[yavoan]

I just got the Sennheiser HD 598s for Christmas, and I was wondering what are the best settings for them on a computer. I have an Asus Xonar DX sound card. I'm an audio noob, so I don't know how many Audio Channels I should have, as well as sample rate. In addition is there any software I should be using to maximize performance? For audio playback I just use Foobar2000. Thanks!

 

[zidane33]

Bump

 

[MalVeauX]

Quote:

I just got the Sennheiser HD 598s for Christmas, and I was wondering what are the best settings for them on a computer. I have an Asus Xonar DX sound card. I'm an audio noob, so I don't know how many Audio Channels I should have, as well as sample rate. In addition is there any software I should be using to maximize performance? For audio playback I just use Foobar2000. Thanks!

 
Heya,
 
The best "settings" are going to be whatever sounds best to you.
 
You have two drivers. All your audio is going to be stereo.
Sample rate is dictated by the media you playback, not really the setting. So it doesn't matter here.
FooBar2000 is already doing everything you need.
 
Very best,

 

[PurpleAngel]

adding an external headphone amplifier, $60-$90, should improve the audio quality, over plugging the headphones straight into the Xonar DX.

 

[MalVeauX]

Quote:

adding an external headphone amplifier, $60-$90, should improve the audio quality, over plugging the headphones straight into the Xonar DX.

 
Any signal passing from the DX to the headphone, is going to pass to that amplifier, and then be amplified.
 
And we're talking about an efficient headphone like the HD598.
 
Not sure how much improved quality, if any, can be expected here for an increase in cost that is about half the headphone's cost.
 
Very best,

 

[KCxSmacker]

I would say turn off all the gaming settings etc if you have them turned on. The surround sound software can really hurt the audio quality of music. I would also say try to get cd quality audio or above. You are already using foobar which is good. 
 
cheers

 

[AaronR]

It's really up to you. I personally like it when all sound features are disabled because they can definitely color the sound.

 

[MegaMushroom]

In essence turn the settings of.  We can dabble in amps later.  Foobar is perfectly fine. 

 

[stv014]

Quote:

Any signal passing from the DX to the headphone, is going to pass to that amplifier, and then be amplified.

 
The Xonar DX and D1 (same card with PCI interface) in fact have only a line output.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Any signal passing from the DX to the headphone, is going to pass to that amplifier, and then be amplified.
And we're talking about an efficient headphone like the HD598.
Not sure how much improved quality, if any, can be expected here for an increase in cost that is about half the headphone's cost.

My two cents.
 
As the HD598 are 50-Ohm and the line-out/headphone jack of the Xonar DX/D1 is 100-Ohm.
I would assume the quality of the bass would improve with an external headphone amplifier (with a low impedance).

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I just got the Sennheiser HD 598s for Christmas, and I was wondering what are the best settings for them on a computer. I have an Asus Xonar DX sound card. I'm an audio noob, so I don't know how many Audio Channels I should have, as well as sample rate. In addition is there any software I should be using to maximize performance? For audio playback I just use Foobar2000. Thanks!

As the HD598 are 50-Ohm and the line-out/headphone jack of the Xonar DX/D1 is 100-Ohm.
I would assume the quality of the bass would improve with an external headphone amplifier (with a low impedance).
The Fiio E11 (portable) headphone amplifier is selling for new, on eBay, for $60.