EMU 0404 vs. Total Bithead for hd580's

[daesonn]

I have owned a pair of hd580's for about 2 years or so now. I got them when I was about 14 and I never really understood that they were some top quality headphones. I used them to play computer games like counter-strike and such and I'm also a huge fan of music (tool to be more specific

)

Anyways, I have an onboard soundcard that came stock with my Abit motherboard and I've come to realize that thats not a good way to go if I'm planning on trying to get the full potential of my headphones. At first I thought I would just get an amp, but now I'm told that I should get one of these individual soundcard via usb port + amp things. I've been recommended the EMU 0404 and the Total Bithead, they are about the same price. What do you guys like and dislike about each one, or simply, which one is better than the other if it happens to be fact rather than opinion, I don't know.

 

[Bootleg]

I'm using the total bithead right now with my sony laptop and AKG K 701's. Since the K 701's suck power, i needed to set the amp to the High setting.

Definitely sounds better than str8 from the soundcard (not even close to being close).

One benefit of the Headroom amps is the crossfeed feature (which I am experimenting with now) that sends a tiny bit of each channel to the opposite one in an attempt to imrove the soundstage.

Also, the total bithead is solidly built, if you care about such things.

Good luck!

 

[funkychowda]

EMU 0404

 

[BigSurSpoon]

If you're going to be using it at home exclusively, then definitely the E-MU 0404 USB since it has a much better DAC, and you can use it for lots of other stuff too. But if you want to take it on the road, or a plane, or whatever, the bithead would be a better choice. I own both, and I can say, that directly out of a computer's USB port, the EMU sounds much better.

 

[daesonn]

Alright, since I'll only be using it at home, I think i'm going to go with the 0404. I have one question tho. Since the 0404 is basically an external soundcard + amp. If I later want to buy a better amp but keep the 0404 as a source. Can I connect my headphones > new amp > 0404 > computer?

If anyone understands that last sentence, please help

 

[fordgtlover]

The answer is yes.

You're running two post on the same issue. That will get confusing for you and us.

I have already provided a response to your other thread.

 

[daesonn]

I wasn't sure if I made it clear, sorry.

 

[uraflit]

the 0404usb is a fine piece of equipment. if you use it at home, it's the way to go.

but if any sort of portability is needed... bithead is the one to get.

 

[Szabi]

Go for the 0404 USB.
It's a great "sound card" with a good dac (can be used as standalone too) and has a decent amp. Later you can add a stronger one if you need it.

 

[islewind]

There are loads of positive comments and reviews of the 0404, it seems like a can't-miss item, though I've been looking for cheaper options myself.