Ok so I couldn't resist playing a little.

Off the Mixamp 5.8 alone, I had to max out the volume to feel it had sufficient volume. I don't have that problem with the 32ohm.

The 250ohm is quieter with the Mixamp in terms of hiss at a similar decibel level, as to be expected.

They both sounded identical in the RE6 demo in terms of soundstage and directionality.

Now... I tested them with the E17 off the 3DS.

I fired up the Rhythm Thief demo which I'm acquainted with (I WANT THIS GAME, LOL).

Hmm, this is where the 250ohm shows its weakness. The E17 had to be maxed out at full gain, and it sounded choked. The volume was decent, but there was little dynamics, and energy. In comparison, the 32ohm didn't need to be maxed out, and sounded awesome.

Regardless of the very, VERY minute differences, the 32ohm is winning for me. The versatility, energy, and slight clarity over the 250ohm makes it a winner to me.

Now the 250ohm obviousy needs a desktop amp, (IMHO). With the E17, you will get away with some sources, not others. If you're sticking to portfable amps, the 32ohm is the one you want. If you getting a desktop amp, the 250ohm is the no brainer.

Either way, choose whichever suits your setup, and not whether one sounds slightly better than the other, because to be completely honest, they are too similar to truly say one is superior.

Of course, I'll probably spend all of my days off testing, but I'm almost positive the 32ohm is the one I want. It works for everything, whereas the 250ohm is more picky and still sounds pretty identical.

Oh my look what the cat just dragged in!
 

 
So far only listened to one song   Maroon 5  "Sunday Morning"  I like what i hear so far.. The can is  siblant very little but i must test out other song tracks i have, that track is a lil siblant to begin with..
 
 
Cans ran out of old marantz receiver
 
 
 
No Gaming yet i have to cut lawn maybe later tonight i get to try this can out with both dss's decoders  and recon3d to see how it fares in games for me. This will let me know if i will keep them or send them on there way back to the seller

Hi forum,
[size=small]  [/size]
First, only few weeks ago, i found this great forum, that have so much knowledge, 
and i was so excited to find this thread, cause its like match made in heaven,
 
and without even know about this thread, after few weeks of research, i found out, about Astro Mixamp Pro/5.8 product, 
and later, i found out about the HiFiMAN HE-400 Headphones.
 
[size=small] Mad Lust Envy, was kindly enough, to answer many of my questions privately, [/size]
but now i have some more questions, and want to hear what others here think.
 
[size=small] maybe i should give some kind of background about the way i live, that its a very small flat, [/size]
so i cant get alot of noise, plus, even if i want, i cant afford a full 5.1/7.1 surround system.
my needs for this setup, is to be able, to simulate 5.1 surround sound from my PS3, Xbox360 and my Popcorn-Hour A-210, 
im not that online player, and i usually watch ALLOT of movies,.
i MUST say, cause it will be very obvious, in this conversation that im total newbie in everything about sound/connections/amps/dacs...etc.
 
But my total setup goal, is exactly as Mad Lust Envy!
 
And this is my questions:
 
1. about the choose between the Astro Mixamp products, i prefer to get the wired Mixamp Pro, only cause i don't want to get the little slight background noise, that has been mention,
but it seems that only the wireless 5.8 Mixamp, is available for buy alone and can be found on stock, and the wired Mixamp Pro i can only find with the A30 or A40 and when i already find the Mixamp Pro alone,
its out of stock, those anyone here know some place i can buy the Mixamp PRO?
 
2. now i have amp question, im aware that the E17 is DAC and AMP, 
but i was thinking, that as AMP, the E17 would have better quality then the E11 AMP,
but after reading this review: http://www.headfonia.com/the-upgrade-fiio-e17-alpen/2/ im not so sure, maybe the E11 AMP is actually better? what u think?
in the same E17 review, [size=small]the reviewer mention the possibility of treble control on the E17, im guessing u cant do this with the E11, or can u? [/size]
[size=small]and if its that important function, for gaming and movies?[/size]
 
[size=small] 3. NOW, if i didn't sound STUPID enough to this point, this questions will, so please don't laugh, [/size]
let say for example, that u play with your PS3 or A-210, how is your setup need to be been "chained"?
those it go from the Mixamp to the E-17 to the PS3/A-210 OR its go from the E-17 to the Mixamp to the PS3/A-210?
and in what cables, do i use? to "chained" them together? those the E-17 SPDIF and Coaxial inputs, 
doesn't important for the "chain" of connections between the devices?
can you please explained it to me? again don't laugh even a photo of your setup could be amazing and helpful!

thanks for taking the time for read,
its all been massive help for me.
 
regards
smeand

1. Right now the Mixamp pro is being "refreshed", Astro is adding on a EQ and changed the styling of the Mixamp, thus many speculate that it may take some time before it released as a standalone. If you can't wait, Ebay is your friend.

2.MLE stated before that the power output of the E11 and E17 are very similar. If you need/want more power from a portable amp then you'll have to wait for the E12 (if you wanted to buy a Fiio product). OR you could go for a non-portable route, which generally better. The E11 has only a 3 setting bass boost, no treble adjustment.

3. I have no idea what an A-210 is (Edited Google'd it). In any case you would connect your ps3 like this PS3--(optical connection)-->Mixamp--(Analogue connection)-->amp-->headphones. IF you wanted to use your HTPC with the mixamp, you'll either have to unplug the optical from the PS3/Mixamp (If you have 2 optical cables, you can leave them both connected at the source and switch the connections at the Mixamp, Though MLE stated that the he busted his mixamp's tos port so this may not be the best solution). The better way, is to pick up either a powered optical switcher (just search "Powered optical switch" on amazon) and use that to change the signal line, or buy a 2nd Generation wired mixamp, which has coax digital audio and use that to connect the A210 into the mixamp.

i95north said:

Oh my look what the cat just dragged in!



So far only listened to one song   Maroon 5  "Sunday Morning"  I like what i hear so far.. The can is  siblant very little but i must test out other song tracks i have, that track is a lil siblant to begin with..


Cans ran out of old marantz receiver



No Gaming yet i have to cut lawn maybe later tonight i get to try this can out with both dss's decoders  and recon3d to see how it fares in games for me. This will let me know if i will keep them or send them on there way back to the seller

Click to expand...

Why does the right cup have a metallic looking pad? I have no clue what I'm looking at. It looks like liquid metal. O_O

To those with the DT990, is the headband adjustment relatively loose?  There is very little resistance on the left cup when adjusting up and down until it is extended all the way.  The adjustment holds when it is on my head, but when relaxed, both cups easily move up and down.
 
Also, when swiveling the cup left and right, a "pop" noise sometimes comes from the metal arm moving within the plastic enclosure.  Normal?

Hi everyone this is my first post - warning noob here!! I was attracted to this site after reading MLE's review of headset brands that I have never heard of (my last pair was Sony MDR-v6 over 20 years ago and the muffs disintegrated 5 years ago), and have come away learning there is an alternate world that I have been missing. I am not a good writer so I will cut to the chase, and again big thanks to MLE. 
 
I just built my first computer last month and am using 5+ year old Logitech X230 2.1 speakers that are falling short in games like Skyrim and BF3. Generally if I hear someone/something coming from out of sight, I have to wait until they strike first so I know which way to react. This has me at a real disadvantage and I don't even want to try MMO without a good pair of headphones. For music, the IPOD generation has passed me by and I generally only listen to pandora premium. Pandora says the acoustics are better with the premium service but I can't tell the difference with these speakers.
 
It looks like I will be getting the CAL headsets based on this review (best bang for the buck) but need advice for soundcard and amp (only if needed). I don't listen to music very loud - riding a motorcycle requires me to be aware at all times so I am used to enjoying the tunes at lower volume. 
 
Budget is $250 for everything (headset, soundcard, amp). I would like to get these in technology that will last for the next 5 years of gaming. I can wait for Cyber Monday if necessary to get best deal. 
 
Thanks and help is appreciated.

kellte2 said:

To those with the DT990, is the headband adjustment relatively loose?  There is very little resistance on the left cup when adjusting up and down until it is extended all the way.  The adjustment holds when it is on my head, but when relaxed, both cups easily move up and down.

Also, when swiveling the cup left and right, a "pop" noise sometimes comes from the metal arm moving within the plastic enclosure.  Normal?

Click to expand...

The pop is normal. Every single Beyer I've owned has it. The adjustments are a PITA, and it gets tight or loose depending on the angle the arms enter the 'top'. You might have to move them around a bit.

sleepymellow said:

Hi everyone this is my first post - warning noob here!! I was attracted to this site after reading MLE's review of headset brands that I have never heard of (my last pair was Sony MDR-v6 over 20 years ago and the muffs disintegrated 5 years ago), and have come away learning there is an alternate world that I have been missing. I am not a good writer so I will cut to the chase, and again big thanks to MLE. 

I just built my first computer last month and am using 5+ year old Logitech X230 2.1 speakers that are falling short in games like Skyrim and BF3. Generally if I hear someone/something coming from out of sight, I have to wait until they strike first so I know which way to react. This has me at a real disadvantage and I don't even want to try MMO without a good pair of headphones. For music, the IPOD generation has passed me by and I generally only listen to pandora premium. Pandora says the acoustics are better with the premium service but I can't tell the difference with these speakers.

It looks like I will be getting the CAL headsets based on this review (best bang for the buck) but need advice for soundcard and amp (only if needed). I don't listen to music very loud - riding a motorcycle requires me to be aware at all times so I am used to enjoying the tunes at lower volume. 

Budget is $250 for everything (headset, soundcard, amp). I would like to get these in technology that will last for the next 5 years of gaming. I can wait for Cyber Monday if necessary to get best deal. 

Thanks and help is appreciated.

Click to expand...

Welcome! So $250 for everything? Hmm...

What kind of music do you listen to mainly? The CAL is warm, bassy.

I prefer open headphones to recommend, but the only ones I know in your price range are like the AD700 (which lack bass), a used HD555 or better, the HD558.

None of these rely on amping (for the most part and especially at lower volumes), and a good soundcard would probably be like an Xonar DG or Essence ST for your needs. I'd go for those as they have Dolby Headphone, and wasn't impressed with CMSS 3D personally. YMMV.

Keep in mind, none of these have a microphone, so if you need a mic, you may have to get an external one like the modmic.

Quote:

mad lust envy said:

Welcome! So $250 for everything? Hmm...
What kind of music do you listen to mainly? The CAL is warm, bassy.
I prefer open headphones to recommend, but the only ones I know in your price range are like the AD700 (which lack bass), a used HD555 or better, the HD558.
None of these rely on amping (for the most part and especially at lower volumes), and a good soundcard would probably be like an Xonar DG or Essence ST for your needs. I'd go for those as they have Dolby Headphone, and wasn't impressed with CMSS 3D personally. YMMV.
Keep in mind, none of these have a microphone, so if you need a mic, you may have to get an external one like the modmic.

Click to expand...

I am in Miami,FL and everyone I know loves bass thumping and but not overwhelming the music so I appreciate your help. I listen to everything except country and classical/opera. Are HD558 good for 3+ hours of gaming? The MDR's would hurt my ears after 30 minutes. Where do you recommend to find best prices for these items? Thanks again for fast response.

Quote:

mad lust envy said:

Just got my DT990/32. Great condition. Sounds stellar.

Click to expand...

Where did you order yours from?  Amazon?

Yeah, like new for $196. I think I'm gonna keep the 32ohm and return the 250ohm.

Its either that or return it, sell the E17 and get an ODAC+E9K. I bought the E17 mainly for the bass/treble controls, but I don't need them with the 990s. This way I'd keep the ODAC n my comuter setup, and transport the E9K whenever I want to use them in my bedroom.

I prefer the hassle free E17+DT990/32 though.

sleepymellow said:

I am in Miami,FL and everyone I know loves bass thumping and but not overwhelming the music so I appreciate your help. I listen to everything except country and classical/opera. Are HD558 good for 3+ hours of gaming? The MDR's would hurt my ears after 30 minutes. Where do you recommend to find best prices for these items? Thanks again for fast response.

Click to expand...

Okay, so the CAL would suit you best. Wait...

$250? Why not get the DT990 Pro ($170 on Amazon), plus maybe a Xonar DG ($26 on Amazon), and an E11 ($50)? Hook up the E11 to the DG's headphone jack (if it doesn't do surround sound off the analog outs).

IF you can wait a little more, the E9 or E9K would be much better than the E11. This would be near $300 though.

The main thing here, is the DT990 Pro is much better than the CAL. Hell, the DT990 Pro is super comfy, fantastic bass, and directionality.

They are open design so they leak out, just like the 558/555.

Thank you very much Ruuko!
 
BTW, do you have some ETA when to expect that "refreshed" Mixamp Pro?

Quote:

mad lust envy said:

Okay, so the CAL would suit you best. Wait...
$250? Why not get the DT990 Pro ($170 on Amazon), plus maybe a Xonar DG ($26 on Amazon), and an E11 ($50)? Hook up the E11 to the DG's headphone jack (if it doesn't do surround sound off the analog outs).

Click to expand...

What is the link for the DT990 Pro at $170? is that for new set? If I get a used DT990/32, can I forego the E9?