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100$ to burn, confused.

post #1 of 10
2/12/12 at 2:55am
Thread Starter 

Ok, so I got a pair of Sennheiser HD 598s, I mainly use them on my desktop that has onboard audio (ALC892). And I have 100$ to spend, maybe a little more even, if it's worth it, I'd go up to 200$ max.

At first I was convinced I wanted a Fiio E7/E11

But then some people told me it would be better if I got a new soundcard.

Then a user on here suggested I get a Xonar DG and a Fiio E7/E11.

Is the Xonar DG worth it? It's pretty cheap, so will it make a difference over the ALC892?

Also, will it stack with the Fiio E7? Or will both amps cancel each other out? I'm just so confused, and I'm open to ALL suggestions, please help me get the best out of my headpones.

I also use them on my iPhone sometimes.

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post #2 of 10
2/12/12 at 4:34am

If by "Fiio E7/E11" you mean buying both, then get the E17 instead, if possible. It is better overall than the combination of those two, for a similar price. It also makes a sound card unnecessary, unless you need 3D audio for gaming, or a good ADC.

The Xonar DG is likely to have lower noise than the onboard audio. If the specs can be believed, it is a slightly better DAC than that of the E7, but not the E17. Its performance could be degraded by interference from other parts of the computer (especially high end GPUs), though.

Getting just the E7 may be enough, too, especially if you need portability.  For a non-portable setup, the E10 is better and even cheaper.

 


Edited by stv014 - 2/12/12 at 4:42am
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post #3 of 10
2/12/12 at 5:35am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the reply, I have a very fairly end Graphics Card, so I guess I'll just get the E7 then. Unless you recommend the E11 instead. I don't plan on getting both.

E7 has DAC, but E11 is a more powerful amp (that's what people have been saying). So which one would get me the best sound quality?


Edited by markzi - 2/12/12 at 6:13am
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post #4 of 10
2/12/12 at 5:44am
Well, Im running a DG & it runs miles around built in. I can amp everything perfectly fine up to 55ohms, while its max for the built in amp is 60 I believe, you could use some more help with an adapter at that point. the DG performs the same as DX1 and DX2... and i havent experienced any degridations since swapping my 5770 to the new 7970 at all. it sits 1/3,inch away from gpu with wifi card under it. Its gamble, but ATIs are designed to expell most heat off backend out of case so I think nvidias should be same way.

Sent from my Pinkied Scorpion using Xparent Pink
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post #5 of 10
2/12/12 at 6:12am
Thread Starter 

I'm running an Nvidia GTX 560 Ti @ 2GB.

If the Xonar DG preforms better than onboard audio, then I will gladly buy it.

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post #6 of 10
2/12/12 at 6:18am
its an undervalued gem. I would of gone insane without it. totally worth more then the creatives, etc even in 70$,range. 20 is a steal for the sonic difference. the control panel is nifty too. I bought mine used off ebay since when I wanted it last year it wasnt in range, looked pretty badly beat up. still works like champ.

Sent from my Pinkied Scorpion using Xparent Pink
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post #7 of 10
2/12/12 at 6:23am
Thread Starter 

Alright I guess I'll get the Xonar DG and an amp. Thanks for the help Lilly :D

Only question is, E7, or E11. For my desktop, which one of these would get me better Sound Quality?

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post #8 of 10
2/12/12 at 3:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by markzi View Post

Alright I guess I'll get the Xonar DG and an amp. Thanks for the help Lilly :D

Only question is, E7, or E11. For my desktop, which one of these would get me better Sound Quality?


The E11 is better in terms of power output and sound quality, and is cheaper as well, but it can only be powered by batteries. Even if you intend to use it at home only, you will regularly need to recharge batteries, and the E11 cannot be used while that is being done. If you do not mind that limitation, it is a good choice.

 

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post #9 of 10
2/13/12 at 9:25pm

If you have a Fry's Electronics, i just picked up a DG with a $10 rebate beyersmile.png It would be nicer if you could A/B, but a hassle, so far yes it is an improvement, but unfortunately when i switched to the speakers i only get sound out of my left speaker. You probably have to restart the computer each time you switch output.

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post #10 of 10
2/14/12 at 6:26pm

You need a better source then the onboard but you do not require a headphone amplifier to drive those headphones.

The HD 598's are low impedance and while you can use a head amplifier, it is not required.

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