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HeaDphone Discussions. (Audiophile and Gaming)

... It scales beautifully, so just a quick CUD warning.. in time you’ll want to upgrade your E10k.
Thanks for the confirmation. Almost can't say no to it @ $200. And yes, I am aware that it won't be long before I end up replacing the E10k. It's down the audio rabbit hole from here 😁
 
Thanks for the confirmation. Almost can't say no to it @ $200. And yes, I am aware that it won't be long before I end up replacing the E10k. It's down the audio rabbit hole from here [emoji16]
If you can get yours hands on an Audio GD R2R11, it’s s a strong recommendation when you’re ready to part with the E10k. It’s an awesome entry DAC/amp and it pairs ridiculously well with the 6xx/650. It’s actually a bit of a gateway drug into the world of audio.
 
@crumbs have you considered putting up a wanted ad for a 6xx? You should be able to pick up a 6xx in excellent condition for around R3k. That’s about R1k saving on new, maybe more.. money that can go towards a DAC/amp upgrade.
 
@crumbs have you considered putting up a wanted ad for a 6xx? You should be able to pick up a 6xx in excellent condition for around R3k. That’s about R1k saving on new, maybe more.. money that can go towards a DAC/amp upgrade.
I hadn't thought of that no, thanks for the suggestion. What is your setup at the moment?
 
I hadn't thought of that no, thanks for the suggestion. What is your setup at the moment?
Headies: 650/800S/SRH1540/TR-X00 Purple Hearts (incoming). DAC: Airist R2R. Amps: THX789 & Cavalli CTH. Edit: I also have a FiiO Q5 which I'm thinking of selling soon (not quite yet ready to sell).
 
Hi all

I'm assuming that the "gaming" part in the thread title refers to all gaming and not just PC? If so, I need some advice on how to connect my dac/amp to a PS4 console (is this even possible outside of the astro mixamp). In this case either a Fiio Q5 or an iFi micro idsd. Plugging in via the USB ports on front don't seem to do anything, unless there's something i need to change in the menu system? perhaps it's got something to do with licensing?

My current gaming headphones are the Sony gold wireless ones, but i'd really like to be able to use some of my higher-end cans to get the most immersive experience.

T.I.A
 
Can a PS4 even support an external DAC using the USB? I think you'd probably be better off using optical out from the PS4 or optical out from the TV. It is possible (I don't know for certain) that the PS4 can't support USB audio out.


Hi all

I'm assuming that the "gaming" part in the thread title refers to all gaming and not just PC? If so, I need some advice on how to connect my dac/amp to a PS4 console (is this even possible outside of the astro mixamp). In this case either a Fiio Q5 or an iFi micro idsd. Plugging in via the USB ports on front don't seem to do anything, unless there's something i need to change in the menu system? perhaps it's got something to do with licensing?

My current gaming headphones are the Sony gold wireless ones, but i'd really like to be able to use some of my higher-end cans to get the most immersive experience.

T.I.A
 
Hi all

I'm assuming that the "gaming" part in the thread title refers to all gaming and not just PC? If so, I need some advice on how to connect my dac/amp to a PS4 console (is this even possible outside of the astro mixamp). In this case either a Fiio Q5 or an iFi micro idsd. Plugging in via the USB ports on front don't seem to do anything, unless there's something i need to change in the menu system? perhaps it's got something to do with licensing?

My current gaming headphones are the Sony gold wireless ones, but i'd really like to be able to use some of my higher-end cans to get the most immersive experience.

T.I.A
Ok there’s good news and bad news. Let’s start with the good news...

The good: you can use an external DAC with the PS4. You need to go optical out from the PS4 to optical in to the Q5. You’ll need the toslink adapter into the line in on top of the Q5.

The bad: The Sony Gold’s are amongst the worst headsets I have ever heard. Not to mention highly uncomfortable. I would be surprised if anything can make them sound better. I don’t think they’ll scale well at all. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. This was my experience with them. YMMV.
 
Ok there’s good news and bad news. Let’s start with the good news...

The good: you can use an external DAC with the PS4. You need to go optical out from the PS4 to optical in to the Q5. You’ll need the toslink adapter into the line in on top of the Q5.

The bad: The Sony Gold’s are amongst the worst headsets I have ever heard. Not to mention highly uncomfortable. I would be surprised if anything can make them sound better. I don’t think they’ll scale well at all. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. This was my experience with them. YMMV.

Hi Ninja, thanks for the assistance. So if I go optical to the Q5, it picks up automatically without me having to change any settings in the PS4? That sounds simple enough, and I'll give it a shot tonight thanks.

P.S, the intention isn't to use the Sony golds, so no need to worry about that. I just needed a way to connect my Audeze headphones (sines or LCD's) without plugging then straight into the controller port as I'm not getting sufficient power to drive them properly when doing that. With the optical route, I can use the balanced out on the Fiio to get the power I need.

Thanks again, much appreciated
 
i bought a cheap optical to analogue converter so that I could plug the ps4 into powered PC speakers, think it set me back about 200.
Wasnt too much of a mission, PC speakers where amplified already so didnt need a amp/dac.
 
Ok there’s good news and bad news. Let’s start with the good news...

The good: you can use an external DAC with the PS4. You need to go optical out from the PS4 to optical in to the Q5. You’ll need the toslink adapter into the line in on top of the Q5.

The bad: The Sony Gold’s are amongst the worst headsets I have ever heard. Not to mention highly uncomfortable. I would be surprised if anything can make them sound better. I don’t think they’ll scale well at all. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. This was my experience with them. YMMV.

Ah! You’ve just make me realise that my DAC has optical in so I can connect to future PS5 to my DAC and from my DAC, connect it to my AudioPro C10.

Hazaaa! I’m excited.

Edit: Ah fuck, it’s Optical out on the DAC. I’m less excited now :(
 
Hi Ninja, thanks for the assistance. So if I go optical to the Q5, it picks up automatically without me having to change any settings in the PS4? That sounds simple enough, and I'll give it a shot tonight thanks.

P.S, the intention isn't to use the Sony golds, so no need to worry about that. I just needed a way to connect my Audeze headphones (sines or LCD's) without plugging then straight into the controller port as I'm not getting sufficient power to drive them properly when doing that. With the optical route, I can use the balanced out on the Fiio to get the power I need.

Thanks again, much appreciated
You may need to change an audio setting on the PS4 from HDMI to optical but if so, it's pretty straight forward. I'll check later which setting it is but you'll find it easily enough when you look anyway. The Q5 LED should change colour as well (if I'm not mistaken, it changes to a yellow LED).
 
i bought a cheap optical to analogue converter so that I could plug the ps4 into powered PC speakers, think it set me back about 200.
Wasnt too much of a mission, PC speakers where amplified already so didnt need a amp/dac.

Well, the optical to analogue converter is a DAC.
 
Hi guys,

So I'm quite new to the audio/audiophile space and need some advice about setup and equipment.

I recently bought Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee headphones and are already way better than my old cans. I'm now looking at getting an AMP and DAC to make them even better. I currently just run them off my motherboard which says that it has some audio capabilities, most of which I assume are gimmicky (using a MSI X470 Gaming Pro mobo).



First question is how much would an amp and dac increase the sound quality and is it worth it?
Secondly, if anyone can suggest nice, relatively cheap amps and dacs, or amp/dac combos that would be much appreciated!!
 
Hi guys,

So I'm quite new to the audio/audiophile space and need some advice about setup and equipment.

I recently bought Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee headphones and are already way better than my old cans. I'm now looking at getting an AMP and DAC to make them even better. I currently just run them off my motherboard which says that it has some audio capabilities, most of which I assume are gimmicky (using a MSI X470 Gaming Pro mobo).



First question is how much would an amp and dac increase the sound quality and is it worth it?
Secondly, if anyone can suggest nice, relatively cheap amps and dacs, or amp/dac combos that would be much appreciated!!
Welcome to the rabbit hole [emoji2956] this recommendation depends heavily on your budget.. but luckily the 58x does not scale too well, which means something like the AGD R2R-11 or Deckard would be ideal. You’re looking at R5-R5500. Alternatively, and much cheaper, the NuPrime UDSD is a SUPERB option and will only cost around R2-R2500. But if budget allows, and you don’t need mobility, the former recommendation is the better option.

If you’re gaming, Windows Sonic Spatial Soundworks is baked into Windows 10 and does a decent job. Or buy DTS:X for stellar software surround (sadly it costs R399 on the Windows Store — but it’s pretty damn good I must say).
 
heres what i replied to you on your other thread

whether it will improve is dependent on your base reference - it will definitely improve in reality but if your base reference has developed into incorrect preferences then you may not like the resulting sound - only you can decide that ie if it improves for you then get the DAC/AMP but most of the time an amp will definitely improve audio quality because of the improved headroom - (this just means that you will pick up the volume less to get a specified SPL (sound pressure level) and as the volume control is lower you get more control over your speaker/headphone drivers without placing them under strain

what i would suggest is that you try to find someone in your area who has a DAC/AMP then listen to their system and see how it is affected - maybe even carry your headphones and try them out with his DAC/AMP and see if it sounds better than your current setup working from your onboard audio - this will help you decide if the DAC/AMP will help you specifically

it will definitely sound better since working from USB via protocols like ASIO or WASAPI you are bypassing windows interference in the audio process but many people still dont like this better because over the years they develop a preference for some odd sound character ie overblown bass or thin/shrill treble thus a neutral and natural sound quality is going to actually sound bad to those people - and you might feel that that neutral and natural sound is dead and dull or somehow not what you are after - so don't bother until you experience it for yourself and decide that it is what you are after or if you have a different preference that you can change your taste accordingly to match the improvement

one last point - the HD58x are excellent headphones that will be very much fun to listen to but not purely an audiophile quality headphone - so matching those with a corresponding DAC/AMP is going to give you better results than just blindly buying an Audiophile grade DAC/AMP - this is where the listening to other peoples systems comes in ie listen to comparatively budget setups as well as some higher end or mid level setups and see which setup suits you more - doing this will give you an idea of where your spend levels need to be and how far you are away from the result that you actually want for yourself personally

there has to be someone in the forum who has a large enough post count which proves he isn't a hijacker out to steal your car or headphones - so ask around nicely on the headphone thread if you can listen to someones setup and there will surely be someone who will help you out
 
Anyone tried the Sony WF-1000XM3 in-ears? I know it doesn’t do AptX or LDAC but I’m pretty keen to get it for my travels (primarily airport and airplane use). I have other headies for hotel use.
 
Anyone tried the Sony WF-1000XM3 in-ears? I know it doesn’t do AptX or LDAC but I’m pretty keen to get it for my travels (primarily airport and airplane use). I have other headies for hotel use.

I'm also very curious about those - just saw an ad in a Facebook popup for those - did not know about them before that
 
Purchased. Will report back
The external are very cool, replaced my bose set for travel and Im very happy with them. Comfy baby noise neutralizer.
Only read good stuff about the internal set.

Recently bought the JBL Reflect flow to use when out cycling and am happy with them.
Sound is good (a bit bass boosted), they fit well and dont fall out when riding and where cheaper than the competition.

Not noise cancelling but the fit is good, so at volume dont hear external noise.
Although I keep it ambient aware mode when on the road so that I can hear cars coming up (good untill you pick up speed then wind noise takes over)
 
Anyone tried the Sony WF-1000XM3 in-ears? I know it doesn’t do AptX or LDAC but I’m pretty keen to get it for my travels (primarily airport and airplane use). I have other headies for hotel use.

Yip - have used these as my default pair for my travels over the last few months and quite happy with my purchase. Battery life is excellent. Sound quality pretty good with decent clarity, bass and soundstage especially as far as Bluetooth in ears can be. Were a definite upgrade from my previous Gen 2 AirPods for example (but I haven’t tried Pro’s so can’t compare to them). Noise canceling is ok but not spectacular - not nearly as effective as the XM3 or QC35 over ears. Saying that I keep meaning to play around with the tips a bit more to see if I can get a better seal which would probably improve this but just haven’t got round to it. Overall I’d give them a 7/10


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Yip - have used these as my default pair for my travels over the last few months and quite happy with my purchase. Battery life is excellent. Sound quality pretty good with decent clarity, bass and soundstage especially as far as Bluetooth in ears can be. Were a definite upgrade from my previous Gen 2 AirPods for example (but I haven’t tried Pro’s so can’t compare to them). Noise canceling is ok but not spectacular - not nearly as effective as the XM3 or QC35 over ears. Saying that I keep meaning to play around with the tips a bit more to see if I can get a better seal which would probably improve this but just haven’t got round to it. Overall I’d give them a 7/10


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Thanks Darren. I think they’ll be perfect for me then. Also coming from AirPods 2 so these will replace those as well as serve ANC duties in the air.
 
Thanks Darren. I think they’ll be perfect for me then. Also coming from AirPods 2 so these will replace those as well as serve ANC duties in the air.

Enjoy them [emoji3] Be interested to hear your opinion once you’ve had time to test them out


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Hey all, has anyone of you had a look or bought the Shiit Hel dac/amp? Been looking at it now and seems like a good upper mid level all in one?

Or would the stack be a better option?
I really like it, love that it has a built in mic jack as well. A stack would be far more powerful, wish they made the Hel's amp as powerful as a Magni 3, it would make it the ultimate gamer solution. I think the Magni 3 is around twice as powerful in terms of amplification.
 
I really like it, love that it has a built in mic jack as well. A stack would be far more powerful, wish they made the Hel's amp as powerful as a Magni 3, it would make it the ultimate gamer solution. I think the Magni 3 is around twice as powerful in terms of amplification.
Let's say I am looking to be driving some Sennheiser GSP 600's and it will be used for gaming and 10% music then I think this all in one unit might be worth while. Especially since it has mic inputs and I love the big volume knob.
 
I came across this yesterday when looking into dac/amp combos. It's twice as powerful as the Fulla 3 also from Schiit with about 80$ price hike.
Yes, it's the perfect solution for GSP600's , I'm just saying if they made it almost as powerful as a Magni3 it would be the ultimate audio solution for gamers. I wouldn't mind paying an extra $50. Size isn't a factor given it's a desktop solution.

 

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