[Zaphod1]

I`d like to know if you can get the same performance when using a good PC sound card that a good headphone amp delivers (specifically when using good headphones like HD600 or DT880).

I found out that the maximum output level of my soundcard (Terratec DMX 6fire) is 60 mW. i have no idea how many ohms that are...

the specs of the popular soundblaster audigy2
are herehere

just like to know if this is a way to escape buying those expensive amps

 

[guzzler]

na, a PC is so noisy electrically, theres no point in using the headphone out for serious, detailed listening, fine for casual listening though!

g

 

[dd3mon]

Quote:

Originally posted by guzzler na, a PC is so noisy electrically, theres no point in using the headphone out for serious, detailed listening, fine for casual listening though! g

The M-Audio Revolution and many other top soundcards (such as Terratec) have comparable analog outs to many popular standalone CDPs costing several times as much.

For example, one Head-Fi user prefers his Revolution to the currently very popular Music Hall MMF-25 player.

-dd3mon

 

[Solude]

Quote:

Originally posted by dd3mon For example, one Head-Fi user prefers his Revolution to the currently very popular Music Hall MMF-25 player. -dd3mon

Damn straight I do! The days of the PC not comparing to sub $1000 players is over. Long live the pro-sumer market. Heck besides being better than the CD25 overall it also matched my Maxed Out Meta42 in performance although it isn't able to hit ear bleeding levels. Then again that's not really a bad thing if you plan on hearing most of your life

 

[stenvex]

Something to watch out for when connecting headphones directly to a soundcard: damaging the input connector. I'm speaking specifically of the 1/8" minijack inputs used for many on-card connectors. They are usually fairly cheap and prone to damage from too much movement, which is more of a concern with headphones than speakers.

 

[lan]

I think the quality of some soundcards are great through lineout but I wouldn't use them with headphones. They are a little weak for that and especially the HD600s which are far from normal ohms.

 

[Solude]

Quote:

Originally posted by lan I wouldn't use them with headphones. They are a little weak for that and especially the HD600s.

Speak of the devil, the Senn not you. My first headphone was the Senn 600 but the Revo drives it just as well as my Meta. Not the same volume potential mind you but well beyond painful.

The Revo also does my new headphone, the Beyer 880 250Ohm 96dB/mW justice. I think a lot of people take assumption and hearsay a little too far when they won't even consider trying something themselves before forming a firm opinion on something they haven't experienced.

That said my onboard Via97 sound can't drive the Senn or Beyer, thought I'd appease the nay sayers before they came out and said well mine can't