Zebedee101
New Head-Fier
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2015
- Posts
- 5
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- 0
Hi all,
I'm looking for the best gaming experience I can but have been left confused by the mountains of opinions wherever I look. I bought my headphones as the reviews stated that the soundstage was large and great for positional gaming audio.
Headphones - Audio Technica ATH-AD900 - 35 ohms
I used a soundcard (Asus Xonar DX) with all the virtual surround stuff for a number of years but have been recently convinced that stereo with no other "enhancements" is actually the best way to go for gaming, especially with decent stereo headphones.
So without the need for all the enhancements I decided to try the onboard (Realtek ALC892) and can't honestly tell the difference between the two, other than the soundcard is substantially louder (better amp?). I need to turn the volume very high in Windows to drive the headphones at reasonable levels. Does this really matter? I'd argue no. I hear no background noise or hiss as some people find.
But it has left me with questions as to whether I can improve on either of these options. If the onboard shows no signs of sound degradation will I get any benefit (other than volume) from a USB DAC? Some people claim they get better sound quality and a wider soundstage using a decent DAC but is this because the headphones they use are harder to drive and see benefit from a stronger amp? Something like DragonFly for example. What is it doing that the onboard isn't and how would it benefit my headphones (low impedance - 35 ohms)?
I have a DAP (iBasso DX90) than can also be used as a USB DAC. Is this an option to improve sound quality and soundstage?
Sorry lots of questions but I'm very lost! Cheers, Z
I'm looking for the best gaming experience I can but have been left confused by the mountains of opinions wherever I look. I bought my headphones as the reviews stated that the soundstage was large and great for positional gaming audio.
Headphones - Audio Technica ATH-AD900 - 35 ohms
I used a soundcard (Asus Xonar DX) with all the virtual surround stuff for a number of years but have been recently convinced that stereo with no other "enhancements" is actually the best way to go for gaming, especially with decent stereo headphones.
So without the need for all the enhancements I decided to try the onboard (Realtek ALC892) and can't honestly tell the difference between the two, other than the soundcard is substantially louder (better amp?). I need to turn the volume very high in Windows to drive the headphones at reasonable levels. Does this really matter? I'd argue no. I hear no background noise or hiss as some people find.
But it has left me with questions as to whether I can improve on either of these options. If the onboard shows no signs of sound degradation will I get any benefit (other than volume) from a USB DAC? Some people claim they get better sound quality and a wider soundstage using a decent DAC but is this because the headphones they use are harder to drive and see benefit from a stronger amp? Something like DragonFly for example. What is it doing that the onboard isn't and how would it benefit my headphones (low impedance - 35 ohms)?
I have a DAP (iBasso DX90) than can also be used as a USB DAC. Is this an option to improve sound quality and soundstage?
Sorry lots of questions but I'm very lost! Cheers, Z