[Zeroblade]

Hi, I just recently got into good headphones (and good sound in general) and I found this forum, and after a bit of poking around, you all seem like a great, friendly, helpful bunch

Anyway, recently, I bought a pair of Grado sr80i's to replace my less-than-satisfactory Pioneer SE-M290's, and while they sound incredible compared to the M290's, it felt like the computer I plug the 80i's into didn't do it justice, so I dug up an old Onkyo Integra A-755 my dad used to use (which I just realized is due for a thorough cleaning), hooked that up to the computer and then the 80i's to the A-755. Definitely a marked improvement in sound, but something at the back of my head's nagging me that I might be able to achieve the same results with some software or some such thing with the computer, rather than having to use hardware amp to help the 80i's. Is there such a way? Have I been doing it wrong, or is this perfectly acceptable?

Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong forum - I have no idea which this would fall under.

 

[Nick 214]

Hey, Welcome To Head-Fi! (Sorry About Your Wallet)

What computer/OS/Soundcard are you using?

Also, maybe you could hook up with some of these guys,

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f45/ph...g-meet-423910/

Some may be in your area!

NK

 

[iriverdude]

Quote:

but something at the back of my head's nagging me that I might be able to achieve the same results with some software or some such thing with the computer, rather than having to use hardware amp to help the 80i's. Is there such a way? Have I been doing it wrong, or is this perfectly acceptable?

No, yes and no. A headphone amplifier is not a computer program, it's a collection of resistors, transistors, capacitors and op-amps.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Most consumer soundcards have normal line-level outputs. The levels produced by the outputs are set through the hardware circuit. You cannot really find a software program that will produce the amplification needed for headphones which require it.

You need external hardware if you don't buy a card with a headphone amplifier built in.

 

[krmathis]

Higher quality source files maybe? Especially if you currently use lossy files (MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, ...).

 

[Zaubertuba]

I noticed a marked improvement when I pulled out my brother's old NAD preamp out and used it to amp my HD 555's.

Another marked improvement...upgrading my soundcard from an old Audigy to the E-Mu 1212m.

The more you read, the more you'll find this out--each part of your system can have some effect on what you hear. Finding out what makes the most improvement sometimes involves a lot of trial and error.

There's not necessarily a "right" or "wrong" way about it. Anything you do that improves the sound, is probably a good thing.

 

[Uncle Erik]

The receiver likely sounded better because it puts significantly more power into your headphones than a soundcard can.

Manipulating the software might let you change an equalization curve, but there's no substitute for power.

Upgrading a soundcard with better chips, power supply, etc. would involve more time, effort and cost than building an amp or simply buying one. If you like the sound of the receiver, then clean it up and use that.

 

[Zeroblade]

Thanks a lot for the replies guys! I guess the bit of table space I used for the amp didn't go to waste then!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick 214 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hey, Welcome To Head-Fi! (Sorry About Your Wallet) What computer/OS/Soundcard are you using? Also, maybe you could hook up with some of these guys, http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f45/ph...g-meet-423910/ Some may be in your area! NK

I'm using Windows XP Pro with what seems to be just the onboard soundcard (gasp!). Definitely need to upgrade to something better soon - do you have any recommendations for someone on a shoestring budget?
And judging by the pictures, it looks like quite a lively bunch of guys - I'll definitely look into contacting them once I get home from the university. Thankfully, much of the city is consolidated into a singular area in the country, which should make meetups easier!

Quote:

Originally Posted by iriverdude /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, yes and no. A headphone amplifier is not a computer program, it's a collection of resistors, transistors, capacitors and op-amps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX /img/forum/go_quote.gif Most consumer soundcards have normal line-level outputs. The levels produced by the outputs are set through the hardware circuit. You cannot really find a software program that will produce the amplification needed for headphones which require it. You need external hardware if you don't buy a card with a headphone amplifier built in.

Hm, I see. I thought that there was some software that provided some form of pre-amp and/or equalizer functions. Looks like I've got a whole lot to learn. Best to ask a few of my dad's friends since they're audiophiles on a totally different level than me - one had a room the size of mine filled with just vinyl and CD's!

Quote:

Originally Posted by krmathis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Higher quality source files maybe? Especially if you currently use lossy files (MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, ...).

I use mostly 192 and 320 kbps mp3's, and from what I know, 320 kbps mp3's and things like FLAC have a practically negligible difference in quality. Does it become much, much more apparent with the proper headphones and components? I've always wanted to use FLAC but since I don't have much space on my hard disk drive (just 300~ish gigabytes, total - I have 2 gigs left) and iTunes isn't really very friendly with FLAC, I've usually just put the idea aside whenever it comes to mind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zaubertuba /img/forum/go_quote.gif I noticed a marked improvement when I pulled out my brother's old NAD preamp out and used it to amp my HD 555's. Another marked improvement...upgrading my soundcard from an old Audigy to the E-Mu 1212m. The more you read, the more you'll find this out--each part of your system can have some effect on what you hear. Finding out what makes the most improvement sometimes involves a lot of trial and error. There's not necessarily a "right" or "wrong" way about it. Anything you do that improves the sound, is probably a good thing.

I guess I just have to do a lot of experimentation on what works best then! I found a Pioneer EX-9000 Dynamic Expander, which may or may not have some sort of effect on the quality. Just have to get the proper cabling for it. Next would, naturally, be a new soundcard.

Again, thanks for the quick and helpful response. I knew it was a good idea to come here

 

[Kursah]

How would the Auzen X-Fi Forte 7.1 headphone amp section stand up to a built amp of similar price ($130-150)? I've heard pretty good things about that card and it's drive overall, sure it's not gonna compare to a $400 amp obviously, or even a $200 amp, but what would compare to it or be a better value (gaming and music)?

I've considered replacing my current X-Fi Xtreme Music with it, but I'm not confident it'd be worth it...atm I'm just running some HA-RX700's, but I plan on upgrading eventually and wouldn't mind a tad more power. No way I'm spending $400 on a compass, not sure about the PA2V2, doubt the FiiO E5, not sure if a tube amp is something I want or not. I've considered a reciever, but that's all I'd use it for...kinda pointless imo...though as a monitor stand that would be useful too lol.