55.1 lbs 26.9 lbs 212.5 lbs

I've seen the whole USB vs Optical debate before, but not quite in this context. I have a sound card (SB Z) that I'm currently using as a DAC/Amp for my Q701s. I was looking into getting some new hardware (Schiit Modi+Valid), and I need to figure out what I'm doing with the sound card. I can go...

I'm currently using a Sound Blaster Z and a the AKG Q701s, and I'm looking to (potentially) buy an external amp. I was wondering if I could use the TOSLINK optical out on the SBZ with an optical to RCA converter and plug it into an external amp while retaining the surround sound and audio...

I recently put together a simple web-based volume output calculator based on this forum post by tinyman392, and though I'd share it here. You input your headphone impedance (ohms), headphone sensitivity, the max voltage of your audio source (volts), and the volume as a decimal (e.g. 50% volume =...

The headband on my Q701 gives me a headache after about 30-60 minutes of use. I thought that it was bad enough... until I watched this video on nocebos.   http://youtu.be/O2hO4_UEe-4

  Mine was set to 50%. Setting it to 0% and re-installing the drivers didn't seem to increase sound while not in a chat. I think the biggest problem is that my volume slider almost doesn't seem to do much. The difference between 50% and 100% seems far too small. When I listen to my phone with...

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Right now, i'm (admittedly) just using VLC media player for my files. It has a volume slider that i've kept set at 100%. In SBX Pro Studio, i have smart volume turned off and the volume slider syncs with Windows volume. Nothing so far has increased the...

I've read many a forum post about the Sound Blaster Z being way too loud with low impedance headphones. I'm using it with the Q701 (62 Ohms), and it almost seems too quiet. I'm listening at 100% volume, and it's still within the upper limit of my comfortable listening range. I really don't think...

You'll probably get better quality if you purchase an external, dedicated dac/amp. However, I might recommend you keep the sound card just for the surround sound. You can always purchase an external dac/amp later and use it with the sound card's optical out.

  In your picture, there isn't a preamp slider. I would assume that Windows adjusts it automatically.

  An EQ is basically just volume control for individual frequencies. When you're using an EQ, the sliders control frequencies in order from lowest to highest left to right. Increasing a frequency will make it louder than the others. Increasing the left-most slider will give you more...

The Q701 has the better positional accuracy when it comes to surround sound gaming. The HD598 has a warmer sound. If you throw in an extra $60 to get the K702 Anniversary Edition pads for your Q701, the bass will be much better. Otherwise, they're pretty similar.

I'd advise against going for the Beats. They're not BAD cans, but they're incredibly overpriced for what you get. You're paying for the name, not the headphones. If you're looking for sound quality, I'd look elsewhere. My personal recommendation would be the Audio Technica M50s. They're widely...

@viralcow Are the pads and headband the only difference? If so, then I'll go with the Q701. @PurpleAngel I'll be using them primarily with a Sound Blaster Z and it's onboard amp.

I'm looking to get myself either a Q701 or K712. At $400, the K712 is a bit out of my budget. I might be willing to make the jump, but only if it's worth it. Otherwise, I'll be getting a Q701 for $220 with the K712 ear pads for $60. Which do you think is the better value?

I'm looking to buy myself my first pair of audiophile grade headphones (Q701) and recently had a revelation...   All of my songs are MP3s!   Unless anyone can persuade me that the 320kbps files from Google Play are detailed enough, I need to go lossless. I'll probably start purchasing my...

Thanks for the suggestions, but keep in mind I'm looking for open headphones. What output impedance for an amp should you be using for a given headphone impedance? Should it be a 100 ohm amp for a 100 ohm set of headphones? I've heard things about using the 1:8 rule, so should it be a 12 ohm amp...

Hello all! I've been lurking around and posting here or there to try and find myself a solid pair of headphones under $200. I'm very new to these forums and the audiophile world in general. I plan on using these cans for both gaming(60%) and music(40%), and am looking for a large sound stage...

I have a question. The specs on Creative's site say that the SBZ only supports 5.1 surround sound. Does this mean that it can only output in 5.1 surround sound, or that it doesn't support it at all? I plan on using it for gaming with a sterio headset, so I don't mind that it only outputs 5.1...

The Philips Fidelio L1s look amazing, and seem to be just what I'm looking for. However, I'll probably wait for the L2s. They look even better.   The portable amp is appealing, but I'll mostly be using the headphones at home so I'll probably stick with a sound card.   Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm looking for my first pair of audiophile grade headphones. I'll be using them with surround sound for mostly games, but also a bit of music. I've heard that open headphones are my best bet when it comes to audio quality and directional accuracy. However, closed headphones will give me much...

Thanks for the suggestions.   I've heard good things about the HD558s. From what I've read, lot of people seem to be suggesting them as a good set of starter headphones. However, they're open back and the M50s are closed back. I still don't know which one I'd prefer.   A lot of people have...

I've been using a pair of Logitech G35s for over a year now, and I think I need to upgrade. When I first got them, I loved the 7.1 surround sound for gaming and the incredible amount of depth it added to my music. Now I'm thinking of getting a new audio card that supports surround sound and a...