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Sound Card for Grados

post #1 of 13
5/3/11 at 9:17am
Thread Starter 

I'm building a gaming desktop this summer and I mainly use my Grado SR80is to listen to music and audio on my computer. I do have Altec Lansing speakers but I Probably will not be using them much on my computer. So, what cards would you recommend for these headphones for music and gaming? Thank you.

 

Edit: I would like to keep the cost of the card around a $100 if possible. I can go a little higher but not much.


Edited by fiendslyr - 5/3/11 at 9:19am
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post #2 of 13
5/3/11 at 11:54am

Look up the Aune mini amp/dac or a used Zero DAC.

There's also the Firestone Fireye II and this thing, I don't if it is any good.


Edited by Mad Max - 5/3/11 at 12:04pm
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post #3 of 13
5/3/11 at 1:20pm

Just an FYI, Grados suck for gaming. Royally.


 

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post #4 of 13
5/3/11 at 1:41pm

Asus Xonar DX


 

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post #5 of 13
5/3/11 at 2:10pm
Thread Starter 

So far I like the Asus Xonar DX because its just a PCI card. Which is what I am mainly looking for. Although I'm considering the Fireye II as well. I'm pretty new to the amp stuff so if I go that route, I would just like something really entry level.

 

Edit: So I also found the FiiO E7, has anyone used that? If so, how is it?


Edited by fiendslyr - 5/3/11 at 2:14pm
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post #6 of 13
5/3/11 at 7:25pm

The E7's DAC may be okay, but the amp sucks.  A used Zero will do everything better and comes with a better amp, but it is not as portable.  It'll bring more out of your SR80.

You do not need to worry about it not being "really entry level".  Same for the Fireye and anything under $500 dollars if I am not mistaken.  (I don't know around what price point mid-fi DACs start, lol.)


Edited by Mad Max - 5/3/11 at 7:26pm
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post #7 of 13
5/3/11 at 7:31pm
Thread Starter 

Ah ok. Well in that case I will start researching the Zero. And that one you just plug into the computer usb correct? Also using an external adapter for power if it needs it.


 

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post #8 of 13
5/3/11 at 7:34pm

The Zero has its own internal power supply.

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post #9 of 13
5/3/11 at 7:41pm
Thread Starter 

Alright I was looking into this and it only has a optical in and coaxial in. This would require me to buy a sound card as well then. I was looking to not spend too much money on this setup. Since I am building the pc, I need a decent sound card. However, if I am to get the Zero, I would have to buy a sound card with optical out, correct?


 

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post #10 of 13
5/3/11 at 7:45pm

Zero should have USB input, or maybe you looked into an older version, I think.

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post #11 of 13
5/3/11 at 7:45pm
Thread Starter 

Nevermind, I saw that it does infact have an usb input. Thank you so much for you help. I will more than likely be ordering one of these. Would you have any suggestions of a place you trust? Thank you again!


 

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post #12 of 13
5/3/11 at 7:47pm

The Zero has a mega thread somewhere.  Do a search.

I was going to go for the Zero in '09 but went with the now discontinued Compass DAC instead.

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post #13 of 13
5/3/11 at 7:51pm
Thread Starter 

Alright. Thank you so much for your help!


 

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