55.1 lbs 26.9 lbs 212.5 lbs

I've seen the whole USB vs Optical debate before, but not quite in this context. I have a sound card (SB Z) that I'm currently using as a DAC/Amp for my Q701s. I was looking into getting some new hardware (Schiit Modi+Valid), and I need to figure out what I'm doing with the sound card. I can go...

I'm currently using a Sound Blaster Z and a the AKG Q701s, and I'm looking to (potentially) buy an external amp. I was wondering if I could use the TOSLINK optical out on the SBZ with an optical to RCA converter and plug it into an external amp while retaining the surround sound and audio...

I recently put together a simple web-based volume output calculator based on this forum post by tinyman392, and though I'd share it here. You input your headphone impedance (ohms), headphone sensitivity, the max voltage of your audio source (volts), and the volume as a decimal (e.g. 50% volume =...

The headband on my Q701 gives me a headache after about 30-60 minutes of use. I thought that it was bad enough... until I watched this video on nocebos.   http://youtu.be/O2hO4_UEe-4

  Mine was set to 50%. Setting it to 0% and re-installing the drivers didn't seem to increase sound while not in a chat. I think the biggest problem is that my volume slider almost doesn't seem to do much. The difference between 50% and 100% seems far too small. When I listen to my phone with...

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Right now, i'm (admittedly) just using VLC media player for my files. It has a volume slider that i've kept set at 100%. In SBX Pro Studio, i have smart volume turned off and the volume slider syncs with Windows volume. Nothing so far has increased the...

I've read many a forum post about the Sound Blaster Z being way too loud with low impedance headphones. I'm using it with the Q701 (62 Ohms), and it almost seems too quiet. I'm listening at 100% volume, and it's still within the upper limit of my comfortable listening range. I really don't think...

You'll probably get better quality if you purchase an external, dedicated dac/amp. However, I might recommend you keep the sound card just for the surround sound. You can always purchase an external dac/amp later and use it with the sound card's optical out.

  In your picture, there isn't a preamp slider. I would assume that Windows adjusts it automatically.

  An EQ is basically just volume control for individual frequencies. When you're using an EQ, the sliders control frequencies in order from lowest to highest left to right. Increasing a frequency will make it louder than the others. Increasing the left-most slider will give you more...

The Q701 has the better positional accuracy when it comes to surround sound gaming. The HD598 has a warmer sound. If you throw in an extra $60 to get the K702 Anniversary Edition pads for your Q701, the bass will be much better. Otherwise, they're pretty similar.

I'd advise against going for the Beats. They're not BAD cans, but they're incredibly overpriced for what you get. You're paying for the name, not the headphones. If you're looking for sound quality, I'd look elsewhere. My personal recommendation would be the Audio Technica M50s. They're widely...

@viralcow Are the pads and headband the only difference? If so, then I'll go with the Q701. @PurpleAngel I'll be using them primarily with a Sound Blaster Z and it's onboard amp.

I'm looking to get myself either a Q701 or K712. At $400, the K712 is a bit out of my budget. I might be willing to make the jump, but only if it's worth it. Otherwise, I'll be getting a Q701 for $220 with the K712 ear pads for $60. Which do you think is the better value?