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cleaner digital audio signal, they don't pick up interference or static
This can be achieved using any USB DAC. Amps the signal and doesn't pick up interference.
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compatibility, get audio support on any computer with USB ports, regardless of other hardware
On the contrary, USB audio requires drivers. While some may not need it (depends) others cannot work without it.
Had a HD-201 pair of USB headphones and they did not work without the driver, which was shit and screwed up my system.
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possible decrease in audio quality, depending on the device
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This depends on the quality of the DAC. Since you'll be bypassing the internal audio card, you'll need either a good headphone-integrated card or like I said above an external DAC for them.
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higher CPU usage (a potential problem, my processor isn't that great)
I don't think you'll notice any slow-downs.
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The lack of interference is very interesting for me, as currently I can hear a faint "preeeeeeeeep" when nothing is being played, and smaller repeated ones when downloading or copying files.
Where is your headphones connected? Front or back of the computer?
Try switching your placement.