Newbie here

Quote:

Originally Posted by willie828 

   Ok, so I have finally gotten my computer to where I want it to be (I am mainly a hardware enthusiast). I have gotten good peripherals (mouse, keyboard, mouse pad, need a better monitor but w/e) I have now realized that the thing I need to upgrade next is, you guested it, my sound!

 

   Right now I have a set of Siberia V2s and my on board sound (sorry if that made some of you cry). I need a set of new head phones, a new sound card, and a amp. None of this needs to be portable but I would like the headphones to be over ear headphones (a mic is a good thing).

 

   The thing I mainly do is listen to music, watch YouTube videos (people's voices) and gaming. I do these about 30%, 70%, 30% (music and gaming are the same because I generally do them at the same time). I mostly listen to music with heavy bass like deadmau5 and other such electronic. The main thing though is I want it to be good sound for music but people's voices can't sound terrible.  

 

   My overall goal is to get most of these items for Christmas so my  budget for all there items is around 400$ but it can Increase if it will be significantly better.  

 

Tldr: I need a new set of headphones (mic is a bonus), sound card, and amp for around 400$ 

 

Thanks, 

 

Will

Well. Good for you, that's exactly what I listen to. Now, I have a few personal recommendations, but I am sure there will be other people that will tell you better suggestions, since I am not the headphone mastermind. For me, dub step, electronica, and other fast paced music I find to be most enjoyable with a pair of Grado's, any model works, but the SR325is is good since it's under $400. In your face, fast paced, with excellent clarity, and a decent amount of bass (not bass heavy by any means), but trust me, if you find a good amp under $100, even a portable one, like the ZO2, then the bass should be increased.

Open headphones are usually better for clarity and surround sound.

Closed headphone usually have more thump to the bass.

Creative Labs Recon3D (SB1350) PCI-Express sound card, it comes with a headphone amplifier rated up to 600-Ohms,

only been on the market for two days and there are zero reviews, sells for around $100.

Panasonic RP-HTF600-s (open, $40) with Beyerdynamic EDT 200 Velour ear pads ($25).

Total for both, around $170

Or Asus Xonar Essence STX, PCI-Express,headphone amplifier rated up to 600-Ohms ($175)

Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250-Ohm headphones (open, $166)

total around $341

Or Asus Xonar DG, PCI, headphone amplifier rated up to 150-ohms, $30

Sennheiser HD-558, 50-Ohm, open, remove black rubber tape from inside the cups for more bass,

(Electronics Expo, sometimes have the HD-558s for a really good price, use coupon code BOUNTII).

Quote:

Originally Posted by willie828 

They sound great (heh) but two questions, do they need a sound card and are they very comfortable?

The SR325is really don't need an amp or a high end sound card to sound their best. But it doesn't hurt in investing in one. Know, you can drive those Grado's through an iPhone or really anything else you have on hand as long as it's decent. A decent sound card should do the trick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by willie828 
Would the HD-598s be better? BTW Thanks for the epic coupon code ended up being like 80$ off 

I've only used the HD-558, I believe the HD-598 does everything a little bit better then the HD-558.

Just up to you and how much cash your willing to spend.