Technically an external DAC is replicating the functionality of what your laptop already has built-in, but think of it as swapping out the crappy earbuds that came with your smartphone. With a 24-bit digital to analog converter, the DacMagic XS can handle up to 24-bit, 192kHz high quality sound files, while its amp puts out 150mW of power. So not only will the music coming through your headphones sound better, it will be louder too, but without the distortion.