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[TFGB]

I've never really been into headfi as I've always preferred my multichannel systems for listen to music over, though I do have a few pairs of Denons for late night gaming:

I fancy the new AH-D7200, so will probably get them for some late night listening.

I do appreciate the clarity that headphones deliver, but I still prefer the thrill of a multichannel system with designated subs that throw air pressure at you.

 

[K.Jack]

If speakers are your thing, I think the MM400 is more than enough for your needs.

 

[TFGB]

If speakers are your thing, I think the MM400 is more than enough for your needs.

I agree, though I've been using cans for years on and off. I'd use them for critical listening over 20 years ago when I had a studio/music production setup but these days it's literally for gaming or having the odd bash at Ableton or Cubase.

Not enough to warrant a large financial outlay, but I do like a new toy lol!

 

[nitewulf]

I'm in the same boat, I have a reference quality stereo setup, but portable high quality is important as well, so opted for two mid-fi headphones and a high res player, but stopped at that, don't need to get dac/amp and a hi end pair for listening at home since my stereo setup is so good.

 

[Miggytronz]

I saw someone above suggested it already but yeah, the Phillips SHP9500 and the V-Moda boom mic would be a great way to go on the cheap.

Cans: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ENMK1DW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJ17WKK/?tag=neogaf0e-20



You need MOR POWAH! But seriously, your mobo doesn't have enough juice. I would suggest purchasing a cheap (but good) DAC/amp for your X2's as they will benefit greatly from a better source. The Schiit Fulla 2 is about as good as you will ever find for $99.

Hook it up USB and Windows will see it as another sound card. Set it to default to use your headphones and then set your internal sound card to default to use your speakers. This is exactly how I control my setup at my house and it works very well. I even have a shortcut on my PC desktop for "sound properties" that I can open quickly to switch the default sound card between my internal (for speakers) and Fostex DAC/amp (for headphones).

Yes, you could use an external switching device but buying a dedicated DAC/amp will allow your X2's (or other headphones in the future) to sound much better and operate more to their potential. Just my suggestion.

how does this setup work for gaming by itself or do i need to plug in my audio engine D1 DAC to the console?

 

[Lockjaw333]

You're searching for a transformative experience, with one of the easiest to power headphones out right now. The issue is that the 598Cs doesn't have a super high ceiling to begin with, as far as sound quality, which is why I'd hate to see you burn money on trying to improve them via the audio equipment..

At this point, you should save your money.



I'm not so sure you can wisely make that statement.

There'd be a very subtle difference, if any at all, if he were to buy the Schiit.

Thanks for the honesty. Admittedly I don't know enough to know what a good entry level DAC is for my purposes with the 598cs, cloud 2 and shp9500. I'll take your word for it and figure that the E10k is presenting all three the best that they will sound. Don't think I will upgrade.

I can safely assume the E10k is better than the cloud 2 sound card and the Sennheiser 3dm1 soundcard yes? I would assume both use cheaper internals. If so I'll roll with the E10k until I get better headphones.

 

[DerSchniffles]

So I am just diving into my first "real" headphone experience. I listened to some headphones around the $100-150 range and settled on the Audio Technica M40x. I listened to the M50x as well and thought they sounded a bit better, but not $60 better so I stuck with the M40x. These are for music and games on my computer so I plugged them in to the back of my onboard sound and they sounded way better than my PS Gold wireless headphones I was using but the volume even at max was not that loud. Decided to hook up my receiver to to my computer with bookshelf speakers and sub and now use my AVR to plug my headphones into....WOW MIND BLOWN. The difference in sound quality is fucking bonkers. The volume, detail and clarity is hugely improved. Now its pretty easy to understand why people spend money on audio gear "just for headphones."

Quick question- Will a dedicated headphone DAC+AMP sound better than the one that is in my AVR? Its an entry level AVR so nothing special. I have it connected to my soundcard via digital optical.

So far I'm digging jumping into the headphone space. Ive always been into home theater so this is very refreshing.

Cheers everyone.

 

[HiResDes]

The difference would probably be too minimal to warrant a purchase... Always upgrade your headphones at the start, use your complete budget on just the headphones as many of the entry level ones don't sport low sensitivity nor high impedance. The headphones themselves make the biggest difference. Don't get stuck buying three or four pairs of sub hundred dollar headphones when the $250 - $350 is where you'll first start striking gold.

 

[Ashhong]

TFZ Series 5

and

Wooduo 2

Should also definitely be considered for bass


But I think at that price range the Astrotec AM850 might be the best all arounder and have enough bass for most people

Hey Res, just wanted to bring this up again because I just got a pair of Shure SE215 for cheap, and I like the sound (although a bit more bass wouldn't hurt) but they are a pain in the ass to get in my ear. How do these suggestions compare?

 

[HiResDes]

Hey Res, just wanted to bring this up again because I just got a pair of Shure SE215 for cheap, and I like the sound (although a bit more bass wouldn't hurt) but they are a pain in the ass to get in my ear. How do these suggestions compare?

Hard to say if they'll be more comfortable to you I'd guess maybe if you have tiny ear canals than the 215 might have been too big for you, but I have tiny ears and don't recall having much problem with their fit though it's been probably almost a decade since I heard them. Both of the aforementioned headphones are definitely a bit smaller, with the wooduo being more of a traditional design and the TFZ meant to be worn over ear. Do you have experience with in ears has any design been comfortable to you?

 

[Antiwhippy]

What about them are you finding difficult? You might just want to play around with the tips, because I can't imagine the shures being that bad for smal ear canals because they use really thin nozzles.

 

[Ashhong]

Hard to say if they'll be more comfortable to you I'd guess maybe if you have tiny ear canals than the 215 might have been too big for you, but I have tiny ears and don't recall having much problem with their fit though it's been probably almost a decade since I heard them. Both of the aforementioned headphones are definitely a bit smaller, with the wooduo being more of a traditional design and the TFZ meant to be worn over ear. Do you have experience with in ears has any design been comfortable to you?

Sorry for the confusion, I meant that it's a pain to put on because 1. the body is kind of large, and 2. it inserts into your ear kind of weird and the wire goes behind your head.

I would prefer the normal IEMs that go into your ear the normal way. And I meant how do your previous suggestions compare sound-wise. I haven't had issue with any in ears in the past, CX300, MEelectronics M6, cheap bluetooth headphones etc

I just liked the sound and was wondering which IEMs in similar price range would have a more traditional design with a similar sound, if not even more bassy. I like the Astrotec but I read a few reviews saying that the bass wasn't really enough for a basshead

 

[HiResDes]

Sorry for the confusion, I meant that it's a pain to put on because 1. the body is kind of large, and 2. it inserts into your ear kind of weird and the wire goes behind your head.

I would prefer the normal IEMs that go into your ear the normal way. And I meant how do your previous suggestions compare sound-wise. I haven't had issue with any in ears in the past, CX300, MEelectronics M6, cheap bluetooth headphones etc

I just liked the sound and was wondering which IEMs in similar price range would have a more traditional design with a similar sound, if not even more bassy. I like the Astrotec but I read a few reviews saying that the bass wasn't really enough for a basshead

Wooduo have more traditional design are bassier and can be worn cable down, TFZ bassier as well but are meant to be worn over ear. The midrange on the Shure is probably superior to both though, but I'm not as picky about my midrange presentation as others. I'm not an audiophile nor do I care about realism all the time.

 

[Ashhong]

Wooduo have more traditional design are bassier and can be worn cable down, TFZ bassier as well but are meant to be worn over ear. The midrange on the Shure is probably superior to both though, but I'm not as picky about my midrange presentation as others. I'm not an audiophile nor do I care about realism all the time.

I guess the Astrotec does not have superior bass? Do you know if it's much less? I don't care for the red cable on the Wood but I guess it doesn't matter in the end

 

[HiResDes]

I guess the Astrotec does not have superior bass? Do you know if it's much less? I don't care for the red cable on the Wood but I guess it doesn't matter in the end

AM850 similar bass level maybe slightly less, more linear overall, but slightly warm. Definitely has more forward treble than the Shure. I think the clarity seems better as well, but not sure you'll notice a big enough difference to warrant a purchase when you have something that's pretty good.

 

[Lockjaw333]

Apologies for continuing to ask questions, but I'm trying to learn.

When using a DAC/amp, what should I set my windows volume at? If I set it to 100, the amp setting for comfy listening on my Fiio E10k is at 2/8. If I set windows to 50, amp volume is at 4/8.

Does it matter which one I use? I've read about possible channel imbalance at low volumes on an amp, is that a concern? I hear no difference between the two settings.

 

[ACE 1991]

Made a post over in gaming but since I've decided to go the studio headphones + cheapo clip on mic root: how do the Phillips SHP9500S compare to the Sennheiser HD555? I've had the 555s for about 7 years now and they recently broke, so I'd like to get something a little bit better than these but keep the price under $100. Open to any suggestions in this price range. Use will be primarily gaming so having a good soundstage for this use is my primary concern. Thank you!

 

[HiResDes]

Apologies for continuing to ask questions, but I'm trying to learn.

When using a DAC/amp, what should I set my windows volume at? If I set it to 100, the amp setting for comfy listening on my Fiio E10k is at 2/8. If I set windows to 50, amp volume is at 4/8.

Does it matter which one I use? I've read about possible channel imbalance at low volumes on an amp, is that a concern? I hear no difference between the two settings.

If it's a USB DAC it should have its own embedded volume basically, and therefore the actual windows volume does not matter right?

 

[Melhisedek]

Apologies for continuing to ask questions, but I'm trying to learn.

When using a DAC/amp, what should I set my windows volume at? If I set it to 100, the amp setting for comfy listening on my Fiio E10k is at 2/8. If I set windows to 50, amp volume is at 4/8.

Does it matter which one I use? I've read about possible channel imbalance at low volumes on an amp, is that a concern? I hear no difference between the two settings.

I had the exact same question But I have Fulla 2 and a pair of Philips X2s. Difference is amazing without Fulla and while using it, but I wondered the same. So it doesn't matter right? Windows at 100 and turning the knob or the other way around?

 

[Lockjaw333]

If it's a USB DAC it should have its own embedded volume basically, and therefore the actual windows volume does not matter right?

The E10k has its own volume control on the device itself. Windows volume is separate from the volume on the DAC, I.e. both can be used to adjust volume. Just wondering if it's best to not adjust Windows volume and keep at 100 and only adjust the DAC knob, or does it not matter?

 

[sirap]

The E10k has its own volume control on the device itself. Windows volume is separate from the volume on the DAC, I.e. both can be used to adjust volume. Just wondering if it's best to not adjust Windows volume and keep at 100 and only adjust the DAC knob, or does it not matter?

That's what I've been doing for the past few years. Leave Windows at 100% and modulate the volume with my DAC/AMP knob.

 

[HiResDes]

You don't want the windows volume to be too low would cause clipping im thinking like anywhere from 70 to 100 would be optimal.

 

[Lockjaw333]

You don't want the windows volume to be too low would cause clipping im thinking like anywhere from 70 to 100 would be optimal.

What do you mean by clipping? Is there a reason for this?

 

[HiResDes]

What do you mean by clipping? Is there a reason for this?

Basically if the source isn't at a high enough volume and you're forced to crank up the amp to high levels clipping can occur. It's when it's output power exceeds it's power rating...

When an amplifier is pushed to create a signal with more power than its power supply can produce, it will amplify the signal only up to its maximum capacity, at which point the signal can be amplified no further. As the signal simply "cuts" or "clips" at the maximum capacity of the amplifier, the signal is said to be "clipping". The extra signal which is beyond the capability of the amplifier is simply cut off, resulting in a sine wave becoming a distorted square-wave-type waveform.

 

[Ashhong]

AM850 similar bass level maybe slightly less, more linear overall, but slightly warm. Definitely has more forward treble than the Shure. I think the clarity seems better as well, but not sure you'll notice a big enough difference to warrant a purchase when you have something that's pretty good.

I think the Shure is going back, even though I got it for cheap. It's just too inconvenient putting those suckers in. I want to take it to work and I have to be taking it in and out often.

So right now I'm looking at the 3 IEMs you suggested and weighing out the pros and cons. I like the AM850 look more but the Woodduo has better bass. Any other IEMs with good bass and traditional design? I decided to not get a DAC/amp right now so I'm willing to go up to about 130-150 if they are truly great. An awesome, durable IEMs that I can make an investment in sounds good.

Apologies for continuing to ask questions, but I'm trying to learn.

When using a DAC/amp, what should I set my windows volume at? If I set it to 100, the amp setting for comfy listening on my Fiio E10k is at 2/8. If I set windows to 50, amp volume is at 4/8.

Does it matter which one I use? I've read about possible channel imbalance at low volumes on an amp, is that a concern? I hear no difference between the two settings.

I have found that on almost all sources, putting the volume at 100% can cause noise or other issues. The best thing to do is put the volumes at no more than 75-80% in my opinion. I would set Windows to 80, but it probably doesn't matter.

 

[HiResDes]

Not necessarily better bass just more.

 

[Ashhong]

Not necessarily better bass just more.

More is better to these untrained ears.

How about IEMs up to $150 budget? Will I get noticeably better sound for 50$ more or should I stick with the 100$?

 

[Lockjaw333]

I have found that on almost all sources, putting the volume at 100% can cause noise or other issues. The best thing to do is put the volumes at no more than 75-80% in my opinion. I would set Windows to 80, but it probably doesn't matter.

Ah, gotcha. I have seen that a bit in my research, some say that slightly below 100% is safer to avoid such things. I'll try out 90 and see how that works.

Thanks guys.

 

[HiResDes]

More is better to these untrained ears.

How about IEMs up to $150 budget? Will I get noticeably better sound for 50$ more or should I stick with the 100$?

I think it'd be stupid to spend that much on basshead IEMs honestly when the two I suggested do what you want perfectly. You might even be happy with something cheaper like the Narmoo S1.

 

[Ashhong]

I think it'd be stupid to spend that much on basshead IEMs honestly when the two I suggested do what you want perfectly. You might even be happy with something cheaper like the Narmoo S1.

I'm all for saving money. Narmoo is comparable to my other options? I like the price and the thread I read on it on headfi seems to be glowing. Can't seem to find them for sale thoguh.

Also just found the Narmoo B2M which apparently has even more bass than the S1. Do you have any opinions on these? I would prefer it to not have a mic though because the third ring messes with some equipment at work. Maybe I'll try to find an adapter that would fix that issue

 

[Antiwhippy]

If you're willing to spend that much and want basshead look at the sony xb90ex.

Undisputed basshead king for the price.

They might sit weirdly for you like every fucking sony IEM worth a damn.

 

[HiResDes]

I'm all for saving money. Narmoo is comparable to my other options? I like the price and the thread I read on it on headfi seems to be glowing. Can't seem to find them for sale thoguh.

Also just found the Narmoo B2M which apparently has even more bass than the S1. Do you have any opinions on these? I would prefer it to not have a mic though because the third ring messes with some equipment at work. Maybe I'll try to find an adapter that would fix that issue

No idea about the B2M, I still think the Wooduo is your safest bet other than their driver flex problem sometimes.

 

[BolognaSoup]

Anyone here have an Audioengine D1? If so, do you leave yours on all the time?

 

[Melhisedek]

Guys, perhaps a strange question, but here it goes...

I recently got Philips X2s and after a while I got Schiit Fulla 2 which made this combo amazing for me. I never really knew some sounds in the music I've been listening to for years, in short I'm blown away.

Now problem is I kinda wonder what is over horizon... I know there are some incredibly powerful and expensive setups so in order to avoid disappointment and unnecessary spending, what would be next step and how much would it cost? I know most of it is subjective but roughly what would I need to pay and get to experience next level in audio enjoyment

 

[K.Jack]

Guys, perhaps a strange question, but here it goes...

I recently got Philips X2s and after a while I got Schiit Fulla 2 which made this combo amazing for me. I never really knew some sounds in the music I've been listening to for years, in short I'm blown away.

Now problem is I kinda wonder what is over horizon... I know there are some incredibly powerful and expensive setups so in order to avoid disappointment and unnecessary spending, what would be next step and how much would it cost? I know most of it is subjective but roughly what would I need to pay and get to experience next level in audio enjoyment

Best advice, is that you chill the fuck out and enjoy the experience of what you just got.

There's literally no reason to be entertaining upgrades, this soon.

 

[Xander51]

Guys, perhaps a strange question, but here it goes...

I recently got Philips X2s and after a while I got Schiit Fulla 2 which made this combo amazing for me. I never really knew some sounds in the music I've been listening to for years, in short I'm blown away.

Now problem is I kinda wonder what is over horizon... I know there are some incredibly powerful and expensive setups so in order to avoid disappointment and unnecessary spending, what would be next step and how much would it cost? I know most of it is subjective but roughly what would I need to pay and get to experience next level in audio enjoyment

Best advice, is that you chill the fuck out and enjoy the experience of what you just got.

There's literally no reason to be entertaining upgrades, this soon.

K.Jack is right. For the love of God, just enjoy the setup you've got now. You're already good to go.

 

[Melhisedek]

Trust me I am, I've never used headphones this much like ever, but curiosity is there, not like, lets buy something now/soon.

Just want to know where I stand right now and what is the next level...

I bought these cans at a whim from another thread and have no idea on where I am in grand scheme of things Like with GPUs or CPUs it is fairly easy to know where you stand depending on price and benchmarks, but with cans I don't really know where I stand and it bothers me a bit

That's all... So no buying of new stuff just orienting myself

 

[K.Jack]

What can be considered "next level" is too subjective, diminishing returns are super real, in this hobby.

You never want to get in the trap of buying multiple sets that occupy the value sphere.

I'd have to purposely overshoot, with something like the Sennheiser HD800.

 

[Melhisedek]

Thanks a lot mate
Now I know where I stand roughly.

Off to another "problem"

X2s have a really long cable and it is kinda of a problem for my desk... How did you people solve this? Fulla 2 is standing on my desk for easy volume control. Cans are close to it or the side of the desk, but the cable is so long it takes up a lot of the desk.

I tried binding it with some wire but it is kinda ugly so I wonder are there any nice solutions to this?

 

[Ullus]

Thanks a lot mate
Now I know where I stand roughly.

Off to another "problem"

X2s have a really long cable and it is kinda of a problem for my desk... How did you people solve this? Fulla 2 is standing on my desk for easy volume control. Cans are close to it or the side of the desk, but the cable is so long it takes up a lot of the desk.

I tried binding it with some wire but it is kinda ugly so I wonder are there any nice solutions to this?

I ended up buying another cable for mine, only use them at my computer so the length is perfect.

 

[Ashhong]

Opinions on the Massdrop x AKG K7XX Audiophile Headphones? Specifically the bass? 200$ for them right now. Looking at these or the Philips X2

Actually, forget it. I'm going to get the Fischer Audio FA-011. But I remember someone here saying to use all of your budget on the cans and get out of the cheaper 100$ range headphones. What are some better open headphones for a basshead than the FA011? Anything up to about $250?

 

[Miggytronz]

I saw someone above suggested it already but yeah, the Phillips SHP9500 and the V-Moda boom mic would be a great way to go on the cheap.

Cans: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ENMK1DW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJ17WKK/?tag=neogaf0e-20



You need MOR POWAH! But seriously, your mobo doesn't have enough juice. I would suggest purchasing a cheap (but good) DAC/amp for your X2's as they will benefit greatly from a better source. The Schiit Fulla 2 is about as good as you will ever find for $99.

Hook it up USB and Windows will see it as another sound card. Set it to default to use your headphones and then set your internal sound card to default to use your speakers. This is exactly how I control my setup at my house and it works very well. I even have a shortcut on my PC desktop for "sound properties" that I can open quickly to switch the default sound card between my internal (for speakers) and Fostex DAC/amp (for headphones).

Yes, you could use an external switching device but buying a dedicated DAC/amp will allow your X2's (or other headphones in the future) to sound much better and operate more to their potential. Just my suggestion.

how does this setup work for gaming by itself or do i need to plug in my audio engine D1 DAC to the console?

anyone?

 

[VanquishUK]

So I wanna mix my PC's audio and my Xbox One's audio so I can use one pair of headphones for both and I need some advice.

Here's a shitty paint pic of what I think needs to happen.

The mixer I'm looking at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000J5UEGQ/

Will that work? I'm worried that there will be significant audio quality degradation from the dac/amp to the headphones. Audio quality of the Xbox isn't important I just want to hear them both through my headphones it's the PC I'm worried about. Would I need a separate dac and amp for the optimal setup? And if this setup would work, would it work well?

 

[K.Jack]

Opinions on the Massdrop x AKG K7XX Audiophile Headphones? Specifically the bass? 200$ for them right now. Looking at these or the Philips X2

Actually, forget it. I'm going to get the Fischer Audio FA-011. But I remember someone here saying to use all of your budget on the cans and get out of the cheaper 100$ range headphones. What are some better open headphones for a basshead than the FA011? Anything up to about $250?

The FA-011 is the open back bass king, in that price range. There is no better option, for a basshead.

Do keep in mind that the FA-011 was something like $249 when it originally launched.

 

[BolognaSoup]

So I wanna mix my PC's audio and my Xbox One's audio so I can use one pair of headphones for both and I need some advice.

Here's a shitty paint pic of what I think needs to happen.



The mixer I'm looking at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000J5UEGQ/

Will that work? I'm worried that there will be significant audio quality degradation from the dac/amp to the headphones. Audio quality of the Xbox isn't important I just want to hear them both through my headphones it's the PC I'm worried about. Would I need a separate dac and amp for the optimal setup? And if this setup would work, would it work well?

What is your budget? You could do something like the TubeMagic D1 and connnecg your PC and Xbox straight into it then just select which device your using at the time on the front. There are other dac amp combos with an input selector too for a little less.

 

[VanquishUK]

What is your budget? You could do something like the TubeMagic D1 and connnecg your PC and Xbox straight into it then just select which device your using at the time on the front. There are other dac amp combos with an input selector too for a little less.

The thing is I want them to both be working at the same time so I can talk on skype and listen to music on the PC, and hear the game sound at the same time for example.

 

[BolognaSoup]

Oh I see. I don't know then.

 

[MyNameIsRye]

Call me underwhelmed, but I just bought the X2's and the Astro mix amp, and it's not as life changing as it was talked up to be.

I keep going back and forth between the Sony golds and X2's and I just can't distinguish what makes these $200 more. Am I missing something? Did I not set them up properly?

What's a good way to test the differences?

Granted I'm only playing Tales of Berseria.

 

[Lockjaw333]

Call me underwhelmed, but I just bought the X2's and the Astro mix amp, and it's not as life changing as it was talked up to be.

I keep going back and forth between the Sony golds and X2's and I just can't distinguish what makes these $200 more. Am I missing something? Did I not set them up properly?

What's a good way to test the differences?

Granted I'm only playing Tales of Berseria.

I'm surprised by that. I found the golds to have pretty shit audio quality when I owned them briefly. The Hyperx cloud 2 for example sounded tremendously better.

You should also notice a difference in product quality. The golds are extremely cheaply made and were not comfortable to me.

Are you just gaming or listening to music? Also why do you have an Astro mixamp? Are you comparing them in surround sound? Ditch the surround and compare them in stereo. Preferably on your computer with Spotify of something. I've never heard the X2s but I assume you should hear a massive difference.

In the end though do what makes you happy. If you don't see the value return them.

 

[MyNameIsRye]

I'm surprised by that. I found the golds to have pretty shit audio quality when I owned them briefly. The Hyperx cloud 2 for example sounded tremendously better.

You should also notice a difference in product quality. The golds are extremely cheaply made and were not comfortable to me.

Are you just gaming or listening to music? Also why do you have an Astro mixamp? Are you comparing them in surround sound? Ditch the surround and compare them in stereo. Preferably on your computer with Spotify of something. I've never heard the X2s but I assume you should hear a massive difference.

In the end though do what makes you happy. If you don't see the value return them.

Mostly gaming, but I tried music on the PC last night. I think I had surround on, but I'll try turning that off.

Do I not need the mix amp? It seems like I'd have no control over the headphones without it.

Product quality is definitely a huge upgrade. I never knew the golds were uncomfortable until I tried the X2's.