Getting new headphones and soundcard, what to get? - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomX 

I like the look of the X-Fi Titanium HD, but it doesn't seem to be amplified. I've heard that headphone amplified cards are way better than non-amplified? 

I wouldn't really say that. Note that my amplification situation is a bit different; all my dynamic headphones are sensitive enough to not need dedicated amplifiers, and my Stax setup requires specialized amplification anyway (as do all electrostatics), making the headphone amps built into sound cards pointless.

Besides, I think it's a better fit to match the amp to the headphones than the other way around. Just because lower-end cards (as in anything below Titanium HD, Essence, or Claro Halo level) are touted as having dedicated headphone amplifiers doesn't mean they're capable of driving the more demanding dynamics or orthos adequately compared to a discrete headphone amp.

On the other hand, if a Xonar Essence STX sells for $150, that would be cheaper than an X-Fi Titanium HD at $100 and a FiiO E9 for $80, provided that you really do need the E9 in the first place. (Note that the Essence STX and the E9 basically have the same amplifier circuit.)

Ultimately, though, the decision still hinges on what you play. If you're into the older stuff like I am, would you mind possibly losing out on proper EAX 3/4/5 support (meaning games that use them may have completely missing reverb/chorus/occlusion/etc. effects and not sound as intended) and having to settle for virtual 7.1 instead of true 3D binaural sound?

If so, the Titanium HD is pretty much your best bet. If not (meaning you only play games with software-mixed audio where you're not getting more than 7.1 worth of positional information anyway), then the Essence STX, Claro Halo, and so forth are really good contenders.

If you don't know what sound API or middleware a given game uses, just ask me and I might know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomX 

Yeah, that was my plan (:

I might, the reviews look good for it. How are they compared to HD 558's ?

Only senns Ive listened to have been the hd595. It lacked bass. And because of the movies and music was lifeless. But thats just my opinion. I have never listened to the hd558 so maybe they have bass maybe not? Knowing what I know now, I wouldnt hesitate to get beyers. Ive only listened to the 770 pro 80 but I know I would like any of their DT series over senns. Not that senns are bad, just dont like their sound.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomX 

I mainly play newer games, such as BF3, MW3, Diablo 3, League of Legends & Dota2 so i guess the Essence? I've never heard of the Claro Halo, so I'll do some research on that one. 

I am considering getting a pair of Beyers, since I do like a good bass.

 

Thanks a lot for your input. I am starting to lean towards Beyers after reading some reviews. 

The Sennheiser HD558s are not bassy headphones, but they do have decent bass.

I can wear my bassy headphones, then later on use my HD558s and I'm not feeling like I'm lacking bass.

I looking at selling off my two Beyer's DT770 in the future because my ears can not last long listening to the "full" bass from closed headphones.

and down the line the HD558s will work with more sources because they can work decently with out an amplifier (but amp preferred).

Playing Diablo III hour after hour with closed headphones? ouch!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomX 

I mainly play newer games, such as BF3, MW3, Diablo 3, League of Legends & Dota2 so i guess the Essence? I've never heard of the Claro Halo, so I'll do some research on that one. 

I am considering getting a pair of Beyers, since I do like a good bass.

All of those games you mentioned have software-mixed audio, and the ones with an overhead perspective wouldn't even benefit from headphone surround sound anyway. (Now, if you were to bring up Battlefield 1942/Vietnam/2/2142, that would be a very different case.)

You might want to have the headphone amp built-in and save a bit of money, then, which should be feasible with the Essence STX. The Claro Halo's slightly more expensive and uses the PCI interface (like the Essence ST), but may be worth it for all I know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 
Playing Diablo III hour after hour with closed headphones? ouch!

Ive been playing D3 and other games wearing my beyers and feel just fine. I kinda feel naked when I take them off lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomX 

What exactly hurts with them? Are they like tight or loud? More info is appreciated (:

So the Essence STX and Beyers? Or would there be a better pair of headphones for the STX? Or a better card for the Beyers?

Maybe "ouch" is an exaggeration, my ears feel "bothered" when I wear the DT770 for more then 20 minutes.

The DT770 are not overly tight, but they really do seal the closed cups to my head, so I think it's the sound wave in a small closed area that "bothers" my ears.

Quote:

Originally Posted by weez82 

 

Ive been playing D3 and other games wearing my beyers and feel just fine. I kinda feel naked when I take them off lol

My ears are almost 48 years old,

Just wait until you young ones start to see what 20 years of headphone use do to your ears.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomX 

Hahaha, ok thanks. I think I'll go with the Beyer DT990 Pro's. How are those compared to the DT 770? Is there any difference at all? 

My DT990 Pro 250-Ohm have a nice "movie theater" like sound, full bass & full treble, nice sound stage, vocals are clear and decent.

(the bass & treble might come as overbearing the vocals to a few, but the vocals are clear)

As the DT990 are open, I can wear them for long periods without my ears feeling "bothered".

Were as the closed DT770 start to "bother" my ears after 20-30 minutes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomX 

Thanks a lot, I think I'll be going with a pair of Beyer DT 990 Pro, is there a specific sound card that would work well with it or is the Essence STX fine?

 

Also I read about a 600 Ohm premium version of it. Is it worth getting? And would the Essence STX be able to support it? 

The Essence STX works fine with 600-Ohm headphone (I know mine does).

Is the 600-Ohm worth it?

I would think no, but if one is on a really good sale price, maybe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhantomX 

So the Essence STX and Beyers? Or would there be a better pair of headphones for the STX? Or a better card for the Beyers?

I suppose the Essence STX will do the trick for you, with the Xonar Unified Drivers if necessary. If you don't have any driver issues, you should be fine, and so should your Beyers in terms of amplification.

Note that I'm a bit hesitant to vouch for or against gear I've never used, which includes all C-Media-based sound cards and the majority of headphones, like the Beyerdynamics you're looking at. I can draw inferences from other people's impressions, but cannot say for certain whether product X, Y, or Z is better in your situation.