HeaDphone Discussions. (Audiophile and Gaming)

[EdwardAdriaan]

Does anyone any recommendations on a cheap external sound card. Started noticing some really annoying coil whine recently after getting these (Takealot). I currently have this one in mind - EPOS 1000201 GSX 300 External USB Sound Card - Wootware ,
It isn't cheap, but if it solves the problem whilst improving my experience (In games like Valorant, its like a Mosquito is stuck in your ear) I don't mine paying a premium.

Before spending that much. If your motherboard supports USB-C. Get an Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle (R199 at Incredible). It's honestly one of the best DAC's you can buy for that price (supports up to 24bit/44.1khz lossless). If you can't find it, other brands should work too. I've read that the Samsung one is also pretty good.

 

[PilotDrake1]

Before spending that much. If your motherboard supports USB-C. Get an Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle (R199 at Incredible). It's honestly one of the best DAC's you can buy for that price (supports up to 24bit/44.1khz lossless). If you can't find it, other brands should work too. I've read that the Samsung one is also pretty good.

I actually have a Huawei one, ill give it a try and see if it makes any difference.
Thanks!

 

[PilotDrake1]

Before spending that much. If your motherboard supports USB-C. Get an Apple USB-C to 3.5mm dongle (R199 at Incredible). It's honestly one of the best DAC's you can buy for that price (supports up to 24bit/44.1khz lossless). If you can't find it, other brands should work too. I've read that the Samsung one is also pretty good.

I tried it, and nothing happened. However when I plugged in USB C earphones, it worked fine. I'm guessing its the Connector? Should it just be plug and play?

 

[EdwardAdriaan]

I tried it, and nothing happened. However when I plugged in USB C earphones, it worked fine. I'm guessing its the Connector? Should it just be plug and play?

When using USB for audio, you have to select it as an output device in your operating system (at least that's my experience).

 

[ThatGuyJD]

Also your problem partly stems from those having very low impedance as such they're quite easy to "overpower" and results in background noise even with a clean audio signal.

 

[PilotDrake1]

Also your problem partly stems from those having very low impedance as such they're quite easy to "overpower" and results in background noise even with a clean audio signal.

Is there a way to rectify this? When plugged into a phone(Galaxy S9) there isnt any background noise. I don't mind a subtle hum, just want to get rid of the coil whine when the GPU is under load.

 

[ThatGuyJD]

Is there a way to rectify this? When plugged into a phone(Galaxy S9) there isnt any background noise. I don't mind a subtle hum, just want to get rid of the coil whine when the GPU is under load.

An external Dac of some sort should work, or just using USB audio vs the built in Motherboard audio.

 

[Wolvebain]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the issue may persist to the external sound card if it is caused by the PSU and/or MoBo as the EPOS GSX 300:

• Seems to be USB powered only.
  • If the power from the PSU/MoBo is noisy/dirty, that would need to be filtered/cleaned first. I don't know for certain if the EPOS GSX 300 does this, but usually if product do it, they mention it on their product page or feature list (EPOS GSX 300 doesn't list this)
• Seems to only have USB input, no optical S/PDIF.
  • If the USB data lines are contaminated by the PSU/MoBo noise, even if you split the USB data from power, the actual data signal may not be clean

Maybe start with a cheapo USB sound card first, and see if the issue is resolved? ( something under R100/R150 with your next TAL order. If it doesn't work, then you return for free without any issues)

Good luck!

Does anyone any recommendations on a cheap external sound card. Started noticing some really annoying coil whine recently after getting these (Takealot). I currently have this one in mind - EPOS 1000201 GSX 300 External USB Sound Card - Wootware ,
It isn't cheap, but if it solves the problem whilst improving my experience (In games like Valorant, its like a Mosquito is stuck in your ear) I don't mine paying a premium.

 

[dash09]

Does anyone any recommendations on a cheap external sound card. Started noticing some really annoying coil whine recently after getting these (Takealot). I currently have this one in mind - EPOS 1000201 GSX 300 External USB Sound Card - Wootware ,
It isn't cheap, but if it solves the problem whilst improving my experience (In games like Valorant, its like a Mosquito is stuck in your ear) I don't mine paying a premium.

You plugging into the motherboard or case or controller?
I ask because I also have a kz set and when plugged into my controller there is the constant static sound, I found this is a common issue when the controller as source and started with 1 of the windows updates.
Same earphones connected to amp is perfectly clear

 

[PilotDrake1]

You plugging into the motherboard or case or controller?
I ask because I also have a kz set and when plugged into my controller there is the constant static sound, I found this is a common issue when the controller as source and started with 1 of the windows updates.
Same earphones connected to amp is perfectly clear

I'm plugging it into the Motherboard. From what I tried on my side, plugging it into the motherboard and the case seem to be the same. As for the controller, I do get static ( but no coil whine), but its constant and increases with the volume. When plugged into the case and Motherboard, I don't get static, but I get Coil whine. I think @Wolvebain might be right. The coil whine is not volume dependent, you can have the system muted, and you will still hear it under load. Ill try the cheap USB sound card/ Type C adaptor and get back you guys.

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

Is there any local places where I can get a braided replacement cable for HD600?

 

[RandomSheepZA]

Is there any local places where I can get a braided replacement cable for HD600?

I would think this might need to be made up specifically by someone.
Not local but this guy makes amazing cables and am actually looking to bring in something from him myself.

Sennheiser cables – Custom Cans Shop

jfunk.org

 

[PandaAttack1]

Is there any local places where I can get a braided replacement cable for HD600?

We wish. There was an older gent that used to make gorgeous cables, but unfortunately he passed sometime last year or earlier this year.

I might order some connectors soon to make up my own, will keep you in the loop when I go that route.

 

[Miz3r]

Where would be the best place to get replacement Pads for my Dt990?

I have checked on Amazon, but just wondering if anybody placing any orders anytime soon i could join in on to save on the costs

 

[Fluke]

Where would people in SA get high-end headphones now-a-days? I believe several stores closed that used to offer audiophile stuff over there.

 

[Fluke]

I would think this might need to be made up specifically by someone.
Not local but this guy makes amazing cables and am actually looking to bring in something from him myself.

Sennheiser cables – Custom Cans Shop

jfunk.org

I've had pretty good luck with this guy for my HD800S/HD650S: Custom Headphone Cables ⋆ Audiophile Ninja

https://imgur.com/KM6Vnqp

I don't know about shipping to RSA though...

 

[iamgigglz]

Where would people in SA get high-end headphones now-a-days? I believe several stores closed that used to offer audiophile stuff over there.

Gotta say Carbonite has been pretty good to me in this regard.
AVforums works too…unless you want to buy new but who does that nowadays?
Please appreciate the tongue in the cheek

 

[WhoIsJOB]

Where would people in SA get high-end headphones now-a-days? I believe several stores closed that used to offer audiophile stuff over there.

Gotta say Carbonite has been pretty good to me in this regard.
AVforums works too…unless you want to buy new but who does that nowadays?
Please appreciate the tongue in the cheek

Home | Lumous Audio

Lumous Audio is a South African head-fi retailer that was created by music enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Our objective is to champion availability and affordability in the growing South African audiophile market.

www.lumous-audio.co.za

Over-ear Headphones Archives - E-piphany

e-piphany.co.za

Those are probably the best bet regarding headphones and headphone amps - Lumous Audio only caters for headphones and I know one of the gents who is running them.

We wish. There was an older gent that used to make gorgeous cables, but unfortunately he passed sometime last year or earlier this year.

I might order some connectors soon to make up my own, will keep you in the loop when I go that route.

I'm assuming that would be Guillaume/Hi-Phibian from Croak Audio?
A friend took over his business after his passing, so you may be able to find the cables if you contact them?
I myself am looking at making my own with some Mogami from Design-by-Max. Just need to find some mini-XLR's for the Audeze repair I'm attempting in December.

 

[PandaAttack1]

Home | Lumous Audio

Lumous Audio is a South African head-fi retailer that was created by music enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Our objective is to champion availability and affordability in the growing South African audiophile market.

www.lumous-audio.co.za

Over-ear Headphones Archives - E-piphany

e-piphany.co.za

Those are probably the best bet regarding headphones and headphone amps - Lumous Audio only caters for headphones and I know one of the gents who is running them.


I'm assuming that would be Guillaume/Hi-Phibian from Croak Audio?
A friend took over his business after his passing, so you may be able to find the cables if you contact them?
I myself am looking at making my own with some Mogami from Design-by-Max. Just need to find some mini-XLR's for the Audeze repair I'm attempting in December.

My cable attempt is also happening December.
Do you have the parts list/contact details for Design-by-Max?

 

[PandaAttack1]

Any inputs on the 'latest, affordable' go to dac/amp setups?

The setup will be running HD600 and similar headies, mostly theatre and gaming.

 

[EliteOp]

Any inputs on the 'latest, affordable' go to dac/amp setups?

The setup will be running HD600 and similar headies, mostly theatre and gaming.

If you like the more "Clean/Neutral" I can recommend the JDS Atom stack. They now have the "+" or just a version 2 basically with some component improvements and it added to better/cleaner performance. I'm on the first version and really enjoying it and my daily driver. 99$ excl the import and duties per unit. I pair it with my DT1990 Pro's
A more "fun" setup I'm eyeing is the Zen DAC V2. AutioExchange seems to be the local importer however no V2 on the pricelist just yet. I still have my xDSD and hooked up to the PC for the fun listening sessions on my Meze 99 Noir's and Sendy's

 

[PandaAttack1]

If you like the more "Clean/Neutral" I can recommend the JDS Atom stack. They now have the "+" or just a version 2 basically with some component improvements and it added to better/cleaner performance. I'm on the first version and really enjoying it and my daily driver. 99$ excl the import and duties per unit. I pair it with my DT1990 Pro's
A more "fun" setup I'm eyeing is the Zen DAC V2. AutioExchange seems to be the local importer however no V2 on the pricelist just yet. I still have my xDSD and hooked up to the PC for the fun listening sessions on my Meze 99 Noir's and Sendy's

Oooh that Zendac looks like a cool all-in-one setup. Might get one for myself..

 

[goblinm]

Can recommend the Zendac V2, got mine from Audio exchange at about 4.5k.
A bit cheaper than importing directly from Amazon with local support.
Use it with Sundara and it makes the headphones come alive, the bass booster button is fantastic with them.

 

[sabie]

Home | Lumous Audio

Lumous Audio is a South African head-fi retailer that was created by music enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Our objective is to champion availability and affordability in the growing South African audiophile market.

www.lumous-audio.co.za

Over-ear Headphones Archives - E-piphany

e-piphany.co.za

Those are probably the best bet regarding headphones and headphone amps - Lumous Audio only caters for headphones and I know one of the gents who is running them.


I'm assuming that would be Guillaume/Hi-Phibian from Croak Audio?
A friend took over his business after his passing, so you may be able to find the cables if you contact them?
I myself am looking at making my own with some Mogami from Design-by-Max. Just need to find some mini-XLR's for the Audeze repair I'm attempting in December.

If you find some mini-XLRs locally, let me know. Haven't looked in a while, but the last few times there was nothing

 

[EliteOp]

Oooh that Zendac looks like a cool all-in-one setup. Might get one for myself..

Also tempted...

 

[goldfritter]

Oooh that Zendac looks like a cool all-in-one setup. Might get one for myself..

Also tempted...

@baltazhar is selling a V1 for only R 2 750, if either of you are impatient. I doubt there will be very many discernible differences between this and the V2.

https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?threads/ifi-zen-dac-v1.443059/

 

[NI∀ƆOƆ‾⊥ᴚ∩ʞ]

@baltazhar is selling a V1 for only R 2 750, if either of you are impatient. I doubt there will be very many discernible differences between this and the V2.

https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?threads/ifi-zen-dac-v1.443059/

I'm actually watching this add, the chop just bumps with no price drop.

@baltazhar be better. 😝

 

[PandaAttack1]

@baltazhar is selling a V1 for only R 2 750, if either of you are impatient. I doubt there will be very many discernible differences between this and the V2.

https://carbonite.co.za/index.php?threads/ifi-zen-dac-v1.443059/

Now... The question is...
Schiit stack from Dash (magni 2 + modni 2), or Zen Dac?

 

[dash09]

Now... The question is...
Schiit stack from Dash (magni 2 + modni 2), or Zen Dac?

If you willing to take full responsibility I dont mind if you borrow my schiit to test, no obligations. I've never used a Zen so I cant compare, what I do know is the schiit is sort of entry/mid level but can support some very high impedance units. You wont be short of power for majority of whats out there. That was the draw for me back when I got it, but reality is I never used anything requiring more than 300 ohm, nowadays I'm only using a 150ohm set

 

[PandaAttack1]

If you willing to take full responsibility I dont mind if you borrow my schiit to test, no obligations. I've never used a Zen so I cant compare, what I do know is the schiit is sort of entry/mid level but can support some very high impedance units. You wont be short of power for majority of whats out there. That was the draw for me back when I got it, but reality is I never used anything requiring more than 300 ohm, nowadays I'm only using a 150ohm set

I am looking at something for myself as well. Will do some more reading tonight, that is an awesome offer! Thanks dude. But we both know I will end up keeping it if we go that route. 🤣