On November 08 2011 02:52 TR wrote: I've been using Sennheiser PC350 headset for little bit over one year now and i want to buy new and better headphones but i'm not really sure what headphones would be good for me. I listen a lot of music, mostly kpop but some other genres as well. I was going to buy Sennheiser HD555 headphones but after trying i decided not do so because bass sounded weaker and not so deep than PC350's for some reason. My budget is about 200€. So is there any good headphones with as good as or better bass PC350 has but also better sound quality? Beyerdynamic DT770? Do i need headphone amp? Any recommendations? Thanks!
EDIT: Oh yeah, i want them to be PC compatible.
Most everything is PC compatible, unless you're thinking of something strange.
There are a lot of DT 770 / 880 / 990 versions. For DT 770, Pro 80 ohms is often the cheapest and don't really need a specialized amplifier unless the output you're using is terrible. Bass is a little sloppier and midbass-heavier if you have a source with a high output impedance, but you probably don't.
If you listen to music very loud, stay away from the 250 and 600 ohms versions unless you get a higher-power amplifier. But even with those, I still don't think volume is likely an issue if you listen to most modern pop and recordings other than some classical and jazz stuff that actually has a lot of dynamic range.
In Europe, pricing on some other brands is not as good I think, so DT 770 is probably the way to go.
On November 07 2011 04:28 0mgVitaminE wrote: I'm trying to decide on whether or not to get an amp for my akg K-240 studios and so far I've gotten tons of varying responses.
Do you think the amp would be worth it or should I save up for a pair of nicer cans ($300-400 range) instead?
If you don't have a dedicated DAC already, then definitely go for some kind of DAC + amp combo.
The k240s are solid headphones, and it's worth upgrading your source/amp for them imo (particularly if you're still using onboard/motherboard audio). Not sure what your budget is but the Audio-gd NFB-12 is a good bang-for-the-buck option and the Audinst HUD-mx1 is another if you want something that's more portable.
Thanks for the tip, but I was hoping I could spend closer to $100. Do you think something like this http://www.audiophilechina.com/cp-show.asp?C_id=175&S_id2=2&s_id=78 would work? I don't want to spend too much but if $100 is going to get me something I'll have to upgrade soon then I mine as well shell out $200 on it.
On November 08 2011 02:52 TR wrote: I've been using Sennheiser PC350 headset for little bit over one year now and i want to buy new and better headphones but i'm not really sure what headphones would be good for me. I listen a lot of music, mostly kpop but some other genres as well. I was going to buy Sennheiser HD555 headphones but after trying i decided not do so because bass sounded weaker and not so deep than PC350's for some reason. My budget is about 200€. So is there any good headphones with as good as or better bass PC350 has but also better sound quality? Beyerdynamic DT770? Do i need headphone amp? Any recommendations? Thanks!
EDIT: Oh yeah, i want them to be PC compatible.
Most everything is PC compatible, unless you're thinking of something strange.
There are a lot of DT 770 / 880 / 990 versions. For DT 770, Pro 80 ohms is often the cheapest and don't really need a specialized amplifier unless the output you're using is terrible. Bass is a little sloppier and midbass-heavier if you have a source with a high output impedance, but you probably don't.
If you listen to music very loud, stay away from the 250 and 600 ohms versions unless you get a higher-power amplifier. But even with those, I still don't think volume is likely an issue if you listen to most modern pop and recordings other than some classical and jazz stuff that actually has a lot of dynamic range.
In Europe, pricing on some other brands is not as good I think, so DT 770 is probably the way to go.
On November 07 2011 04:28 0mgVitaminE wrote: I'm trying to decide on whether or not to get an amp for my akg K-240 studios and so far I've gotten tons of varying responses.
Do you think the amp would be worth it or should I save up for a pair of nicer cans ($300-400 range) instead?
If you don't have a dedicated DAC already, then definitely go for some kind of DAC + amp combo.
The k240s are solid headphones, and it's worth upgrading your source/amp for them imo (particularly if you're still using onboard/motherboard audio). Not sure what your budget is but the Audio-gd NFB-12 is a good bang-for-the-buck option and the Audinst HUD-mx1 is another if you want something that's more portable.
Thanks for the tip, but I was hoping I could spend closer to $100. Do you think something like this http://www.audiophilechina.com/cp-show.asp?C_id=175&S_id2=2&s_id=78 would work? I don't want to spend too much but if $100 is going to get me something I'll have to upgrade soon then I mine as well shell out $200 on it.
FiiO E10 would be close to perfect for most applications I would believe.
I'd like to improve my sound. I'm courrently running:
Realtek® ALC889 > Stereo Amp > Srh840
I'm hearing conflicting advice. Some people say that getting a dac, and then running it through the amp would be the best bet, and others say I'm better off running only a dac and ditching the amp altogether! As a two part question, would a fiio e7 be worth the upgrade for the dac component? Or would I be better off saving for an udac2, or switching headphones altogether? Ty.
Should I buy an external DAC and a headphone amp? I currently have a Titanium HD from creative, I think it has a good DAC and also a headphone amp? I'm not sure though, so some feedback would be nice.
I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but most posters in this thread don't have audiophile grade equipment. I've heard the M50s are great for the price, but they don't benefit from an amplifier or a good DAC.
On November 08 2011 17:39 slytown wrote: I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but most posters in this thread don't have audiophile grade equipment. I've heard the M50s are great for the price, but they don't benefit from an amplifier or a good DAC.
If you are interested in upgrading your equipment, look into head-fi.org. It's a great forum for learning about audiophile and hi-fi stuff.
hey just wondering why you invested so much into source etc when you have headphones that aren't that great and don't need it? or you just about to upgrade?
Lower fidelity by itself than something like a Sansa Clip+ (even into easier higher impedance loads) and even some onboard audio, but whether or not that sounds better is always up to the listener. Obviously portable players don't reach the same output power levels, but still...
And this is ignoring the whole rest of the design, which can increase the problems--or increase the number of enhancements, depending on how you view it.
As a general comment to those asking about upgrades:
More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better. Different doesn't necessarily mean better either. If you're satisfied, then that's good enough. If you're not satisfied because you suspect somebody else's expensive stuff may be better than yours, it could very well not be to your ears (or according to industry standard measurements of fidelity). If you have an opportunity to give a listen, go ahead, but no need to stress about it.
A lot of these audio designs (not all by any stretch) for DACs and especially amplifiers are like doing the automobile equivalents of using steam-powered engines, or silver ball bearings because silver is more expensive than the cheap materials other people use. There is a lot of reinventing the wheel and coming up with designs that aren't circular. But if the ride is bumpier in a certain way, who's to say that that's not more pleasing to some passengers?
btw don't take those analogies too seriously, since they don't match up, just a general idea.
On November 08 2011 17:39 slytown wrote: I don't mean to sound like a jerk, but most posters in this thread don't have audiophile grade equipment. I've heard the M50s are great for the price, but they don't benefit from an amplifier or a good DAC.
If you are interested in upgrading your equipment, look into head-fi.org. It's a great forum for learning about audiophile and hi-fi stuff.
hey just wondering why you invested so much into source etc when you have headphones that aren't that great and don't need it? or you just about to upgrade?
All 3 headphones i listed benefit from an amplifier, expecially the AKGs because they have such a high ohmage.
Hello, I've been shopping for a new pair of gaming headset for a while since my old razer barracuda ceased to work fine (I've been too rude with them) and frankly I'm lost lol. At first my plan was to wait for the new razer tiamat 7.1 but i keep reading that 10 drivers is a jokes (8 drivers made a difference in counter-strike for me at least) some people says that sennheiser pc 360 are the best headset but im not sure if I'm ready to pay 300$ for some headset + it seem like they don't have a decent isolation... I don't have a really good audio card either at least its not onboard, its a supremefx x-fi...
On November 11 2011 03:53 EL33T_COL wrote: Hello, I've been shopping for a new pair of gaming headset for a while since my old razer barracuda ceased to work fine (I've been too rude with them) and frankly I'm lost lol. At first my plan was to wait for the new razer tiamat 7.1 but i keep reading that 10 drivers is a jokes (8 drivers made a difference in counter-strike for me at least) some people says that sennheiser pc 360 are the best headset but im not sure if I'm ready to pay 300$ for some headset + it seem like they don't have a decent isolation... I don't have a really good audio card either at least its not onboard, its a supremefx x-fi...
so what you guys recommend me for 300 max?
Gaming headsets are usually pretty bad. From what I can understand though, and maybe someone can confirm this, is that open headphones like the AD700s would allow you to be able to hear surround pretty well while also having great musical quality.
Gaming headsets are usually pretty bad. From what I can understand though, and maybe someone can confirm this, is that open headphones like the AD700s would allow you to be able to hear surround pretty well while also having great musical quality.
thanks for your quick answer
I might consider the headphone option, after all, i don't use the mic everyday and I do already own a cheap mic but it sound crappy
Any suggestions for a cheap DAC? Since I upgraded from XP to 7, I've been having problems with noise from my sound card. It doesn't appear to be a driver issue, as I've used both the default 7 drivers and the manufacturor drivers. It's very noticeable, especially when I'm trying to play along with a song. It does appear to be the sound card as the noise appears, whether it's plugged into my bass amp (extremely noticeable) or my headphones (noticeable, just slightly less so). These devices don't usually get any noise/static/what have you. I don't get any noise when my iPod or laptop are plugged into them. As such, I need either a sound card (less preferable) or a DAC (better, especially if it's portable).
Being a minor, my budget's tight. Very tight. Something like the FiiO E6 was what I was looking at, though I'm open to alternatives. I'm listening to Jazz, Progressive Rock (Rush), and Metal (Iron Maiden, Sabbath, Metallica, etc). My headphones are the SRH440s. My budget would be pretty much anywhere up to around $50, though I might be able to squeeze out a little more if it would be that big of a difference.
On November 07 2011 04:28 0mgVitaminE wrote: I'm trying to decide on whether or not to get an amp for my akg K-240 studios and so far I've gotten tons of varying responses.
Do you think the amp would be worth it or should I save up for a pair of nicer cans ($300-400 range) instead?
If you don't have a dedicated DAC already, then definitely go for some kind of DAC + amp combo.
The k240s are solid headphones, and it's worth upgrading your source/amp for them imo (particularly if you're still using onboard/motherboard audio). Not sure what your budget is but the Audio-gd NFB-12 is a good bang-for-the-buck option and the Audinst HUD-mx1 is another if you want something that's more portable.
Thanks for the tip, but I was hoping I could spend closer to $100. Do you think something like this http://www.audiophilechina.com/cp-show.asp?C_id=175&S_id2=2&s_id=78 would work? I don't want to spend too much but if $100 is going to get me something I'll have to upgrade soon then I mine as well shell out $200 on it.
I think you might want to look at the Fiio E7 or the IBasso D-zero if you want to limit your budget to around 100. The C&C is just an amp (no dac), and personally, I really prioritize getting away from onboard audio... even if just to get the better noise floor and lack of interference from HD activity, let alone better sound quality.
I'm not sure how well they drive your AKGs, but I think the improvement in sound should be worth it.
On November 07 2011 04:28 0mgVitaminE wrote: I'm trying to decide on whether or not to get an amp for my akg K-240 studios and so far I've gotten tons of varying responses.
Do you think the amp would be worth it or should I save up for a pair of nicer cans ($300-400 range) instead?
If you don't have a dedicated DAC already, then definitely go for some kind of DAC + amp combo.
The k240s are solid headphones, and it's worth upgrading your source/amp for them imo (particularly if you're still using onboard/motherboard audio). Not sure what your budget is but the Audio-gd NFB-12 is a good bang-for-the-buck option and the Audinst HUD-mx1 is another if you want something that's more portable.
Thanks for the tip, but I was hoping I could spend closer to $100. Do you think something like this http://www.audiophilechina.com/cp-show.asp?C_id=175&S_id2=2&s_id=78 would work? I don't want to spend too much but if $100 is going to get me something I'll have to upgrade soon then I mine as well shell out $200 on it.
I think you might want to look at the Fiio E7 or the IBasso D-zero if you want to limit your budget to around 100. The C&C is just an amp (no dac), and personally, I really prioritize getting away from onboard audio... even if just to get the better noise floor and lack of interference from HD activity, let alone better sound quality.
I'm not sure how well they drive your AKGs, but I think the improvement in sound should be worth it.
Yeah, onboard can be very decent, but only under specific circumstances. Getting away from random noises inside the computer is a good idea. (though if you get chirping, dropouts, clicks, or anomalies with hard drive or graphics card or whatever activity, you probably know about it; and if you don't, then there's probably not a huge problem)
I suspect the E10 is probably better than the E7 since it is desktop only, lacks the display, is a later design, etc. In the least, the output level of the E10 is higher, which makes it useful with more headphones down the road. But availability seems to be low. It seems everywhere is out of stock and FiiO has yet to produce a second batch?
An option is like one of those above (Behringer UCA 202, Asus U3, or Creative X-Fi Go) in addition to a dedicated amp. In that price range, you're probably constrained to cheaper portables, but that's not necessarily a big limitation.
But I don't think the K240 Studio is unusually demanding other than being a bit quieter than most at 91 dB SPL / 1 mW (104 dB SPL / 1 V). If current listening levels are fine to you and there are no anomalies, I'd seriously consider just going with what you have now.
@ArcticVanguard
check the above link for cheap DACs (though actually what you're looking for is a DAC and an amp, possibly combined in one device). E6 is an amp only. Out of the above options, the X-Fi Go is the best for your purposes. You can use the default Windows USB audio drivers and not have to install or rely on Creative bloatware crap.
If you run through an external amp, you don't need a DAC that has an output capable of driving headphones (though that's not a negative). DAC output impedance is irrelevant if it's pugged into an external amp; any headphones become okay as long as they work with the external amp.
The comments about impedances are if you're driving headphones directly through the integrated amp of the DAC, in which case there will be a significant interaction between the output impedance of the DAC and the headphone impedance. Higher output impedance and lower headphones impedance together mean less damping factor (so in theory less control over the movement of the drivers...though for headphones they're often very mechanically damped, unlike speakers), but more importantly, less weird frequency response changes as a function of the output impedance and load impedance. And note that the output impedance is complex, since there's the DC blocking capacitor on the output, making lower impedance headphones lose a bit of the lowest subbass. (But at 44 ohms or so, losing a couple dB at really really low frequencies like 30 Hz is probably not a big deal.)
For ArcticVanguard's SRH440, weighing the different factors, even with the impedance interaction, I still think the X-Fi Go is the best of those options. FiiO D3 is another reasonable option but clearly has worse performance overall.
E3 is an amp only, that's probably worse than the E5 significantly and has an always-on bass boost.
So you're looking for the DAC performance only. Thus UCA202 and X-Fi Go are the best of those. There may be others too.
EPT
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