Computer Sound System Optimization with Sennheiser HD 700

Dec 28, 2013 at 3:46 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 5

Simo123

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Hello Guys,
 
I am in need of some guidance from all of you experts. I recently indulged in an impulse purchase of the HD 700's on for $649 over Christmas. I currently have a set of Beats by Dre Studio editions that ive had for years now. I was unaware of the requirement of high end headphones to be amplified. So now im set on creating a seamless audio system for my gaming setup. 

My question is, when optimizing a PC headphone experience, how do i go about creating the best quality sound. Does a standalone headphone amplifier improve the sound from the computer if the sound from the computer isnt already optimal? Should i first be looking to get an internal sound card to improve the quality before looking at amplifying the sound? I just dont want to invest in an amplifier to find that i am bottle-necked at my motherboard. 
 
I would like all of your suggestions on how i can make an AWESOME audio experience. In terms of budget, i would like to keep it under 1000$ but would be willing to go to 1500$ if required. Would like to know if i should focus on a sound card, headphone amp, or both. 
 
My Hardware is as follows
 
Motherboard:
ASUS P8Z77-V LK
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P8Z77V_LK/
 
Which has On-Board Sound:
Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
http://www.realtek.com.tw/products/productsView.aspx?Langid=1&PFid=28&Level=5&Conn=4&ProdID=284
 
Headphones:
Sennheiser HD 700
http://en-us.sennheiser.com/audiophile-headphones-high-end-around-ear-hd-700
 
Soundcard:
Please suggest optimal choice.

Headphone Amp:
Please suggest optimal choice.
 
Unknown Third Device:
Inform and suggest.
 
Keyboard:
Is there sound degradation using the audio out jack on my Blackwidow Ultimate Keyboard which plugs in to the headphone jack on my pc?
http://www.razerzone.com/ca-en/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-blackwidow-ultimate/
 
 
Long winded, I know, but i like to be thorough to assist you guys in assisting me :). I would appreciate any information or recommendations. I am here to learn. 
 
Simon
 
Dec 29, 2013 at 2:25 AM Post #4 of 5
  I am in need of some guidance from all of you experts. I recently indulged in an impulse purchase of the HD 700's on for $649 over Christmas.
I would like all of your suggestions on how i can make an AWESOME audio experience. In terms of budget, i would like to keep it under 1000$ but would be willing to go to 1500$ if required. Would like to know if i should focus on a sound card, headphone amp, or both. 
My Hardware is as follows
ASUS P8Z77-V LK
Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Headphones:
Sennheiser HD 700
http://en-us.sennheiser.com/audiophile-headphones-high-end-around-ear-hd-700
Soundcard:
Headphone Amp:
Please suggest optimal choice.

Your going to want to bypass any analog out from your motherboard.
For the kind of cash your willing to spend, you should go with an external DAC and amplifier.
Sound card is optional, but it only needs to be a low cost one($30-$70), for gaming and movies.
Using a USB output bypasses and sound card features, so you only getting stereo audio, which is fine for music or basic InternaT video.
S/PDIF (optical or coaxial) connection will allow you to use sound card features, for surround sound for gaming and movies.
 
Audio-GD NFB-15.32 external DAC/Amp, $255+shipping
NFB-11.32, $340+shipping.
They come with USB, optical & coaxial inputs.
With the Audio-GD, you can use S/PDIF for gaming and movies and use USB for music.
http://www.audio-gd.com/Products-EN.htm
 
Dec 29, 2013 at 2:30 AM Post #5 of 5
Check out the new Fostex HP-A4 DSD (!) DAC + amp which costs only 319€ in Europe. I have HD700 and I will probably order this one.

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/HP-A4.shtml
 

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