[Venro]

I currently am looking into upgrades for my HD650.

Here are the options i'm looking at:

1. A Zu Mobius
2. A new amplifier (I'm on a Headsave Home-vibe right now)
3. A new soundcard (I'm on a SBLive! right now)

Which upgrade would benefit me the most?

 

[DevilDog]

I'd say a soundcard. For @$100 you can get an Emu 0404, that would bring you to another realm.
An amp isn't really going to help that much unless you get >$400 or so.
Start with the soundcard.

 

[Cyrillic]

Just confirming what was previously stated -- Soundcard without a question. Go for the 0404; it's half the price of the 1212 and not necessarily better (a lot of what you're paying for is recording-type functionality).

 

[ayt999]

what's your budget? using the optical output of the Live! with an external DAC is another option.

 

[Venro]

my budget is a couple hundred dollars.

 

[Cyrillic]

Your answer is simple then: EMU 0404. If you really feel like it, 1212, but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[NiceCans]

I'd say take your original post, and flip the list of upgrade options and you have your answer in priority order. You had it upside-down

 

[Venro]

Really? The sound card? I didn't think the DAC was THAT important. What sort of improvements can I look forward to with an upgraded soundcard?

 

[NiceCans]

There was an old computer term: "GIGO" - Garbage In Garbage Out, also pretty true in audio.

OK, perhaps try comparing your soundblaster's output to a line-out of perhaps a CD or DVD player of decent quality. (This can probably be done at a local audio shop if necessary.)
Can you hear any difference?

Also, to better qualify my previous statement, does your SB Live run ASIO 24/96?
If so, you may find only a small improvement in a better soundcard. In that case I might look next at my amp.

*TIP - If you have not yet done so try the Kx Project drivers for SB cards.
They make a noticable improvement.
Kx Project

 

[Nak Man]

Seriously, what was your complaint in the first place - what area do you feel need improvement from your current system ? For example, if you're looking for more forward presentation, it might be difficult to achieve with your senn.

 

[Venro]

just trying to get as much detail as possible out of these cans.

 

[kin0kin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiceCans I'd say take your original post, and flip the list of upgrade options and you have your answer in priority order. You had it upside-down

lol that is so true

the emu is only 90+ from jdsound with free shipping. it will pwn ur sb so badly that you wouldnt even look back...I'm thinking of getting rid of my extigy...any takers?

 

[errorich]

Another supporter of the emu-0404 upgrade. Just remember, with one of these cards an amp will be essential. Even if its just a cmoy, you really ought to have one. How much is a couple hundred dollars? You can get a nice amp for 300-500 dollars that'll make your 650s shine.

Eventually you might want to look into a woodie upgrade from headphile.com and upgrade cable. But that should really be your last steps. It'll refine the sound, not transform it like a new source and amp.

Edit: Just noticed you already have an amp.

 

[Feanor]

a soundcard upgrade is first priority. An amp wont help if the basic line out is bad.

 

[kin0kin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feanor a soundcard upgrade is first priority. An amp wont help if the basic line out is bad.

it would screw it up even more