Best audio combination for on line pc gamer and rock in roll listener
May 21, 2014 at 3:33 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 64

Gary-Nelson

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  I enjoy PC games listening to 60's, 70's,80's rock some classical but on line pc gaming  fill's a big part of my day along with photography but that's another subject
Found a Xonar Essence One new in the box at a local PC retail store being sold at at $100 discount which is a rare find here since I have retired from the US to a very high tariff country..
 My experience in audio is at the decimal level on a knowledge chart thus I will more then likely go with which ever setup is the most recommended. After doing some research seems the Beyerdzenamic DT990 a nice headset.
 My question is the Beyerdzenamic DT990's a good match with the Xonar Essence One if yes what ohms if not what headphones would you recommend for a match.
 Second though would you recommend a different setup altogether.
 Thanks in advance. Gary
 
May 21, 2014 at 6:05 AM Post #2 of 64
Someone's done a quick test and come up with a rough figure of 4 ohm output impedance at 1kHz (http://wwenze.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/asus-xonar-essence-one.html)
 
The general rule of thumb is that the headphones need to be at least 8 times this number, so the DT990s (32ohm) may be on the low side - it was a rough calculation after all. The 250 Ohm DT990 PRO may be more suitable with that amp.
 
May 21, 2014 at 9:12 AM Post #5 of 64
You would probably spend less going for the 250ohm version, they sell usually around 100usd cheaper than the 600ohm version with no difference in sound quality.
 
I think the DT990 is a good choice for what you'll be using them for. For rock n roll, I would recommend Grados, but considering you will be gaming alot, the DT990 is the better choice.
 
May 21, 2014 at 11:52 AM Post #6 of 64
The DT990s have emphasized bass and treble. If you would like something a bit more natural sounding, I would look into the Sennheiser HD 598s.

The DT990 250 ohm would be easier for your Essence One to drive. I would go for them.
 
May 21, 2014 at 12:57 PM Post #8 of 64
I would consider: Koss Pro DJ 100 / Sony MDR-7506 V6 / ATH-M50 M40 M30. Much easier to drive than the Beyers or Sens and much easier on the wallet also. IMHO

 
Apart from the Koss, the rest aren't that much cheaper. A pair of DT990 Pro goes for 140usd on Amazon. The bump in sound quality is definitely worth the 40 bucks extra. In fact, imo, the DT990 are one of the best headphones in terms of value for the money.
 
May 21, 2014 at 2:29 PM Post #9 of 64
  Thanks for your time and effort I have read the link and sold on the Xonar Essence One. Check on the 250-Ohm for the DT990.

 
Audio-GD NFB-15, external DAC/amp, $255+shipping.
Audio-GD will list the value as $100, with the shipper, so there should be a low import tax.
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB1532/NFB15.32EN.htm
 
May 21, 2014 at 2:32 PM Post #10 of 64
  Just saw 600 ohm Beyerdzenamic DT990 on one of the bidding sites. Would these be of interest to me.
Gary

 
I own the DT990 Pro 250-Ohm and DT990 Premium 600-Ohm.
To me there is a noticeable improvement with the 600-Ohm over the 250-Ohm.
If you can get the 600-Ohm for around $200, it's worth it over the Pro 250-Ohm.
 
May 21, 2014 at 2:44 PM Post #11 of 64
If you're hearing any kind of improvement it is due to your amp. Both versions driven from an amp that can power them properly sound exactly the same. The drivers are also exactly the same (parts number & all).
 

 
May 21, 2014 at 2:54 PM Post #12 of 64
  If you're hearing any kind of improvement it is due to your amp. Both versions driven from an amp that can power them properly sound exactly the same. The drivers are also exactly the same (parts number & all).

 
I've used my DT990 250 and DT990 600 with several difference amplifiers, to me there is a noticeable difference.
To me the DT990 Premium 600-Ohm has a more controlled bass.
It's not a big difference and I would not say a new DT990 600-Ohm is worth it's much higher retail price, for the small improvement.
To me a used DT990 Premium 600-Ohm in good condition, is worth the few extra dollars.  
 
May 21, 2014 at 2:58 PM Post #13 of 64
   
I've used my DT990 250 and DT990 600 with several difference amplifiers, to me there is a noticeable difference.
To me the DT990 Premium 600-Ohm has a more controlled bass.
It's not a big difference and I would not say a new DT990 600-Ohm is worth it's much higher retail price, for the small improvement.
To me a used DT990 Premium 600-Ohm in good condition, is worth the few extra dollars.  

 
There may be a noticeable difference to you, but a frequency response graph doesn't lie - there is absolutely none...
 
May 21, 2014 at 3:07 PM Post #14 of 64
DT990 is far from flat. If you like a V shaped response it's great value but many find the highs quite harsh.
I'd recommend the AKG K612 for a similar price and more balanced response.
 
May 21, 2014 at 3:11 PM Post #15 of 64
There may be a noticeable difference to you, but a frequency response graph doesn't lie - there is absolutely none...


First, there are minor differences between those graphs that would slightly impact how they sound.

However, you are also misunderstanding how one can use frequency response graphs. Frequency response graphs don't tell one crap about things like transient response, compression, or distortion, all of which would affect bass sound quality.

Go look at the different DT880 measurements at Innerfidelity, learn how the other measurements function, and you'll understand how those headphones could sound different.
 

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