How to make my computer sound better? (ATH-M50X)

[MichaelMako]

Hello,I just got my Audio Technica ATH-M50X. Because it's a really expensive headphones (For me) I want to get the maximum sound quality out of my computer. 


What hardware should I get? I have the Gigabyte G1 Sniper 3 Motherboard with it's built in sound card.


I heard about DACs and soundcards but I don't know if it's necessary for my setup.


My budget is around 100-130$ can I get something that will improve my sound quality to sound more alive / natural?


 


Thanks, Michael.

 

[viralcow]

Your motherboard might have a decent enough soundcard built in. At least, it has an amplifier rated up to 150Ω. That's plenty enough for the M50X.

 

[MichaelMako]

Thanks for the replay
I have one more question - People say that I made a wrong choice when I bouth the m50x.
And they said that I should get a "Fischer Audio FA-011" can someone confirm that? (Some say ATH-AD700)
 
I need the headphones for 100% music and punchy bass
BTW I really enjoy my m50x

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Thanks for the replay
I have one more question - People say that I made a wrong choice when I bought the m50x.
And they said that I should get a "Fischer Audio FA-011" can someone confirm that? (Some say ATH-AD700)
 
I need the headphones for 100% music and punchy bass
BTW I really enjoy my m50x

 
The ATH-M50X headphones are are bassy music headphones.
And I guess they are solid enough headphones for being away from home.
But for the kind of cash you are willing to spend for a sound card or DAC/amp ($100-$130).
You could have gotten better headphones.
I would guess the Fisher FA-011 would offer better audio quality and surround sound.
The ATH-AD700 are great for FPS gaming, but lacks bass.
 
Your motherboard's on-board audio is somewhat decent, a Sound Blaster Z ($60 ebay), should offer some audio quality improvements.
A FiiO E10K USB-DAC-Amp ($75) should also offer some audio improvement.

 

[flatmap]

  Thanks for the replay
I have one more question - People say that I made a wrong choice when I bouth the m50x.
And they said that I should get a "Fischer Audio FA-011" can someone confirm that? (Some say ATH-AD700)
 
I need the headphones for 100% music and punchy bass
BTW I really enjoy my m50x

Well it's hard to say.  Everyone has their own preferences with what music they like, how they like to hear it and so forth.
 
You've bought a proven headphone that has been around for a long time and apparently is somewhat
improved with the recent M50x version that you bought.  I've had the M50 for at least 5 years...
although maybe more like 7?  Versatile and good sounding, IMO.
 
I've certainly bought other headphones since then, but I still use the M50s at work and at the coffee
shop, etc.  I like 'em.  Of course they aren't everyone's cup of tea, but the important thing is that you
enjoy them.. and apparently you do.  
 
In terms of improving your setup, I can think of two ideas. If you are just using Windows Media
Player, you might want to investigate Foobar or JRiver players to see if those make a difference 
for you.  In terms of hardware improvement, you might consider a USB DAC.   Well, okay a
third idea, if you are ripping your files from CD, then you might also consider dBpoweramp
to help you get better rips -- and for me, I'd rip to full resolution FLAC.  
 
Some thoughts for your consideration....