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On December 23 2010 15:06 Gandalf wrote:
Any suggestions for a USB DAC/AMP to be used with a desktop computer? Headphones are beyerdynamic dt770 and max budget is $150. I'm looking mainly to boost volume and some bass, although I understand some sound quality improvement will be a given.
(Just to clarify, by a usb dac/amp I mean something that plugs into a usb slot on my computer and then acts both as an external soundcard and as an amplifier. My headphones will then plug into this unit.)
not going to deter you from getting an amp, just want to give you another option to think about: have you thought about just using an equalizer?
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T.O.P.
Hong Kong4685 Posts
On December 23 2010 15:06 Gandalf wrote:
Any suggestions for a USB DAC/AMP to be used with a desktop computer? Headphones are beyerdynamic dt770 and max budget is $150. I'm looking mainly to boost volume and some bass, although I understand some sound quality improvement will be a given.
(Just to clarify, by a usb dac/amp I mean something that plugs into a usb slot on my computer and then acts both as an external soundcard and as an amplifier. My headphones will then plug into this unit.)
People on Head-Fi recommend Nuforce udac2. I have one and it wasn't a mindblowning change from onboard sound. The most I can hear is that the sound from the onboard is more muddy than from the udac2. But I would spend the extra $100 dollars on headphones instead.
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On December 23 2010 18:28 T.O.P. wrote:Show nested quote +On December 23 2010 15:06 Gandalf wrote:
Any suggestions for a USB DAC/AMP to be used with a desktop computer? Headphones are beyerdynamic dt770 and max budget is $150. I'm looking mainly to boost volume and some bass, although I understand some sound quality improvement will be a given.
(Just to clarify, by a usb dac/amp I mean something that plugs into a usb slot on my computer and then acts both as an external soundcard and as an amplifier. My headphones will then plug into this unit.) People on Head-Fi recommend Nuforce udac2. I have one and it wasn't a mindblowning change from onboard sound. The most I can hear is that the sound from the onboard is more muddy than from the udac2. But I would spend the extra $100 dollars on headphones instead.
Not a fan of the uDAC either (not everyone at Head-fi likes the uDAC). But the background is darker on it for sure. Interference is a pain with onboard.
uDAC doesn't pair well with hard to drive phones though, it gets nasty when you start turning that knob.
But as a bare minimum upgrade I recommend the audio-GD Sparrow version B-usb. Pretty sure that this is a much better kit than the uDAC.
here is the page:
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/Sparrow/SparrowEN.htm
if you want to order send an e-mail to:
audio-gd@126.com
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On December 24 2010 01:23 Fyodor wrote:Show nested quote +On December 23 2010 18:28 T.O.P. wrote:On December 23 2010 15:06 Gandalf wrote:
Any suggestions for a USB DAC/AMP to be used with a desktop computer? Headphones are beyerdynamic dt770 and max budget is $150. I'm looking mainly to boost volume and some bass, although I understand some sound quality improvement will be a given.
(Just to clarify, by a usb dac/amp I mean something that plugs into a usb slot on my computer and then acts both as an external soundcard and as an amplifier. My headphones will then plug into this unit.) People on Head-Fi recommend Nuforce udac2. I have one and it wasn't a mindblowning change from onboard sound. The most I can hear is that the sound from the onboard is more muddy than from the udac2. But I would spend the extra $100 dollars on headphones instead. Not a fan of the uDAC either (not everyone at Head-fi likes the uDAC). But the background is darker on it for sure. Interference is a pain with onboard. uDAC doesn't pair well with hard to drive phones though, it gets nasty when you start turning that knob. But as a bare minimum upgrade I recommend the audio-GD Sparrow version B-usb. Pretty sure that this is a much better kit than the uDAC. here is the page: http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/Sparrow/SparrowEN.htmif you want to order send an e-mail to: audio-gd@126.com
Well you could get Audinst Hud-MX 1 for 179$
It has pretty good dac the amp is decent. You can read some reviews of it here.
I own it and Im quite happy with it so far  .
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My sponsers are buying me a USB headset with a MIC. I'm thinking of SENNHEISER PC166 USB
Could someone share some opinions on the product?
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I have been using SteelSeries Siberia 1V for about 2-3 years now they have lasted me so long for gaming but now i am looking for decent sound quality mainly for music. Really I have no idea where to start i have around 100-150 dollars to spend which i know wont give me best of quality.All I am looking for is a suggestion of a improve sound to which my old one were. Ty for help if you can ^.^
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I just got Denon AH-D2000 and an Argon HA-1 amp this christmas: AMAZING sound. When I listened to Matt Samuels' "Pretoria" I got serious chills at the take off..
It set my parents back a total of over 700$ though, but so far I think its worth it, I listen to music like 5-10 hours a day.
I dont know if these brands are known in the US though.. but I think Denon is, more unsure about Argon..
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Just got my AD700's. Wearing them now. Insanely comfortable, great sound stage. Have no knocks on the bass really. Might be because I don't listen to bass heavy music.
I'll come back with some more opinions after I burn these in for about 20 hours.
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On December 24 2010 11:21 Khol wrote:
My sponsers are buying me a USB headset with a MIC. I'm thinking of SENNHEISER PC166 USB
Could someone share some opinions on the product?
You might want to check out the bigger thread on headsets. In general, Sennheiser's headsets aren't great values (not are they rip-offs), when you compare them with some of their headphones, but some people are very happy with them. I don't know anything about the PC166 specifically, but do be warned that they are an open back design--i.e. the earpads do not isolate sound from coming in or out. If you need a closed set, look elsewhere.
On December 25 2010 11:00 Trepanation wrote:
I have been using SteelSeries Siberia 1V for about 2-3 years now they have lasted me so long for gaming but now i am looking for decent sound quality mainly for music. Really I have no idea where to start i have around 100-150 dollars to spend which i know wont give me best of quality.All I am looking for is a suggestion of a improve sound to which my old one were. Ty for help if you can ^.^
What's going to be good depends on your sound preferences and needs. Here are some typical suggestions for the $75-150 price range:
Closed: Audio-Technica ATH-M50, Denon AH-D1100 (D1000 and D1001 are older models that are slightly different, also good), AKG K271 (K272 HD is practically the same thing)
Open: Sennheiser HD 555 and HD 595, Audio-Technica AD700, AKG K240 Studio (K242 HD and K240 MKII are practically the same thing), Alessandro MS-1
Sennheiser has some new models including the HD 558 and HD 598. The Denon AH-D1100 is also fairly new. All are likely to be a little overpriced compared to what they should be. HeadRoom has decent descriptions and measurements of many headphones, but their prices are usually not that great. You can also check head-fi, but I'd take any impressions and advice with a grain of salt, especially those of random forum posters. Sometimes more expensive headphones like Beyerdynamic DT 770, 880, or 990, or AKG K601, or Shure SRH880, etc. will fall to the $150 price point or below at some retailer. All of the above should be a decent step up in sound, anyway.
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After quite a bit of thought, I went out and bought the Shure SRH750DJs, as well as the Sennheiser HD 555s (since the sale was ending early for both headphones. I will then return the one I am least satisfied with). The selection in Vancouver isn't the greatest, but I was satisfied with the options I had, even if they're much more overpriced than in the states (Given the options I had, it pretty much came down to choosing between a AKG K240 MK II, the Audio Technica ATH-M50, Beyer Dynamic DT990PRO, the Shure SRH840, and the two I ended up choosing). All of those were ridiculously overpriced (eg. the M50s were $190) minus the two I ended up choosing, which were both $150. A fair price for Canada anyways...
Currently testing the SRH750DJs for comfort (what seems to be the only complaint about these cans)! The earpads are ridiculously small, and circular, so they don't fit my above average sized ears very well. However, fortunately enough, the design in the headphones relieves the pressure on my ears, so the only discomfort I feel is at a specific point at the tip of my head. Probably due to the rather flat shape of the headphones. We'll see if that gets annoying or not. I'm definitely favouring the SRH750DJs, so I really want this to work out!
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I currently own a pair of Monster Turbine Pro Copper Edition IEMs and i must say they are absolutely awesome!
they're my second pair of mid-high end IEMs after the Head-Direct RE0's which didn't last me very long (about 6 months, give or take) and now i've had the turbines for approximately..5 months now. Please let them last at least another 7 months to 2 years..
Alright, question.
What is with the entire fad of people (well people that i know of.. ) getting Beats by Dr Dre? are they actually as good as they've been hyped up to be?
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On December 25 2010 21:19 Greyhawk wrote:I currently own a pair of Monster Turbine Pro Copper Edition IEMs and i must say they are absolutely awesome! they're my second pair of mid-high end IEMs after the Head-Direct RE0's which didn't last me very long (about 6 months, give or take) and now i've had the turbines for approximately..5 months now. Please let them last at least another 7 months to 2 years.. Alright, question. What is with the entire fad of people (well people that i know of.. ) getting Beats by Dr Dre? are they actually as good as they've been hyped up to be?
the common opinion on them is: They are an overpriced life-style product. You can get muuuuuch more value for the same price !. I wouldnt buy them.
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I am one click away from ordering a Sennheiser HD25 with a microphone attached to it. Do it or not?
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I live in a small dorm room and the quiet rules for my dorm can be strict sometimes, so I really like the idea of investing in a pair of quality headphones. Here's my only concern; I don't want to give up listening to music with other people, especially my girlfriend. Is it possible to maintain good audio quality if I try to listen through a headphone splitter? Does anyone have any suggestions for the right brand of splitter to turn to? Or is there a more creative solution that I should know about?
Thanks for your help.
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I just received some Bose AE2 headphones for Christmas. They are amazing!
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On December 24 2010 11:21 Khol wrote:
My sponsers are buying me a USB headset with a MIC. I'm thinking of SENNHEISER PC166 USB
Could someone share some opinions on the product?
I own those too. They are an excellent headset- comfortable, very sturdy, crystal-clear microphone, and great open-air design as hallmark from Sennheiser.
They are by no means meant for Audiofidelity- they are strictly meant for VoIP or positional audio in gaming. If you want to stick to pure gaming or Skype usage, they are perfect. However, I would ask for different products that can match audiofidelity if you are being sponsored a $100 headset (The PC166 are still around $100)
Overall, I would rate them a 9/10 though, due to their excellent bass, boom microphone, great looks, sturdy build quality, and extreme comfort. The only reason they don't receive a 10/10 in my book is because they don't have good sound quality for music.
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P.S. Audiophiles- I've been in the audio field for my entire life. You should truly avoid at all costs a headset. Headsets should only be pursued if you are forced to LAN all the time, and have to travel. The sound quality that comes from a dedicated Audiophile headset (Sennheiser HD 500+ series) with a Logitech / other brand Desktop Microphone (C600 / whatever) will shatter the quality of any "gaming headset". It is just a big marketing ploy.
I am using my Sennheiser HD 598's with an Asus Xonar Essence STX 124SnR Soundcard, along with the Logitech C600 Desktop Microphone (I had posted pictures in an earlier thread), and let me just tell you guys... the sound quality, build quality, overall comfort, and ease of use is beyond anything. And the price I paid was truly not that much. The only headset I can say that is comparable to my headphone + microphone would be the Sennheiser PC360, however for the price, these shatter those.
Happy Audiophiling! :-D
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I ordered an AKG 701 here in Korea - I use to own a used pear which use to bug out occasionally and to have a new pair of these for my own is an absolute treat to look forward too.
Here is the headphone amp I ordered:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190456128930&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
Will this be suffient or am I being too cheap? I have a full fledged amp in my home in Canada which I can use if this is junk. But maybe it will work out who knows.
Fuck I love nice cans.
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On December 26 2010 03:33 gulati wrote:Show nested quote +On December 24 2010 11:21 Khol wrote:
My sponsers are buying me a USB headset with a MIC. I'm thinking of SENNHEISER PC166 USB
Could someone share some opinions on the product? I own those too. They are an excellent headset- comfortable, very sturdy, crystal-clear microphone, and great open-air design as hallmark from Sennheiser. They are by no means meant for Audiofidelity- they are strictly meant for VoIP or positional audio in gaming. If you want to stick to pure gaming or Skype usage, they are perfect. However, I would ask for different products that can match audiofidelity if you are being sponsored a $100 headset (The PC166 are still around $100) Overall, I would rate them a 9/10 though, due to their excellent bass, boom microphone, great looks, sturdy build quality, and extreme comfort. The only reason they don't receive a 10/10 in my book is because they don't have good sound quality for music.
My price range has went up to 150$ + now. Is the quality of music that bad on the SENNHEISER PC166? I can't use anything but a USB headset, so it limits my selection.
If there is a better USB headset for gaming/music/mic let me know! It may be a bit to ask for, but I'm also searching everyday.
Are there any recommended Audio Technica USB headsets? Or is it better to go with the SENNHEISER PC166
Any thoughts on the Audio Technica ATH-750COM USB Headset?
I have so many questions :D
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got some fresh scratch/amazon gift card for Christmas. looking for headphones with great bass and suited mostly for electronic(trance) and some hip hop music at around 100. would it be worth it to get a sound card/amp for said headphones as well? I could spend up to 150 on both.
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EPT
