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Just a quick weigh in - I use the STX with a pair of HD 800s and I've found it to be fantastic. I am looking around for a dac/amp stack for portability (once I recover from buying a big rear end TV) but I've used the STX for years without a hitch and zero noise interference while right next to a graphics card. My motherboard and power supply are pretty solid, though. I don't know if you might run into trouble with cheaper boards, etc.
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Jun 2, 2014 16:07
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Incredulous Dylan posted:Just a quick weigh in - I use the STX with a pair of HD 800s and I've found it to be fantastic. I am looking around for a dac/amp stack for portability (once I recover from buying a big rear end TV) but I've used the STX for years without a hitch and zero noise interference while right next to a graphics card. My motherboard and power supply are pretty solid, though. I don't know if you might run into trouble with cheaper boards, etc.
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Jun 2, 2014 16:23
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Welmu posted:Thinking of buying a Xonar Essence STX headphone amplifier sound card & Sennheiser HD 650 headphones as well as a ModMic for gaming, music, and eventually the Oculus Rift. Incredulous Dylan posted:stuff Great setup. The Dolby Headphone is truly amazing for gaming. As in getting accused of cheating good for the positional audio.
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Jun 2, 2014 21:20
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Raikyn posted:Is that rhetorical?
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Jun 2, 2014 21:42
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Making for a funny picture is also a perfectly legitimate reason to use a plushie:
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Jun 2, 2014 21:54
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I just got a set of Audio Technica M50x to try them out. I really like the sound, but my god are these things ugly and bulky. Is there a headphone out there that's got a sound similar to the M50 while being a little more portable (while still being circumaural sealed). I've got a set of Sony MDR-10r that are super slick looking and extremely portable but they definitely don't stack up to the M50x in terms of sound.
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Jun 3, 2014 13:43
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Just ordered a pair of Beyer dt990 pro 250s. I'm trying to figure out what to get in terms of amp/dac or potentially just a new sound card for my computer with a built in amp/dac. The xonar essence stx looks great but is a bit pricey, and I've seen some kinda mixed reviews about creative sound blaster z/zx/zxr. I'm leaning towards a sound card over an amp/dac since the main purpose of the dt990's will be for use at my PC (gaming, music, movies etc), but not sure about spending $200. Are there any other options soundcard-wise to consider, or should I just pony up and get the STX? I am not a huge audiophile, which is why I am wondering if the difference between the STX and something like the sound blaster z will even be noticeable. Might not be the place to ask, but figured I would throw it out there. thehacker0 fucked around with this message at 16:29 on Jun 3, 2014 |
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Jun 3, 2014 14:59
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I own the DT990 250 ohms (non-pro) and the sound is significantly improved by a good amp. Even the difference between my old AT-25 DAC/amp combo and my current Asgard was easy to hear. I would never hesitate to go with a USB DAC instead of a sound card.
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Jun 3, 2014 20:41
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Zorak of Michigan posted:I own the DT990 250 ohms (non-pro) and the sound is significantly improved by a good amp. Even the difference between my old AT-25 DAC/amp combo and my current Asgard was easy to hear. I would never hesitate to go with a USB DAC instead of a sound card. Well the reason I am leaning towards a sound card, specifically the xonar essence stx or the sound blaster z/zx/zxr is that they have a DAC and amp supporting well over 250 ohms (have read reviews/tests). I may get an amp/DAC later on, but since I would only be using them with my desktop, it seems pointless to spend money on a USB DAC alone for basically the same price as a sound card with it's own DAC/amp. Do you have any experience with the DT990 and sound quality on a PC with motherboard vs a discrete sound card?
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Jun 3, 2014 21:07
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There's an article over at Tom's Hardware that basically states there is little difference between DACs ranging from $2 to $2000. That's a bit of a simplification but read there for their methodology and conclusions. The DAC included on your motherboard should basically be fine if it is a board made in the last few years (I believe anything with built in Realtek HD audio etc), but they provide information on the chip you can use to check. You buy an STX for the amp (swappable chips!), sound processing (dolby, etc) and output functionality if that is your thing. It drives my HD 800s perfectly well and I rarely raise volume above 40% on the highest gain setting. I do have to say that until I got these, I used a pair of 598s and loved the virtual 7.1. It really is a fantastic solution for headphones that don't prominently feature a great soundstage. When I got these cans, I moved it all over to stock since the processing was painfully obvious on them.
Incredulous Dylan fucked around with this message at 21:26 on Jun 3, 2014 |
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Jun 3, 2014 21:22
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Please help me find a pair of headphones to pull double duty for mixing (durable & swivel cups) and extended listening (light & comfortable). If those two sets of features are mutually exclusive I guess I'll have to buy two different headphones. Budget - $300-$400. Source - iPhone / iPad / turntables & mixer. Isolation Requirements - None. Preferred Type of Headphone - Supra-aural or circumaural. Preferred Tonal Balance - Balanced. Past Headphones - Sony MDR-700DJs. I loved the sound and build quality, but they weren't comfortable for extended listening. Preferred Music - Electronic music & hip hop.
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Jun 4, 2014 03:58
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thehacker0 posted:Well the reason I am leaning towards a sound card, specifically the xonar essence stx or the sound blaster z/zx/zxr is that they have a DAC and amp supporting well over 250 ohms (have read reviews/tests). I may get an amp/DAC later on, but since I would only be using them with my desktop, it seems pointless to spend money on a USB DAC alone for basically the same price as a sound card with it's own DAC/amp. No, I moved all my audio gear external years ago, sorry. Clearly I haven't kept up on audio cards.
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Jun 4, 2014 16:47
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Are there are any sealed bluetooth headphones worth mentioning? I ride a packed subway to work everyday and my cord has been getting snagged quite a bit. I need something that leaks zero sound so I don't annoy people and would prefer noise canceling to remove the hum of the subway
NicelyNice fucked around with this message at 00:53 on Jun 5, 2014 |
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Jun 5, 2014 00:49
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NicelyNice posted:Are there are any sealed bluetooth headphones worth mentioning? I ride a packed subway to work everyday and my cord has been getting snagged quite a bit. I need something that leaks zero sound so I don't annoy people and would prefer noise canceling to remove the hum of the subway If they still make the UE9000 they may fit the bill.
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Jun 5, 2014 01:06
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Does anyone know whether you can run high impedance headphones on a Xonar DX soundcard? I'm wondering because I've just gotten me some cheap MDR-V55 from Sony and the output volume's set to 9% only and it's already slightly more than loud enough. So I'm wondering if you can drive headphones that'd need an amplifier.
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Jun 6, 2014 13:15
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I'm looking for something fairly portable to replace my lost set of Apple Earbuds (yuck) to use when I'm on the move. One really dumb consideration is that I need the housing on the jack to be pretty slim as it needs to fit into the space on my iPhone case which is only a couple of mm wider diameter than the socket. Although I guess I could use an adapter... Budget - Ł80-140 Source - iPhone 5 / iPad and MacBook Pro Isolation Requirements - Yes Preferred Type of Headphone - I haven't yet tried IEMs that I find comfortable, but I'm ideally looking for something that's at least semi-portable. Preferred Tonal Balance - I have a really broad taste in music so I'd prefer balanced. Past Headphones - I have some some Sennheiser 558s (? That's from memory so may not be quite right) which I love but they're definitely 'at home' headphones. Also some Senn 201s which I use when travelling and in the office - decent budget cans for when they might take a beating. To be honest I've been quite happy with the Apple Earbuds but I lost my pair and I want to get something better, with more isolation ideally. Preferred Music - Rock, Metal, Electronic, Folk, Jazz, Classical, World music ... basically anything really.
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Jun 6, 2014 15:59
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Budget: <$50 Source: Various android devices Isolation Requirements: Yes (though it doesn't have to be incredibly isolating) Preferred Type of Headphone: IEM Preferred Tonal Balance: balanced mostly I really am looking for the decent and cheap and available locally in Target or Best Buy. These are going to be used while exercising, cutting the grass, washing the car. So, I want something that I'm not going to be too heartbroken about if I destroy. I previously had a set of JVC Marshmallows that served me well for 6 years but I got their cord caught when I was cleaning the car last weekend and broke the cable internally. I already have a set of TDK BA200 that I really like for more serious listening.
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Jun 6, 2014 16:33
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Combat Pretzel posted:Does anyone know whether you can run high impedance headphones on a Xonar DX soundcard? I'm wondering because I've just gotten me some cheap MDR-V55 from Sony and the output volume's set to 9% only and it's already slightly more than loud enough. So I'm wondering if you can drive headphones that'd need an amplifier. The V55s are only a 40 ohm impedance headset, just about anything on the market should be able to drive them comfortably. That said, I wouldn't go too crazy with the DX as it doesn't have a built-in amp
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Jun 6, 2014 19:26
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Oh okay. I thought, given the fuzz made on release of the Xonar series in regards to those big rear end opamps, that the card had an amplifier.
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Jun 6, 2014 20:15
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ineptmule posted:I'm looking for something fairly portable to replace my lost set of Apple Earbuds (yuck) to use when I'm on the move. Klipsch s4? Mine are pretty comfortable and you can usually score a deal if you look around
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Jun 6, 2014 20:48
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Combat Pretzel posted:Oh okay. I thought, given the fuzz made on release of the Xonar series in regards to those big rear end opamps, that the card had an amplifier. The DG, DGX and Phoebus are the models that have headphone amps. The DX doesn't
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Jun 6, 2014 23:45
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bull3964 posted:Budget: <$50 Maybe these. http://www.amazon.com/Dynamic-Noise-Isolation-Earphones-Earbuds-Headphone/dp/B00ISL3PPU
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Jun 7, 2014 01:04
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NicelyNice posted:Are there are any sealed bluetooth headphones worth mentioning? I ride a packed subway to work everyday and my cord has been getting snagged quite a bit. I need something that leaks zero sound so I don't annoy people and would prefer noise canceling to remove the hum of the subway http://r.ebay.com/VDeJic Best Bluetooth noise canceling headphones I've found. Logitech doesn't sell them any more they were over $400 when they sold them. They work very well on flights and have a little button on the left can that allows you to hear when the noise cancellation is active (to talk to the flight attendant, etc). You never have to take them off. $209 shipped for these is a great deal. I love mine. Yes they are authentic. We have two sets and both were brand new. The sound is really incredible as well.
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Jun 7, 2014 02:43
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Fire Safety Doug posted:
Either headphone is comfortable. The K701s also don't clamp my head like the Senn HD600 does. Home headphone amp: Darkvoice THA332 Portable music player: iBasso DX50
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Jun 7, 2014 22:04
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I want to buy a pair of headphones for my sister for her birthday. I was going to get her a turntable and some records but I think she'd get just as much of a kick of out these. This will be for listening to music at the library or at home - not for out and about. Budget: $100 Source: iPhone, iPad, Macbook Isolation Requirements: Preferably Preferred Type of Headphone: Circumaural Preferred Tonal Balance: balanced (her favorite bands are The Beatles and Cake)
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Jun 8, 2014 20:52
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Do the retro looks of the Grado SR60 suit her personality? I can imagine Cake would sound good through them.
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Jun 8, 2014 22:16
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Call of Cholula posted:I want to buy a pair of headphones for my sister for her birthday. I was going to get her a turntable and some records but I think she'd get just as much of a kick of out these. This will be for listening to music at the library or at home - not for out and about. I'd say Eddiewalker's suggestion or the old standby Sennheiser HD555 (circumaural, relatively balanced, no isolation)
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Jun 8, 2014 23:33
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eddiewalker posted:Do the retro looks of the Grado SR60 suit her personality? I can imagine Cake would sound good through them. They're a bit too open for library use, everyone will hear them.
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Jun 9, 2014 00:13
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Call of Cholula posted:I want to buy a pair of headphones for my sister for her birthday. I was going to get her a turntable and some records but I think she'd get just as much of a kick of out these. This will be for listening to music at the library or at home - not for out and about.
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Jun 9, 2014 00:55
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How would K701s be for someone coming off of lower-end open Audio Technicas? I like the soundstage and how "mellow" the ATs are, but their fit is super loose and they're starting to fall apart a bit, so its upgrade time. Budget: $350-400 with amp (recommend me some amps) Source: PC, phone when traveling Isolation: None Preferred Type: full-sized Tone: I like the soundstage of my ATH-AD300s, but they are lacking on bass and could be better overall. I listen to a lot of acoustic folk, bluegrass, blues, classic rock, some classical and jazz. I will also be playing PC games at a competitive level using these. Horizontal Tree fucked around with this message at 01:58 on Jun 9, 2014 |
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Jun 9, 2014 01:34
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Horizontal Tree posted:How would K701s be for someone coming off of lower-end open Audio Technicas? I like the soundstage and how "mellow" the ATs are, but their fit is super loose and they're starting to fall apart a bit, so its upgrade time. Ad900 was where I moved to after the Ad700. It adds bass while maintaining the soundstage.
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Jun 9, 2014 04:54
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I should have just outright said, I don't want another pair of Audio-Technica's. I love the sound, but I hate the fit and their stupid headband system. Obviously leaning towards the K701's at the moment, unless anyone has alternatives. I mostly need a suggestion for a decently priced amp and/or dac, since I've heard the K701's really like one.
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Jun 9, 2014 04:59
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Have you tried the rubber band mod? If you still hate them, what are you doing with the AD300 when you upgrade?
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Jun 9, 2014 05:17
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I've tried the rubber band mod. I'm probably just going to shelve these, and/or rarely use them with my laptop. They're starting to fall apart (cable taped where it enters the earcup, plastic broken on one of the earcups, so it rotates too much, etc) and I have a pair of closed Shures for travel. It's definitely upgrade time, and I like the aesthetics of the K701 and have been told they should suit my style, but I need an amp with them. I considered HD600s but they'd be stretching budget with an amp.
Horizontal Tree fucked around with this message at 05:34 on Jun 9, 2014 |
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Jun 9, 2014 05:27
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Shame they are falling apart, I would have purchased them! I love the AT wing technology! As for the K701, they seem to be rather polarizing. They aren't said to have the best comfort or bass that you might want either.
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Jun 9, 2014 06:33
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I'd go for Sennheiser 598. If you don't like the looks then AKG K612 Pro or K702. The headband for the K701 and Q701 are torture devices. The 70x series have a ridiculous soundstage, but it was probably too wide for my uses. Certain songs would seem unbalanced or off in some way and it would be distracting.
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Jun 9, 2014 06:49
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I'm not looking for a ton of bass, but a little bit "more" than what I'm getting from these AT's. I do also really like the AKG's aesthetically.
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Jun 9, 2014 07:01
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Following up on my earlier post, I ended up getting the Philips Fidelio X1s over Q701s mainly because they were described as a more "fun", bassy and easier to drive. I'm happy with them so far but to be honest with you, with the extent of my headphone experience I would be happy with just about anything decent.
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Jun 9, 2014 07:52
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The Philips Fidelio X1 look nice too. Anyone have input on them?
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Jun 9, 2014 09:08
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Leaf Lock posted:I'd go for Sennheiser 598. If you don't like the looks then AKG K612 Pro or K702. The headband for the K701 and Q701 are torture devices. The 70x series have a ridiculous soundstage, but it was probably too wide for my uses. Certain songs would seem unbalanced or off in some way and it would be distracting. I actually think my Q701's are some of the most comfortable headphones I have—pretty on par with the K550's. Maybe it's because I have a huge head? That said, I don't think anyone goes to the 700 series AKG's for bass (even if it's just a little bit more that you want.) I think the X1's would probably be a better choice in that regard. And they still looks very nice.
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Jun 9, 2014 17:51
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