Solved! Question about soundcard and headphones

[Vonlindner]

I'm planning on purchasing the Sony WH-1000XM4 headset. This headset only has a 3.5mm jack. I usually get headphones with a usb so that the sound quality doesn't rely on my soundcard, because I kind of assumed it isn't any good. So my question is whether I should get the Sony WH-1000XM4? Is it compatible with my current soundcard? And will I be utilizing the full potential of the headset if I do? Or should I invest in a new soundcard or a different headset with a USB? My current motherboard is the Gigabyte Z390 Gaming X and it has a "Realtek ALC892 audio codec ".

 

[americanaudiophile]

https://www.sony.com/electronics/headband-headphones/wh-1000xm4
If these are the ones you are looking at they can be used wireless. If your motherboard doesn't have bluetooth get and USB BT transmitter. That will bypass your motherboard audio.
If you want to use them wired get a USB DAC for best quality.

Schiit Audio: Audio Products Designed and Built in Texas and California

www.schiit.com

If you don't need the noise cancelling (or wireless) then you can use a lot of other headphones.

 

[Vonlindner]

Hi. Thanks for the reply. I'm planning on using them wired only. I also plan on buying a different cable that is longer than a measly 1.2 meters. Say I just use it as is without any USB DAC thing... will that negatively impact the performance? and in what way?

 

[americanaudiophile]

An external DAC/headphone amp has two obvious functions.
The DAC converts digital audio to analog. The environment inside a computer isn't great for that so an external device has an advantage.
What you will hear will be more detail and dynamics. It may also be cleaner and smoother sounding. It will depend on the quality of the DAC, your music and the quality of the headphones.
The amp part of the package will also affect the sound quality but it will have more impact if you have headphones that are difficult to drive. The Sony phones will probably be driven just fine with the motherboard.

 

[Vonlindner]

An external DAC/headphone amp has two obvious functions.
The DAC converts digital audio to analog. The environment inside a computer isn't great for that so an external device has an advantage.
What you will hear will be more detail and dynamics. It may also be cleaner and smoother sounding. It will depend on the quality of the DAC, your music and the quality of the headphones.
The amp part of the package will also affect the sound quality but it will have more impact if you have headphones that are difficult to drive. The Sony phones will probably be driven just fine with the motherboard.

Thanks for the detailed reply! Just to confirm, you're saying I should get a sound card, right? Also, which would you recommend? (I'd prefer not to go over a couple hundred if possible)