I need some assistance in which direction I should take.  Lately I've been having some annoying issues with my current soundcard, Auzentech X-fi Forte. Sometimes windows randomly says that it cannot detect it.  I've found that a way around this issue is to go into the audio control panel and...

My MEE M9 just arrived.  Right out of the box the first thing I noticed was the bass, which is a good thing for me.  It even comes with a tiny zipper carrying case to store the multiple tips or whatever else that's small enough to fit in it.  I'll let it burn in for at least 24 hours, but...

The bass on them is precisely why they caught my attention. 

Honestly, IEMs are definitely not my prefer earphones; there's a lot of little things that I don't like about them.  I just put up with them because of their convenience and the isolation which I sometimes find useful.  Like I said, I've already ordered a pair of MEE M9, but if for whatever...

I've decided to go for the MEE M9.  It's suppose to sound similar to the M6.  It's currently half the price of the M6 and without the over-the-ear design.  I'll see how it holds up to my workouts once it arrives; if anything it only cost me $10.    

Quote: These look a bit too large and heavy for a workout.       Quote: These do look like they fit the bill for what I'm looking for.  I'll look more into these. 

The title says most of it.  I don't really care what type of headphones they are, just as long as they can be driven from an ipod.  I'm looking for a pair with reasonable comfort and one that will not slip during the middle of a set and sprints.  I'd also prefer one that emphasizes bass.  I did...

Sorry, I'm not very versed in audio in general.  What do you exactly mean by this?         Quote:   I always leave my gain is on the factory default low, which is 2.5x.  I'm not quite sure I know how to optimize or control how much voltage is going through my soundcard or my O2...

My O2 amp is connected to my Auzentech X-Fi Forte sound card.  Usually I don't like heavily eq'ing my more expensive headphones, but lately I've been experimenting with it, primarily with the bass boost that's available in the console.  I noticed that when I connect my headphone straight into my...

My O2 amp is connected to my Auzentech X-Fi Forte sound card.  Usually I don't like heavily eq'ing my more expensive headphones, but lately I've been experimenting with it, primarily with the bass boost that's available in the console.  I noticed that when I connect my headphone straight into my...

I think I'll go with my initial hunch and roll with the Beyer DT 990. If it doesn't work out, I'll continue down the list :D. I'd love to try the Ultrasone HFI-2400 too someday; maybe if I find them on sale.

Thanks for the link, socks. I think I can suddenly stretch my budget out a little further now that I've cancelled plans on other purchases .  My top contenders for my next purchase are:   CAL! DT 770 DT 990 takstar HI 2050 Superlux HD 330   (PC) Gaming is still my priority, but...

I'm looking for a new pair of budget headphones for general purpose use, but mainly with emphasis on bass and gaming.  My current everyday pair are the Samson SR850 (EQ'd) and for me, these do the job well.  I'm looking for something to spice it up a bit.  I've tried the Sony XB500 and the...

Thanks for the replies.  My new amp should arrive early next week.  I guess I'll put what I've learned here to the test when it gets here . 

I got this from http://www.guru3d.com/article/auzentech-xfi-forte-71-soundcard-review-test/8.   "The LME4972 is the front Left and Right channel opamp for the Forte 7.1 and is considered to be a quality audio opamps by many"   "The JRC 4580's opamps are used for the output channels: Rear...

Thanks for the reply.   So would I connect it to the green or blue color line out?          And I'd need a cable like this? http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Unlimited-AUD-1100-06-6-Feet-Stereo/dp/B000SE6IV8/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_b

This is my first dip into buying any kind of external amplifier, and I just have a few questions.  I have an Auzentech X-Fi Forte and I've been wanting to try something new.  Here we go:   1) I was wondering how to connect it to a external amplifier, while bypassing the built-in Forte amp...

Great thread Lunatique!  Based on your graph and description, I'd say I'm more of a 'typical consumer,' but slowly creeping into 'low-end audiophile' based on my recent plunge into hi(er)-end audio gear.  In the past few weeks i've spent most of my free time reading and soaking up info on...

As far as amps, I think I more or less know which ones I'm considering.  It's just the DACs that I'm not too sure about.  There are a lot of good DACs out there, but some of the good, value priced ones don't support S/PDIF option.  Thanks for letting me know about the HP-A3, kiteki ;)  I'm also...

Quote: So I guess my sound card already sounds familiar to that DIY DAC?   If that's the case then NamelessPFG's probably right in that $300-500 is the minimum on a DAC.  If buying them separately is the better option, then upgrading the amp first would probably yield the more noticeable...

I have been looking into DAC/amp all-in-one combos, but based on suggestions and further thoughts, I'll probably won't be looking at this route.    I've most definitely considered the O2 upon learning about it a few days ago.  The designer announced that he's working on a desktop version...

Hi, I'm currently running my DT 880 straight out of my X-Fi Forte.  The forte has two DACs: a Cirrus Logic CS4382A and AKM AK4396, though I'm not sure which the headphone jack uses, but I'm guessing the AKM AK4396.  According to review sites, the AKM AK4396 is supposedly of high quality.  The...

I decided to pull the trigger, and found what appears to be a good conditioned, used pair of DT 880 for ~$160 shipped a few days ago.  I'm eagerly awaiting for it to arrive.  Timing cannot be any better too, as I'm currently using a pair of $10 headphones that has lobster strength clamps.  Thank...

Like I said, I unfortunately don't have $200 to spend...maybe $175 tops.  I know it's 'only' $25 more, but my original budget was $150.  Aren't top of the line headphones at least $800+?   

Quote: Thanks for the heads up on the FA-011.  As a noob, I'm virtually oblivious to potential alternatives .  I just did a quick read on it, and my only concern is that my Forte may not have enough juice to power it to satisfactory levels.  I live in a smallish city and I don't even...