[super kermit]

ONLY for gaming 100%.

Soundcard Soundblaster AE5

Attached to them

Track IR 5 + pro clip
ModMic 5

I am moving to the Sennheisers from the AKGs.

Qs

1. Is it worth the swap overall? (or am I wasting money)?
2. Do I need an external AMP and DAC? (Soundcard AE5)
3. Which external AMP (Schiit Magni or Vali be the best bet)?
4. Which external DAC (Schiit Modi 3)

 

[squee116]

I prefer the 6xx to 712 for gaming (and just in general)
I can't find the power output of your soundcard so I couldn't say if it was enough.

 

[super kermit]

SPECIFICATIONS
Interface/Power
PCIe bus power, +5V for Aurora lighting (requires 4-pin molex peripheral connector from PC power supply)
Audio Technology
Sound Core3D
Dynamic Range (DNR)
122dB
Connectivity Options (Main)
1 x TOSLINK Optical Out, 1 x 1/8" (3.5mm) Mic In/Line In, 1 x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone/Headset Out, 1 x 1/8" Front Out, 1 x 1/8" Rear Out, 1 x 1/8" Center/Sub Out
Headphone Amp
Supported Headphone Impedance:
16 - 600 Ω
Audio Technologies
CrystalVoice
Supported Operating Systems
Windows® 7, Windows® 8, Windows® 10, Windows® 8.1
Dimensions
145 x 20 x 128 mm
ASIO
Playback & Recording

 

[squee116]

SPECIFICATIONS
Interface/Power
PCIe bus power, +5V for Aurora lighting (requires 4-pin molex peripheral connector from PC power supply)
Audio Technology
Sound Core3D
Dynamic Range (DNR)
122dB
Connectivity Options (Main)
1 x TOSLINK Optical Out, 1 x 1/8" (3.5mm) Mic In/Line In, 1 x 1/8" (3.5mm) Headphone/Headset Out, 1 x 1/8" Front Out, 1 x 1/8" Rear Out, 1 x 1/8" Center/Sub Out
Headphone Amp
Supported Headphone Impedance:
16 - 600 Ω
Audio Technologies
CrystalVoice
Supported Operating Systems
Windows® 7, Windows® 8, Windows® 10, Windows® 8.1
Dimensions
145 x 20 x 128 mm
ASIO
Playback & Recording

Yeah, that doesn't help. Normally, they include a sensitivity and power output at fixed impedance (X watts/ 32 ohms, Y watts/ 300ohms, Z watts/ 600ohms, etc)

 

[super kermit]

Oh. Ok.

Good to know the HD6XX are better

Anyone else know which AMP and DAC for the HD6xx then?

 

[super kermit]

More on the AE5

32-bit, 384KHz ESS ES9016K2M Sabre 32 Ultra DAC (digital audio converter)

No idea if this helps.

So which AMP and DAC for the HD6xx then?

 

[squee116]

You don't need both. You could use the output from the soundcard or computer direct to an amp, if you decide to get one. Or you could get a combo unit. Or you could get a stack. Whatever floats your boat. The MCTH, Vali 2, Magni 3, maybe the new Monoprice Liquid Spark would be decent amp options. I haven't tried it yet, but a lot of people swear there's a good synergy of sennheisers and tubes. The Magni and Liquid Spark ought to be warm, which should fall in line with that. If you absolutely want a DAC, the Grace SDAC or Modi 3 would fit the bill. I don't think you'd get more power out of the Schiit Fulla, so I'd nix that one.

 

[super kermit]

I like the idea of NO tubes, as I have NO idea about tubes and would just confuse myself + the costs in Australia are stupid.

The $99 US Schiit Magni 3 is $209 AUS but it looks like the amp to get.

There is a massdrop on the O2, but I do not know

A - a good choice vs the Schiit? (shipping is much cheaper at $15 US) and I like this idea
B - which spec to get in regards to;

• Gain: 2.5x and 6.5x / 1.0x and 3.3x (select your configuration)

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-o2-amplifier

I would rather save the money too if possible and remember this is only for PC gaming.

 

[squee116]

What about the Cavelli Monoprice Liquid Spark? Is that super expensive where are too?
I'm not a fan of the O2, but that's a preference against the sound. What the ifi Nano BL?

 

[super kermit]

Too expensive in Oz.

It is basically coming down to the Schiit or the O2.

But which

• Gain: 2.5x and 6.5x / 1.0x and 3.3x (select your configuration)

 

[super kermit]

Damn it, just found the Topping A30.

OK

So Schiit Magni 3 $209 in Oz

Topping A30 $160 in Oz