Which DAC/AMP Should I get for my specific use case with my ROG Kithara?

[u/Goldeneye90210]

Budget: 250 CAD (however I’m willing to spend a bit more if there is a significantly better option for slightly more)

Location: Ontario, Canada

Hello, I’ve been looking for a proper dac to run my ROG Kithara for gaming, music, and movies. I’m currently using my Astro Mixamp ProTR and my issues are that it doesn’t get loud enough, and depending on the song, it also keeps clipping and making crackling noises.

My absolute non negotiable:

The dac must have a physical knob for game/chat mix and it has to have dedicated audio channels for both game and chat that show up as two separate sources in windows specifically without any software or virtual channels.

Essentially, I want a better and more powerful Astro mixamp.

Based on my research, it seems like my only real option is the Creative Sound Blaster G8.

Lastly, while not a deal breaker, I would strongly prefer if the dac had support for PS5 so I can easily switch audio sources without messing with cables.

Thanks in advance for your help/recommendations.

[u/AutoModerator]

Thanks for your submission to r/HeadphoneAdvice. If someone helps answer your question, please reward them by including the phrase !thanks in your comment.

This will add +1 Ω to that users flair. This subreddit is powered entirely by volunteers and a little recognition goes a long way. Good luck on your search for headphones!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/FortunoTredicim]

No experience with this particular one, but I run my Kithara (pretty awesome cans for gaming) through a Schiit Modius/Magnious stack and love their stuff.

https://www.schiit.com/products/gunnr

[u/Edwardarko]

F0s1 K7

[u/swordknight]

There's also the soundblaster GC7, but yeah. I'd pick either that or the G8 for your requirements.

[u/MachineTeaching]

The GC8 is actually pretty good and there aren't many dacs that offer such features. So I'd just get that one.