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What do I need besides headphones?

post #1 of 6
10/6/12 at 11:29pm
Thread Starter 

I have recently purchased a pair of ATH-M50's and I'm wondering what else I need to get the best sound out of them.  Particularly, listening to music on my macbook sounds significantly better then on my desktop, so I figure its a soundcard (or lack thereof) problem.  Any advice is appreciated. 

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post #2 of 6
10/7/12 at 1:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rawrite View Post

I have recently purchased a pair of ATH-M50's and I'm wondering what else I need to get the best sound out of them.  Particularly, listening to music on my Macbook sounds significantly better then on my desktop, so I figure its a soundcard (or lack thereof) problem.  Any advice is appreciated. 

Asus Xonar DG sound card ($26)

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post #3 of 6
10/7/12 at 6:50pm
Thread Starter 

Quick note: I'm also considering getting Beyerdynamic DT990s. 

 

Any real advantage in getting something like a ASUS Xonar Essence ST instead?  Also, is the amp on this or any other sound card good enough or are they significantly worse than a dedicated amp?

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post #4 of 6
10/7/12 at 9:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rawrite View Post

Quick note: I'm also considering getting Beyerdynamic DT990s. 

 

Any real advantage in getting something like a ASUS Xonar Essence ST instead?  Also, is the amp on this or any other sound card good enough or are they significantly worse than a dedicated amp?

The Asus Xonar Essence ST ($200) comes with a headphone amplifier that can drive up to 600-Ohm headphones.

Same type of amplifier that is on the Fiio E09(K). ($100).

There are better amplifiers, but the Essence ST comes with a good DAC and headphone surround sound.

 

One option is to get the Xonar DX or D1, same audio processor as the Essence STX & ST.

With the Xonar DX or D1, you can add any external headphone amplifier you like.


Edited by PurpleAngel - 10/7/12 at 9:29pm
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post #5 of 6
10/7/12 at 9:50pm
Thread Starter 

Just the advice I needed.  Gonna go with a Xonar D1 and get an amp as needed.  Thanks!!

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post #6 of 6
10/8/12 at 9:26am
I'll add that the M50 are *very* stable and *very* easy to drive - so as long as your source can provide sufficient power and headroom, and doesn't have a too high noise floor, they will work just fine. The DT990 by contrast are not as stable, so keep that in mind moving forwards. I would probably go with the E9 + a soundcard (it will likely be cheaper) than the STX.
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