[Totally Dubbed]

Hey guys n girls!
 
I currently have my Z-5500 sound system connected to my PC via 3x 3.5mm (front, rear and centre), and have the Z-5500 connected via optical to my Xbox 360
 
My questions are:
1. I was wondering would it be better to plug my Denon D2000 headphones directly into the PC, rather than through my Z-5500 headphone out?
2. Is it better to connect the Logitech Z-5500 via optical or via 3.5mm x3 to my Xonar D1 (PC)?
3. What is the real use of the coaxial connection?
 
Cheers!

 

[stv014]

I cannot comment on the Z-5500, but have the Xonar D1, and it has, according to my tests, slightly more than 100 Ohm output impedance. This may be a disadvantage with a 24 Ohm headphone like the AH-D2000, although not necessarily to an extent of sounding bad.
 

 

[Totally Dubbed]

Well I do hear some hissing in the background when plugged into the Z-5500 - is that due to the ohm difference you think?

 

[stv014]

No, that is a different issue. Maybe the Z-5500 is just noisy. If you find that using the sound card output directly sounds better in practice because of no hiss, then of course use that.
 

 

[Totally Dubbed]

Quote:

No, that is a different issue. Maybe the Z-5500 is just noisy. If you find that using the sound card output directly sounds better in practice because of no hiss, then of course use that.
 

and is via optical or 3.5mm better?
 
By optical I mean optical to 3.5mm adapter on the D1
 
 

 

[Totally Dubbed]

Right well I tested, and the D2k's didn't sound any better or different through a direct connection to the GFX or through the Z-5500 - So I guess I'll leave it via my Z-5500
 
No idea about the optical connection though - can't seem to find the adapter in my boxes - must have lost it lol