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Mad Lust Envy's Headphone Gaming Guide: (8/18/2022: iFi GO Blu Review Added)
Nov 14, 2013 at 3:53 AM Post #17,926 of 48,566
conquerator2 said:
Wait, so would any DAC work?
I mean I tried connecting the PX5 receiver to an external DAC via both the 1/8 jack, or toslink but it wouldn't work...
Is that different with a PC?
I am still a bit confused here
smily_headphones1.gif
Click to expand...

 
 
Since a DAC is a digital-to-analog converter, there can only be 1 DAC in the audio chain.  You only need to convert the signal to analog once.  The only reason you would use another DAC with something like the U3 is because the U3 isn't actually acting as a DAC if you simply use it to send out a DIGITAL signal.  The U3's only role in that setup is to decode the Dolby Digital 5.1 and then encode it into Dolby Headphone.  That signal still needs to be converted to analog though, so you use a DAC with toslink input afterwards to convert it.
 
Your PX5's toslink OUT is digital, but it's probably just a simple passthrough (check the manual), so there's no benefit in trying to run a signal through it to another device/DAC.  Running a toslink through it is no different than skipping it altogether.  It's just there purely for convenience.
 
The 1/8" jack on the PX5 is analog out.  So it's already gone through digital-to-analog (DAC) conversion. You can't run it to an external DAC, because it's already analog and DAC's only take digital inputs (otherwise they can't do their D to A job).
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 4:12 AM Post #17,927 of 48,566
chicolom said:
   
 
Since a DAC is a digital-to-analog converter, there can only be 1 DAC in the audio chain.  You only need to convert the signal to analog once.  The only reason you would use another DAC with something like the U3 is because the U3 isn't actually acting as a DAC if you simply use it to send out a DIGITAL signal.  The U3's only role in that setup is to decode the Dolby Digital 5.1 and then encode it into Dolby Headphone.  That signal still needs to be converted to analog though, so you use a DAC with toslink input afterwards to convert it.
 
Your PX5's toslink OUT is digital, but it's probably just a simple passthrough (check the manual), so there's no benefit in trying to run a signal through it to another device/DAC.  Running a toslink through it is no different than skipping it altogether.  It's just there purely for convenience.
 
The 1/8" jack on the PX5 is analog out.  So it's already gone through digital-to-analog (DAC) conversion. You can't run it to an external DAC, because it's already analog and DAC's only take digital inputs (otherwise they can't do their D to A job).
Click to expand...

This part I knew :]
The rest is new information somewhat.
Regardless, thanks a ton for the explanation, now I know it's 1 DAC only :]
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 8:17 AM Post #17,928 of 48,566
Hi Mad Lust Envy,
 
I tried using my Marantz with dolby headphones yesterday and it did really well. Better than my 5.1 system! 
 
One more question, do you know any way to use a separate microphone on my 360 next to my headset? (iGrado) 
As I don't own a mixamp, I guess I need to buy a mic, cut off the (3.5 mm) jack plug, and solder a 2.5 mm jack on there? 
Do you know which part of the mini-jack is used for the mic in the controller?
 
Or is there an easier solution? 
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 9:31 AM Post #17,929 of 48,566
qupie said:
Hi Mad Lust Envy,

I tried using my Marantz with dolby headphones yesterday and it did really well. Better than my 5.1 system! 

One more question, do you know any way to use a separate microphone on my 360 next to my headset? (iGrado) 
As I don't own a mixamp, I guess I need to buy a mic, cut off the (3.5 mm) jack plug, and solder a 2.5 mm jack on there? 
Do you know which part of the mini-jack is used for the mic in the controller?

Or is there an easier solution? 
Click to expand...


You can purchase adapters that take the 3.5 for a mic and mix them in with the 2.5 mic + voice jack for the 360. Sounds like you would be better served making one yourself and saving $ though.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002D41HKS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1384439427&sr=8-2&pi=SL500
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 10:26 AM Post #17,930 of 48,566
So I got my custom PX-100-II back from wje. After a few initial hiccups (took me ages to bend the clips to a position that works for me), I can say, it's working well. Even did a Sinegen sweep, and the drivers are matched well from about 8khz, all the way down to the lowest regions of bass that it reaches. As with every headphone, treble section sways left to right, but nothing too problematic. The right driver has slight bass distortion (a very slight rattle) under 35hz, though it's pretty much a non-issue. I'm quite happy overall, and I'll be using these a LOT. It takes me just a little longer to put on next to the 75 and 35s, but we're talking seconds.
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 10:40 AM Post #17,931 of 48,566
aserate said:
  Would have been eyeing on SLYR if it's available here, but it's not :frowning2: ... Even the Senn PC* series are not available.
That would be great but I am not into headsets, I am more into Circumaural headphones (preferably w/ mic in-line to lessen the clutter)
Anyway. Do you have suggestion on which Xonar D* series is better to pick? (DG, DS, DX, DGX, etc.)
I am really on to Siberia V2 now cos of the limited choices
Unfortunatley I don't have the luxury to buy headset + sound card + dac/amp. And that is quite cluttery i must say.
My main purpose for buying this is for the positional audio for gaming (mainly bf3/4), if this will help.
Click to expand...

Where is your location?
For your budget I would think to get the Xonar DG or DGX sound card and the rest of your budget on headphones.
Do you have access to the Takstar or Superlux (or Samson) brand of headphones?
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 10:42 AM Post #17,932 of 48,566
qupie said:
  Hi Mad Lust Envy,
 
I tried using my Marantz with dolby headphones yesterday and it did really well. Better than my 5.1 system! 
 
One more question, do you know any way to use a separate microphone on my 360 next to my headset? (iGrado) 
As I don't own a mixamp, I guess I need to buy a mic, cut off the (3.5 mm) jack plug, and solder a 2.5 mm jack on there? 
Do you know which part of the mini-jack is used for the mic in the controller?
 
Or is there an easier solution? 
Click to expand...


So you have an xBox 360?
I would guess(?) you could plug a USB microphone into the xBox 360 (guessing).
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 12:20 PM Post #17,933 of 48,566
I am trying to narrow down a quality headphone (preferably headset) used solely for gaming with a Astro 5.8 "wireless" mixamp on console platforms. I am willing to do the mic-mod on a set as long as the headset is geared toward pin-point accurate directional cuing aka sound-whoring. Any recommendations? I see many FPS gamers lean toward the following and I am hoping to have a little guidance towards my purchase. These are the few I am leaning toward:
 
- PC360 or PC 363D
- Audio Technica ATH-AD700
- AKG Q 701 Quincy Jones Signature Reference-Class
- Sennheiser HD 598
 
I currently own the 2011 Astro BXR A40's and get told by friends that they here static/muffled voice when I chat. I feel I would be better at sound-whoring with a different headset/headphone with mic-mod then the A40s I currently own. Any suggestion, please?
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 12:30 PM Post #17,934 of 48,566
purpleangel said:
  Where is your location?
For your budget I would think to get the Xonar DG or DGX sound card and the rest of your budget on headphones.
Do you have access to the Takstar or Superlux (or Samson) brand of headphones?
Click to expand...

Philippines good sir. You can check the availability of cans in this site... https://www.tipidpc.com
If I can afford the DX, would it be worth it over the DG in terms of positional cues in gaming?
The price of DX here is two times the price of DG.

Only Takstar PRO80 is available.
Samson, a few only.
For the Superlux, there are quite plenty of choices, you can check it yourself... http://www.tipidpc.com/itemsearch.php?sec=s&namekeys=%22Superlux%22
Which one would you recommend?
 
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 1:33 PM Post #17,935 of 48,566
aserate said:
  Philippines good sir. You can check the availability of cans in this site... https://www.tipidpc.com
If I can afford the DX, would it be worth it over the DG in terms of positional cues in gaming?
The price of DX here is two times the price of DG.

Only Takstar PRO80 is available.
Samson, a few only.
For the Superlux, there are quite plenty of choices, you can check it yourself... http://www.tipidpc.com/itemsearch.php?sec=s&namekeys=%22Superlux%22
Which one would you recommend?
 
Click to expand...


The DG is Dolby Headphone 5.1 Surround Sound and the DX is Dolby headphone 7.1 Surround Sound.
I really doubt there is much of a difference for gaming.
The DX does have a better DAC chip then the DG, but I doubt you would even notice much during gaming.
With music and movies the difference might be noticeable.
Because of your over all budget, I would say to get the DG, leaves more cash for headphones.
If you could get a Creative Labs SB-Z (Sound Blaster Z), like the lower costing bare OEM card, that might be worth it, The SB-Z has the same DAC chip (CS4398) as the Xonar DX, but the SB-Z is better at driving headphones.
 
I have the Gemini HSR-1000 (which is just a renamed Takstar Pro 80) to me it's a really good (sound quality) low costing headphone, If Sony put their name on it, it would sell for $150.
The Takestar Pro 80 (Gemini) is a closed headphone
 
The Samson SR-850 has good feedback as a low costing gaming card, it's semi-open
(Superlux makes the SR-850)
The Superlux HD681 is considered a good low costing music headphone, I would assume(?) it would at least be decent at gaming.
 
Did not see the Takstar Pro 80 or Samson SR-850 on that website, but maybe i did not know were to look.
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 2:23 PM Post #17,936 of 48,566
purpleangel said:
 
The DG is Dolby Headphone 5.1 Surround Sound and the DX is Dolby headphone 7.1 Surround Sound.
I really doubt there is much of a difference for gaming.
The DX does have a better DAC chip then the DG, but I doubt you would even notice much during gaming.
With music and movies the difference might be noticeable.
Because of your over all budget, I would say to get the DG, leaves more cash for headphones.
If you could get a Creative Labs SB-Z (Sound Blaster Z), like the lower costing bare OEM card, that might be worth it, The SB-Z has the same DAC chip (CS4398) as the Xonar DX, but the SB-Z is better at driving headphones.
 
I have the Gemini HSR-1000 (which is just a renamed Takstar Pro 80) to me it's a really good (sound quality) low costing headphone, If Sony put their name on it, it would sell for $150.
The Takestar Pro 80 (Gemini) is a closed headphone
 
The Samson SR-850 has good feedback as a low costing gaming card, it's semi-open
(Superlux makes the SR-850)
The Superlux HD681 is considered a good low costing music headphone, I would assume(?) it would at least be decent at gaming.
 
Did not see the Takstar Pro 80 or Samson SR-850 on that website, but maybe i did not know were to look.
Click to expand...

Creative Sound Blaster Z is quite expensive, 4.6 times the cost of DG
 
Takstar PRO80 is available and is twice the cost of DG, I will take this into consideration.
Samson SR-850, not available (and this is a headphone not a card right?)
Superlux HD681 is also available and is very cheap compared to others I must say, costs as much as the DG.
I'm also eyeing on the Creative Aurvana Live!.

Now my choices are the: 
Superlux HD681 - $33 (not sure if this is great for positional cues/gaming)
Takstar PRO80 - $66 (not a fan of coiled wire but this is just a minor nitpick)
Creative Aurvana Live! - $80 (is the most expensive of the three but this won't really matter if it's worth the money)
Additional option:
Siberia V2 analog - $66 (someone is selling this cheap. Idk this is better but I like it the fact it has already a built in mic)
 
Question is, which is better of the following?
 
And do you still have another suggestion of cans? An in-line mic would be a very big plus for me.
 
Thanks for the fast reply
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 4:05 PM Post #17,937 of 48,566
averagegamer said:
  I am trying to narrow down a quality headphone (preferably headset) used solely for gaming with a Astro 5.8 "wireless" mixamp on console platforms. I am willing to do the mic-mod on a set as long as the headset is geared toward pin-point accurate directional cuing aka sound-whoring. Any recommendations? I see many FPS gamers lean toward the following and I am hoping to have a little guidance towards my purchase. These are the few I am leaning toward:
 
- PC360 or PC 363D
- Audio Technica ATH-AD700
- AKG Q 701 Quincy Jones Signature Reference-Class
- Sennheiser HD 598
 
I currently own the 2011 Astro BXR A40's and get told by friends that they here static/muffled voice when I chat. I feel I would be better at sound-whoring with a different headset/headphone with mic-mod then the A40s I currently own. Any suggestion, please?
Click to expand...

 
Can anyone please give me some advice on what they suggest on these or another set of cans?
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 5:39 PM Post #17,938 of 48,566
Well, looks like the iCAN, itself, is now a dud. The power cable that was sent did not fix the issue.

Avatar Acoustics sent me a new iCAN and I'll be receiving it on Mon/Tue. I just shipped out the defective one but it was nice of them to ship out my replacement before them receiving mine.

A1 customer service
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 6:06 PM Post #17,939 of 48,566
aserate said:
  Creative Sound Blaster Z is quite expensive, 4.6 times the cost of DG
Takstar PRO80 is available and is twice the cost of DG, I will take this into consideration.
Samson SR-850, not available (and this is a headphone not a card right?)
Superlux HD681 is also available and is very cheap compared to others I must say, costs as much as the DG.
I'm also eyeing on the Creative Aurvana Live!.
Now my choices are the: 
Superlux HD681 - $33 (not sure if this is great for positional cues/gaming)
Takstar PRO80 - $66 (not a fan of coiled wire but this is just a minor nitpick)
Creative Aurvana Live! - $80 (is the most expensive of the three but this won't really matter if it's worth the money)
Additional option:
Siberia V2 analog - $66 (someone is selling this cheap. Idk this is better but I like it the fact it has already a built in mic)
Question is, which is better of the following?
And do you still have another suggestion of cans? An in-line mic would be a very big plus for me.
Click to expand...

The Samson SR-850 is a headphone, not a sound card.
I do prefer the Takstar Pro 80s over the CALs (Creative Aurvana Live).
Not sure what else to recommend.
 
Nov 14, 2013 at 6:10 PM Post #17,940 of 48,566
what should you pick for gaming/music
 
- Creative aurvana Live 1 (New)
- Creative aurvana Live 2 (New) micro
- Sennheiser pc 360 (used) micro
- Sennheiser pc 350 (used) micro
- Sennheiser HD 555 (used)
- Sennheiser HD 595 (used)
- Sennheiser 380 pro (new)
 
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