[Evshrug]

+1 for the $40 SLYR.  I wrote SkullCandy off a while ago, interesting developments there from what I've been reading.  After reading everything MLE said about them, I'm getting antsy to receive them.  I posted earlier and didn't get a response (it was a bit longwinded), but I had recently picked up an original DSS to pair with my x12's.  Any comparison you can make between the two (x12+DSS vs. SLYR) so I can know what to expect?  Is the Mixamp 5.8 a must? 
I'm hoping I can find a way to have both headsets fully working (with chat) simultaneously on my 360, so we'll see.

Just so you don't feel ignored...
The DSS should be fine if you don't feel like e background hiss is annoying. The DSS/Mixamp/Et al are just for the surround processing, and all can benefit from adding an amp with more demanding headphones. The main thing between em is hiss, and what processing method they use (Mixamp and DSS v1 both use Dolby Headphone). Oh, and the Mixamp 5.8 doesn't require wires reaching to the console (just next to you), but my mileage on that is that I don't really mind wires. If you HAVE to have wireless, IMO the Mixamp 5.8 is the best choice (despite reportedly mild hiss) because it doesn't lock you into a particular headphone & you can still add an amp. I haven't heard either Mixamp tho.

I like my Recon3D cuz the surround profile works for me, I hear ZERO hiss even at 100% volume with my 32 Ohm AD700 (nor AKG Q701), it's a USB soundcard for my Mac & Windows desktop too, and the price was right Also, you guys can call me crazy, but I was just playing CoD4 in Scout mode... surprisingly enjoying it. It took a match to get used to hearing footsteps and enviro crap loud, but it was much easier to instinctively know someone was near without concentrating, and gunshots/explosions were less distracting. Now, I wouldn't use Scout mode during campaign or with music, but it was in fatiguing and mildly useful. I suspect it might even help use a "fun" headphone for sounds horsing competitively. Not bad...

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

Problem is, the DSS won't work with non-TB headsets. No mic capabilities.

 

[Evshrug]

Problem is, the DSS won't work with non-TB headsets. No mic capabilities.

True. Though I just use a cheapo 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter and plug my mic directly into the Xbox controller. I'm sure there's a workaround for PS3 as well?

Btw, do you have any idea why I couldn't use my FiiO E5 to amp my lapel mic?

 

[tml09]

http://www.astrogaming.com/mixamps/mixamp-pro-2013-edition
 
Just placed an order

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

FINALLY, in stock.

 

[ruuku]

Goodness... it seems they have seen the light, and are offering free ground shipping. I might actually buy an Astro product(s) directly from Astro now.

 

[ronswanson]

well, that went fast:
 

The Mixamp Pro 2013 Edition product is out of stock and cannot be purchased at this time. Please remove it and retry your checkout. We apologise for any inconvenience.

 

[Evshrug]

LoL!
Sorry, it's not that I wish against you finding one, but it is funny they went out of stock so fast!
Or. Maybe, they just put up the page, but haven't enabled ordering yet?

 

[AlBorland]

Quote:

Just so you don't feel ignored...
The DSS should be fine if you don't feel like e background hiss is annoying. The DSS/Mixamp/Et al are just for the surround processing, and all can benefit from adding an amp with more demanding headphones. The main thing between em is hiss, and what processing method they use (Mixamp and DSS v1 both use Dolby Headphone). Oh, and the Mixamp 5.8 doesn't require wires reaching to the console (just next to you), but my mileage on that is that I don't really mind wires. If you HAVE to have wireless, IMO the Mixamp 5.8 is the best choice (despite reportedly mild hiss) because it doesn't lock you into a particular headphone & you can still add an amp. I haven't heard either Mixamp tho.
I like my Recon3D cuz the surround profile works for me, I hear ZERO hiss even at 100% volume with my 32 Ohm AD700 (nor AKG Q701), it's a USB soundcard for my Mac & Windows desktop too, and the price was right

Also, you guys can call me crazy, but I was just playing CoD4 in Scout mode... surprisingly enjoying it. It took a match to get used to hearing footsteps and enviro crap loud, but it was much easier to instinctively know someone was near without concentrating, and gunshots/explosions were less distracting. Now, I wouldn't use Scout mode during campaign or with music, but it was in fatiguing and mildly useful. I suspect it might even help use a "fun" headphone for sounds horsing competitively. Not bad...

 
As I said, I get a bit lost in details and ask a lot of questions, so understandable if I get overlooked
 
Thanks for the response.  The surround processing is the most important aspect for me right now.  So correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the x12+DSS is going to get me better directional/distance sound than the SLYR, until I pair the SLYR with another processor.  And with that, I could use the DSS with SLYR, but will lose voice capabilities going that route?  I don't care too much about wireless, since I've got a million wires as is, what might be my best(cheapest) option to pair with the SLYR?  The Mixamp 5.8, Pro, maybe the Tritton ax720?  Is this thing even legit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tritton-Ax-720-AX720-Decoder-Box-Control-Box-/251191668504?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item3a7c30af18 ?
 
Sorry again for the million questions, I really do appreciate the responses.

 

[ruuku]

Be careful... that listing is for the decoder box ONLY. You'll still need to get the inline remote to be able to use your own headphones (via 3.5mm). I still have my AX720 DB, though its the older 5.1 version. If you're interested shoot me a PM.
You might be able to use a mono price inline remote with it.... the connector LOOKs the same (9pin) but I'm not 100%.

 

[Roger de Ceiba]

Well, I just ordered a mixamp about an hour ago. Apparently my order went through. I'm going to try it for a bit and see what the hubbub is about. I'll probably need another amp to power up my headphones though.
 
I'm thinking about the magni but I don't quite know how I'm going to connect that to the mixamp.

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

Mixamp - headphone jack - 3.5mm male to rca male cable - Magni's RCA input

The only thing that worries me about the Magni is that it has a gain of 5. Not sure it will be enough, compared to an E9K which has a gain of 12 in high gain. The Magni is quite a bit more powerful with higher impedance than the E9K, so perhaps it offsets the lower gain.

Just worrisome, as my SA-31 is like many E9Ks put together, yet the lower gain makes it not as loud.

 

[Roger de Ceiba]

Well, let me know how that works out. Depending on your impressions I may or may not order one. Meanwhile I might look into other options. I might end up buying the AVR anyway (just not a very expensive one).
 
I still haven't bought a pair of headphones. I'm still thinking about the DT Pro 80 ohm version. I'll probably pick up a used pair off amazon. It'll save me the "break in" period and If I end up not liking it at least I won't have as big of a buyer's remorse...
 

 

[Mad Lust Envy]

Well my worries are mostly when adding voice chat, and not the Magni's ability to drive a headphone. The Magni should be fine for the vast majority. Just, dunno about driving headphones loud if you have a large tip towards voice chat on something like a Mixamp.

 

[lubczyk]

I tried a friend's Astro A40's 2013 Edition and wow, the mixamp is hissy!!!
 
Is there a no-hiss solution anywhere with dolby headphone?
 
Even disregarding voice chat, is there an affordable hiss-free solution? I consider my Fiio E17 to be nearly silent with a very low hiss if I really listen to it, but acceptable. It doesn't do Dolby Headphone though. Is there a AV Reciever with Dolby Headphone that is hiss free?