digital output.
1484497
You could use an 8th to RCA adapter cable and it would work. Best use is to put a DAC in front and run from a computer though.
1140657
You would need a DAC - Digital to Analog Converter. There are TONS of these available but this is not one of them.
87411
There are a lot of options, and it depends on what you'll be using them for. I just listen to music most of the time, so I use a Yamaha A-S500 integrated amplifier. It has worked great for me.