[Superfrag]

Essence STX does a great job IMO.

 

[Audioholic]

Quote:

If only I found this topic earlier lol...
 
So according to your journey:
 
STX > XFI? So that would mean I am better of with an Asus Essence STX then a AuzenTech Bravura 7.1?
 
And what is your opinion about the difference between the 770, 880 and 990. I can buy 770 or 990 for 150 euros and 880 for 230 euro's... Pretty big difference! Also, to your opinion, is it really that important (for gaming, pc use) is you have 32 ohm, 250 ohm or 600 ohm? And will the STX or Bravura be able to drive 32/250/600?
 
Sorry lot of questions but it's a lot of money to me so I wanna get it right the first time

Ok, it's like this: I have heard a lot of X-fi cards, but none were Auzentech. So, unless Auzentech's cards have totaly different sound quality, I say STX beats x-fi hands down. And this is from a hardcore gamer. It's like comparing Honda type R to Lamborgini Gallardo. Sure, Honda is fast and it gets you around the corner ok, but when you try Lamborgini, you can just feel the difference.  If you don't plan on buying an external amp with your soundcard, get any of the hp you mentioned (770,880,990) but make sure you take 32 ohm or 80 ohm(770) version. STX can drive 250/600 but the sound will be 60-70% of what it could be. Take 770/990 if you like bass, and 880 if you like balanced sound.  
 

 

[Alexis Pinsonnea]

Quote:

Whoa, congrats Alexis! You won't regret it! Which version did you get? For Xbox I would definitely use stereo. It may take some time to get used to, but once you do, it's a LOT better. You'll see... 
 

Version? I got the DT 880 Pro. Is that what you mean?

 

[Thompson]

I do like bass, but I also want a good sound for games as in, hearing people walk. And that's a lot harder when everything is rumbling in your ears from an airstrike.

If the DT770 (closed) and 990 (open) both have more bass then the 880 (half). What is the main difference between them? Only being closed/open? And 880 actually sounds that much different from them?

 

[grimey]

Just to clear this up in my head; I understand that the STX supports 32/250/600 ohm. I aim to be using an STX card with no additional amps, which version of the DT880's would I best best going for? Seeing as they come as standard 250 ohms which therefore means I can probably find them cheaper since in the UK I cant seem to find any retailers selling 32/600 versions. (If someone knows of any UK based retailers selling 32/600 versions I would appreciate the information!)
 
Also if I were to go with buying DT880/250's and it would be beneficial to use an amp in addition to the STX sound card, could you recommend me any amps, that are relatively cheap since the STX+DT880's aren't cheap!
 
So in summary which version of the DT880's will work best with the STX Xonar Essence sound card?
 
And also if I were to change my mind completely and get the STX+AD700/PC-350 which of these two headsets would I be better going for, for gaming and music mainly(open/closed isn't an issue).
 
Thanks!

 

[Ra97oR]

250Ohm will be possibly the best.
 
The amp on the Essence really does not drive low impedance that well.

 

[grimey]

 
Quote:

Ok, it's like this: I have heard a lot of X-fi cards, but none were Auzentech. So, unless Auzentech's cards have totaly different sound quality, I say STX beats x-fi hands down. And this is from a hardcore gamer. It's like comparing Honda type R to Lamborgini Gallardo. Sure, Honda is fast and it gets you around the corner ok, but when you try Lamborgini, you can just feel the difference.  If you don't plan on buying an external amp with your soundcard, get any of the hp you mentioned (770,880,990) but make sure you take 32 ohm or 80 ohm(770) version. STX can drive 250/600 but the sound will be 60-70% of what it could be. Take 770/990 if you like bass, and 880 if you like balanced sound.  
 

now i'm confused.

 

[grimey]

DOUBLE POST
 

 

[grimey]

TRIPLE POST SRRY

 

[Audioholic]

Look Grimey, it depends a lot on what kind of PSU you have in your PC. If you don't have quality PSU to power STX's amp, it's best to get "easy to drive" headphones, ok?

 

[Thompson]

850watt Coolermaster PSU will do fine I assume?

 

[grimey]

Well my pc is about a year old with a 600W OCZ PSU. What sort of power will the STX need to use 250 ohm headphones?

 

[stang]

1200w psu ftw!

 Anything above a 350w generic pos should be fine for the STX.
 
When I am back at home, I should compare DT880 to AD700 with multiple settings on my X-Fi Elite Pro and onboard coax to my Zero DAC. Should be interesting. I still want to upgrade sound cards though. Something that is PCI-E that will be used as a transport to my Zero (need Coax or optical) and for competitive gaming, so must have very, very good positionl audio. PCI is getting old and my evga X58 classified has plenty of PCI-E slots...

 

[chinesekiwi]

However to improve the sound quality, you really should get a PSU with low ripple. Any Seasonic or Corsair branded PSU will do the trick. Do not underestimate the quality of the power supplied in a soundcard setup.

 

[Ypoknons]

Yeah, it's not about power of the PSU, computers guys 

 Most headphones handle like, 2W, max. And that's the maximum - basically how much the headphone handle before it's destroyed, and that kind of volume will destroy your hearing first. Ripples are the problem. Also, how much voltage can the PCI-E interface bring to the soundcard?