External DAC

[speedyj]

Hi all, I'd like a little advice please.

 

I have a PC based system running Win7 64 using an Asus Xonar Essence STX into a Little Dot Mk3 which in turn feeds a pair of Adam A7 monitors.

 

My question is will an external DAC improve things and if so what do you suggest.

 

I am pretty happy with the current sound but always curious to see if much improvement can be made without spending silly money.

 

Musical tastes are varied across pretty much all styles but with a taste for female vocals and acoustic material if I'm honest.

 

I have no experience with DACS but I assume a USB one would negate the need for a soundcard at all?

 

[Viola_Player]

Here is a review of your sound card from a decent source. It seems that you might do better with an external DAC (which means you won't need a sound card if you use USB output)but you'll have to spend far more than your sound card cost to improve on it.