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Audiophile GAF

T

tsumake

Member
Korranator said:
Actually the SBX G6 is a external DAC/AMP.

DOSUWBA.jpg


I really just wanted to hear it and see if it lived up to the hype. My original thought was to use it for gaming, but it's too buggy. I have read up on some possible fixes online, about disabling USB power management, but to be honest it wouldn't be worth the trouble in my case since the my Bifrost out performs it even when used in gaming. It think it would be better for console users where they wouldn't have to worry about such set ups. Just plug in it and go, and they would get a fantastic performance for a $150.
Click to expand...

Are you using it with headphones? A good pair with a large soundstage is arguably better than all that processing.

Speaking of which, has anyone else gotten more picky with the sound quality of their games? For example, on Retroarch I’d use the fastest cores in order to reduce input latency, but now I look for the cores with the best sound reproduction. Also, for some reason RA’s WASAPI drivers are noticeably more resource intensive. There isn’t a huge difference between Xaudio and WASAPI nor that big a difference between cores but now that it’s noticeable I don’t want to go back.
 
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T

tsumake

Member
Korranator said:
Yes, using HD6XXs with the SBX G6.
Click to expand...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Review and Measurements of Sound BlasterX G6

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Sound BlasterX G6. I purchased it last month for USD $150 from Amazon including shipping. Typical of PC audio connectivity devices, the Sound BlasterX G6 is a combo device which includes an audio DAC, ADC, and headphone amplifier. This being...
www.audiosciencereview.com www.audiosciencereview.com

If you’re into measurements.

I’m surprised it can drive a 650/6XX. Looks like a decent portable amp/dac if you set it up properly.
 
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Rathalos

Rathalos

Banned
Question for you guys, what would I need to up my game for PC gaming? I'm currently using a pair of HyperX Cloud II. I definitely feel I'm missing out on audio quality.
 
Rathalos

Rathalos

Banned
tsumake said:
DROP + Sennheiser PC38X Gaming Headset — Noise-Cancelling Microphone with Over-Ear Open-Back Design, Velour Earpads, Compatible with PC, Gaming Consoles, and Mobile Devices, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TX6GQTB/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Try these.
Click to expand...

These look great but I can't seem to find them being sold anywhere in the UK.
EDIT: https://drop.com/buy/drop-sennheiser-pc38x-gaming-headset/?mode=shop_open&referer=XL4A98
You can buy them directly for $15 shipped to the UK.

EDIT2: What would be a good DAC to go with that headset? Around £100ish?
 
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regawdless

regawdless

Banned
Rathalos said:
These look great but I can't seem to find them being sold anywhere in the UK.
EDIT: https://drop.com/buy/drop-sennheiser-pc38x-gaming-headset/?mode=shop_open&referer=XL4A98
You can buy them directly for $15 shipped to the UK.

EDIT2: What would be a good DAC to go with that headset? Around £100ish?
Click to expand...

DragonFly black
www.audioquest.com

DragonFly

From MP3 to MQA and High-Res… With laptops, tablets, smartphones, and streamers… AudioQuest’s multi-award-winning DragonFly USB DAC delivers naturally beautiful sound whenever and wherever you want it. Experience DragonFly now at unbeatable prices.
www.audioquest.com www.audioquest.com

Or the Topping D10s

Would be my suggestions. If you want to go a little exotic like me, you can go for the Khadas Tone Board, which sounds great.
 
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T

tsumake

Member
regawdless said:
DragonFly black
www.audioquest.com

DragonFly

From MP3 to MQA and High-Res… With laptops, tablets, smartphones, and streamers… AudioQuest’s multi-award-winning DragonFly USB DAC delivers naturally beautiful sound whenever and wherever you want it. Experience DragonFly now at unbeatable prices.
www.audioquest.com www.audioquest.com

Or the Topping D10s

Would be my suggestions. If you want to go a little exotic like me, you can go for the Khadas Tone Board, which sounds great.
Click to expand...

I’d recommend the Schiit Magni Heresy if you have a desktop.
 
Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
Schiit Fula and Hel are both recommended often for desktop gaming purposes. Topping & Schiit seem to be universally praised.

The Audioquest Dragonflies also seem to be highly regarded but I have seen some complaints (though I think these root more from their cable side of the business than the DAC side).
 
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Rathalos

Rathalos

Banned
Well I spent the entire day researching and I ended up with the Philips SHP9500 headphones and a V-MODA BoomPro Microphone. I would have bought the Sennheiser PC38X but with shipping and import fees it just wasn't worth it. I'm pretty excited to own my first pair of audiophile headphones, opposed to a gaming headset. The V-MODA BoomPro sounds fantastic too, far better than any gaming headset microphone I've heard.
 
Korranator

Korranator

Member
More Schitt mini impressions: Asgard vs Jotunheim

Asgard vs Jot - single ended input and output:

almost identical in sound. Very slight nod to the Jot with larger sound stage and better detail. However it's so subtle that it could be easy to miss.

Asgard vs Jot - balanced input and SE output:

Now the difference is clear. The Jot pulls away and stands out as the clear winner. It's like pushing a loudness button and everything sounds larger with better detail. However, it's not a huge difference. We are starting to hit diminishing returns at this point since it's $200 upgrade. But nobody buys a Jot to run single ended out, but it's good to know how performs in SE out.

More later when my balanced cable order comes in for my HD6XX. I think so is where the Jotunheim will really stand out since it's was made for true balanced output. Probably another 2 weeks out. :messenger_persevering:
 
T

tsumake

Member
Korranator said:
More Schitt mini impressions: Asgard vs Jotunheim

Asgard vs Jot - single ended input and output:

almost identical in sound. Very slight nod to the Jot with larger sound stage and better detail. However it's so subtle that it could be easy to miss.

Asgard vs Jot - balanced input and SE output:

Now the difference is clear. The Jot pulls away and stands out as the clear winner. It's like pushing a loudness button and everything sounds larger with better detail. However, it's not a huge difference. We are starting to hit diminishing returns at this point since it's $200 upgrade. But nobody buys a Jot to run single ended out, but it's good to know how performs in SE out.

More later when my balanced cable order comes in for my HD6XX. I think so is where the Jotunheim will really stand out since it's was made for true balanced output. Probably another 2 weeks out. :messenger_persevering:
Click to expand...

What balanced cable are you getting?
 
T

tsumake

Member
General thoughts on audio formats:

“High res audio” doesn’t necessarily sound better than cd quality audio (lossless, 44.1/16). The Nyquist theory states you only twice the sample rate to faithfully capture audio (up to 20hz) and from my listening experience that’s been true. It’s the quality of the recording and mastering that truly matters. For me, the only I would improve in terms of audio recording would be the bit depth. I think 24-bit should be standard, and 32-bit would be ideal. At 32-bit, you have a fine enough volume spectrum to better preserve dynamic range.

I think Steve Guttenberg states it well:



What do you guys think?
 
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regawdless

regawdless

Banned
tsumake said:
General thoughts on audio formats:

“High res audio” doesn’t necessarily sound better than cd quality audio (lossless, 44.1/16). The Nyquist theory states you only twice the sample rate to faithfully capture audio (up to 20hz) and from my listening experience that’s been true. It’s the quality of the recording and mastering that truly matters. For me, the only I would improve in terms of audio recording would be the bit depth. I think 24-bit should be standard, and 32-bit would be ideal. At 32-bit, you have a fine enough volume spectrum to better preserve dynamic range.

I think Steve Guttenberg states it well:



What do you guys think?
Click to expand...


Agree. Master and production quality are the major factors here.
Some high res audio albums have been remastered for that format and are worth it though. Like the high res version of Thriller, which sounds really amazing. It's over 1.6gb overall though.
 
T

tsumake

Member
regawdless said:
Agree. Master and production quality are the major factors here.
Some high res audio albums have been remastered for that format and are worth it though. Like the high res version of Thriller, which sounds really amazing. It's over 1.6gb overall though.
Click to expand...

I did a comparison between the high res version and a vinyl of the 1982 original. The vinyl still had greater dynamic range :/
 
T

tsumake

Member
Korranator said:
Ordered from hart cables, they have a modular design with their interconnects. Hopefully no microphonic issues that other brands I have heard of. They have a 4-6 week ship date though.
Click to expand...

I’d be curious of your thoughts on them. My next significant audio purchase is probably a Magnius and I’ll need balanced cables for my HD6XX.
 
Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
I went a little crazy buying new records this past week. Picked up:
  • Middle Kids - Today We’re the Greatest
  • The Beths - Future Me Hates Me
  • Khruangbin - Mordechai
  • Viagra Boys - Street Worms
  • Viagra Boys - Common Sense EP
I am trying to find Viagra Boys new album ‘Welfare Jazz’ but no dice.

My record storage is getting limited as well. When the new Manchester Orchestra album comes out, I doubt it will fit. Mostly because I went with the deluxe packaging. Regardless, I need a good solution to store my vinyl. Any recommendations that are not Kallax? I have no beef with it, it’s just that it’s not an option for me & they don’t ship the style I want.
 
Con_Z_ǝdʇ

Con_Z_ǝdʇ

Live from NeoGAF, it's Friday Night!
tsumake said:
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Bit depth is really important. Going from 16 to 24 already makes a huge difference in the dynamics with a proper setup.
Not so sure about sample frequency. Maybe if you go up to 96000Hz and the recordings was also done with that in mind.

It is also not to easy to find productions in this quality or even above. Of course depending on your choise of music.

I love electronic music quite alot. The more niche the better but mixing and mastering quality is mostly average in this genre.
I'm exaggerating a bit here.

"Nomad's Revenge" from Billain and "Exit the Void" from Broken Note are both available in 24bit - 48000Hz and both are mixed and mastered very well.
My prime examples of extreme electronic endeavours that sound crystal clear without being compressed to death.

Other genres are definitely better suited for the availability of high end audio quality.
But it is not common.



Just some thoughts.
 
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Rathalos

Rathalos

Banned
What exactly does a DAC/AMP do? Amp obviously makes things louder, but would the DAC improve sound quality in games over onboard? I got the Philips SHP9500 and they sound great, but I'm wondering if they'd sound better if I got a decent DAC/AMP combo?
 
Maiden Voyage

Maiden Voyage

Gold™ Member
Rathalos said:
What exactly does a DAC/AMP do? Amp obviously makes things louder, but would the DAC improve sound quality in games over onboard? I got the Philips SHP9500 and they sound great, but I'm wondering if they'd sound better if I got a decent DAC/AMP combo?
Click to expand...

DAC = digital to analog converter. It may have an impact on sound, but is typically less notable. If you're getting noise, external would be a good investment.

My mobo never sounded great so went with both an external DAC & amplifier. YMMV

You can buy them independent of one another or in a combo. I went with the Schiit Magni & Modi for my desktop. I've got a separate amp for my passive speakers at my desk.
 
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T

tsumake

Member
ChanerRedone said:
So is it true Beats are low tier headphones? Overpriced trash?
Click to expand...

I’d comfortably say they’re overpriced. It’s fitting they were bought by Apple - you are paying a “Beats tax.” They are overpriced but wouldn’t go so far as to say they’re trash.
 
T

tsumake

Member
Maiden Voyage said:
DAC = digital to analog converter. It may have an impact on sound, but is typically less notable. If you're getting noise, external would be a good investment.

My mobo never sounded great so went with both an external DAC & amplifier. YMMV

You can buy them independent of one another or in a combo. I went with the Schiit Magni & Modi for my desktop. I've got a separate amp for my passive speakers at my desk.
Click to expand...

To add to the discussion, every electronic device that has audio out (speakers, headphones, etc) has a dac - it converts the digital signal to analog. But not all dacs are created equal. The quality of the dac can significantly affect the quality of the audio/song due to how well it converts the digital signal to audio. For example, audiophiles who are into CDs will buy a CD transport, a machine that only spins the disc as cleanly as possible and transmits the digital signal, then send that signal to an external dac. The transport alone can cost several thousand dollars.

Amps will take any analog audio signal and ‘amplify’ it. One aspect of amplification is volume, but there are other factors such as voltage, amperage and even output impedance. As with dacs, there are good and bad amps.

People often recommend a separate dac and amp because it’s give you options to mix and match.

It looks the SHP9500 is pretty easy to drive. A good amp will still give you a better audio experience though. I’d recommend the magni/modi as well. If you want something cheaper, the Audioquest Dragonfly Black is a usb dac/amp, and should be able to drive your headphone fine. You can also use the Dragonfly as a portable option by connecting it to your phone.
 
Con_Z_ǝdʇ

Con_Z_ǝdʇ

Live from NeoGAF, it's Friday Night!
Rathalos said:
What exactly does a DAC/AMP do? Amp obviously makes things louder, but would the DAC improve sound quality in games over onboard? I got the Philips SHP9500 and they sound great, but I'm wondering if they'd sound better if I got a decent DAC/AMP combo?
Click to expand...
Both have impact on sound quality. I think the DAC even more than the AMP.

The DAC converts the digital signal into an electrical impulse. From a lot of "001001100100" to a symphonie if you want.
The better the DAC the better the recreation of the original signal and the closer you are to the implied vision of the artist.
Important to repeat in my eyes is what T tsumake about the fact you will find a DAC in nearly every modern device that emits sound.

The whole process of conversion should be handled by the DAC to have the best results.
Yes! A dedicated DAC improves every signal over your onboard sound. From music over games to streams.
It is an important part of the signal chain. But not the only one. Just a good DAC won't give you high end sound.
But it helps a lot.

The Amplifier amplifies the analog signal.
T tsumake already wrote it down quite well that its not just volume.
Amplifiers can also change the characteristics of the sound quite integral.
And then there are headphones who won't work properly at all without an AMP.

You do not need an amplifier for good sound but from the experience i have gained over the years it makes quite a difference.
You will definitely hear a big difference with a decent DAC / AMP combo for your headphone.
 
T

tsumake

Member
Maiden Voyage said:
EQ’ing the top band during work calls. I dunno why but rampant high pitched noises are way too common on some people’s microphones.
I’ll probably mess around with music but it’s 100% for work calls.
Click to expand...

If you don’t mind me asking, why go for a Loki if you could use a cheaper tone control for work?
 
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