Ive got a set of Altec Lansing's I have been using forever. They are not great at all but I did not usually do much gaming on them until now. Looking for something under 100$ that sounds better and of course has a good MIC. I did listen to a set of the Creative Fatality's that sounded much better then my Altec's but was not sure how good those were for 50$. Thanks for any input. I am using the sound card that came with my Asus Rampage that sounds much better then my last onboard sound but may consider an upgrade. Thx for any help!
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Looking to ugprade headset.
- Thread starter Copyright
- Start date
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223773208&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Microp...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223773208&sr=8-1
A + B = win.
Can swap out the first one if you want something different, but something along these lines would be pretty awesome.
http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Microp...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223773208&sr=8-1
A + B = win.
Can swap out the first one if you want something different, but something along these lines would be pretty awesome.
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WC Annihilus
Gawd
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2006
- Messages
- 574
Or perhaps this plus the Zalman mic linked above
http://www.buy.com/prod/jvc-ha-rx700-stereo-headphone-wired-connectivity-stereo-over-the-head/q/loc/111/206897541.html
http://www.buy.com/prod/jvc-ha-rx700-stereo-headphone-wired-connectivity-stereo-over-the-head/q/loc/111/206897541.html
Yeah. The HA-RX700 is a JVC knock-off of the ATH-A900 line. I think it's still in a "waiting on more feedback" situation, but it sounds good so far. Even if it's not quite up to what it's copying...$40 for reasonably similar to a $100-$200 headphone isn't shabby.
Dunno how much difference it makes but I got a small head. Go ahead.. I know someone is gonna lay into me for that comment. How good is that zalman mic clip? I would really like an all in one setup if there are any good ones. These will be used mostly for gaming. I am running logitech Z-2300's also. Is a sound card upgrade really worth it? Like to an X-fi titanium or Azuntech prelude?
The Zalman mic is just fine, and better than many that are built into headsets. It's not all-in-one...but you get more freedom in the headphone portion of things, which will give you access to some better-sounding phones than you would get in most combo headsets. I wouldn't recommend using it to record your next album, but it is great for VC.
I tend to be a fan of upgrading only one thing at a time. However a Zero DAC / headphone amp would be pretty hot. You feed it say S/PDIF optical from your current thing, plug the headphones into the front, plug the speakers into the back. There's a switch to toggle between the two outputs. Doesn't have anything to do with microphones though, so you feed that to your mobo's daughter board still.
I tend to be a fan of upgrading only one thing at a time. However a Zero DAC / headphone amp would be pretty hot. You feed it say S/PDIF optical from your current thing, plug the headphones into the front, plug the speakers into the back. There's a switch to toggle between the two outputs. Doesn't have anything to do with microphones though, so you feed that to your mobo's daughter board still.
Dunno how much difference it makes but I got a small head. Go ahead.. I know someone is gonna lay into me for that comment. How good is that zalman mic clip? I would really like an all in one setup if there are any good ones. These will be used mostly for gaming. I am running logitech Z-2300's also. Is a sound card upgrade really worth it? Like to an X-fi titanium or Azuntech prelude?
Vista or Xp?
X-Fi titanium is a good upgrade for XP but for Vista I would spend the $$ on a receiver or a Zero.
The JVC will be better for overall sound. I know it will be better than the Koss for music.
What I do not know, yet, is if the JVC will be better than the Koss for positional audio aka gaming sound. The Koss are pretty damn good at that.
The Zalman mic is just fine, and better than many that are built into headsets. It's not all-in-one...but you get more freedom in the headphone portion of things, which will give you access to some better-sounding phones than you would get in most combo headsets. I wouldn't recommend using it to record your next album, but it is great for VC.
I tend to be a fan of upgrading only one thing at a time. However a Zero DAC / headphone amp would be pretty hot. You feed it say S/PDIF optical from your current thing, plug the headphones into the front, plug the speakers into the back. There's a switch to toggle between the two outputs. Doesn't have anything to do with microphones though, so you feed that to your mobo's daughter board still.
Hmm... Do all headphone amp/DAC have a switch for toggling between heaphone and speakers? I find it really annoying that I have to plug in and out my headphone. Right now I have to plug it in and out of the Berhinger MS40 but it would be nice to just have a switch.
Dunno how much difference it makes but I got a small head. Go ahead.. I know someone is gonna lay into me for that comment. How good is that zalman mic clip? I would really like an all in one setup if there are any good ones. These will be used mostly for gaming. I am running logitech Z-2300's also. Is a sound card upgrade really worth it? Like to an X-fi titanium or Azuntech prelude?
Vista or Xp?
X-Fi titanium is a good upgrade for XP and gaming but for Vista I would spend the $$ on a receiver or a Zero which will be better for music and movies.
The JVC will be better for overall sound. I know it will be better than the Koss for music.
What I do not know, yet, is if the JVC will be better than the Koss for positional audio aka gaming sound. The Koss are pretty damn good at that.
Hmm... Do all headphone amp/DAC have a switch for toggling between heaphone and speakers?
Nope. Not all of them even have speaker outputs for "DAC only" mode.
It would be pretty easy to build a solution if you can solder. Wire up a jack and a short cable opposite a switch - doesn't even take any power. Just something to break the circuit. Of course, just unplugging it does the same thing...
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223773208&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Microp...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223773208&sr=8-1
A + B = win.
Can swap out the first one if you want something different, but something along these lines would be pretty awesome.
Why does everybody want the AD series headphones? Does having it open really make that much of a difference in terms of soundstage? Wouldn't you rather have the bass (weak in the 700s in any case...)?
Is it the colour? It's the colour isn't it. Well first off, silver and purple doesn't fit in that well. And A700s are much closer to black than blue unless you have bright, intense light shining on them.
I feel self-conscious. I must be the only person on this forum with A700s. >.>
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I have a pair of A900s, so not everyone goes for the AD. But advantages as Spaceman enumerated.
Using a device that takes S/PDIF input like the Zero or a receiver is helpful if you're going to have a multi-boot thing going (or several sources, but that's more the receiver than the Zero).
The small head thing...some people it bothers, some it doesn't. They do have huge cups, but usually that just makes them comfy. And inappropriate for portable use, but that's neither here nor there. If the HA-RX700 live up to the reports about them to any meaningful degree, they are probably some of the best sound you can get for $40...I would get them and just check the return policy in case you find them uncomfortable. The Zalman will clip onto whatever you happen to have, so that doesn't need worrying about.
Using a device that takes S/PDIF input like the Zero or a receiver is helpful if you're going to have a multi-boot thing going (or several sources, but that's more the receiver than the Zero).
The small head thing...some people it bothers, some it doesn't. They do have huge cups, but usually that just makes them comfy. And inappropriate for portable use, but that's neither here nor there. If the HA-RX700 live up to the reports about them to any meaningful degree, they are probably some of the best sound you can get for $40...I would get them and just check the return policy in case you find them uncomfortable. The Zalman will clip onto whatever you happen to have, so that doesn't need worrying about.
I picked up the HA-RX700 and Zalman clip on Mic. All together it cost me 46$. I paid 30$ for the piece of craps I have now. I cant game very long without it hurting my ears and becoming uncomfortable. Thanks for all the input. I still have to figure out if a sound card is worth it or not. Or of someone can recommend a good budget DAC? I am heavily into mobile audio but the Home/PC audio is a different world to me.
Get the Velour pads that were posted on the original HA-RX700 thread so that your ears don't get uncomfortably warm.
Crap do I have to pick those? are there two kinds of this headphone?
Do NOT plug headphones into the jack on your Logitechs if you have ANY way to avoid it. You'd almost be better off taking the headphones out back and having a go at them with a hammer first.
The Zero is nice again in that it will give you separate connections for headphones and speakers, avoiding that problem among others. But it's not the only solution, just a good one if you were already considering it.
The Zero is nice again in that it will give you separate connections for headphones and speakers, avoiding that problem among others. But it's not the only solution, just a good one if you were already considering it.
WC Annihilus
Gawd
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2006
- Messages
- 574
Nah, basically these closed headphones, so your ears are totally enclosed and the pads are a pseudo-leather. Thus, it could get a bit hot under there. He's basically suggesting getting a set of pads made of a nice soft material for comfort reasons.Crap do I have to pick those? are there two kinds of this headphone?
Edit: hmm, I may or may not have misunderstood this post >.>
Do NOT plug headphones into the jack on your Logitechs if you have ANY way to avoid it. You'd almost be better off taking the headphones out back and having a go at them with a hammer first.
The Zero is nice again in that it will give you separate connections for headphones and speakers, avoiding that problem among others. But it's not the only solution, just a good one if you were already considering it.
Where can I find this Zero DAC, and how much is it? Would it be pointless to have my x-fi then, if I got a Zero?
I also bit on the rx700 and zalman mic
eBay, or China. $150 +/-.
There are things an X-Fi will do that it won't, for some games, for analog output...but if you're using stereo anyway...might as well. All you need is an S/PDIF output, any S/PDIF output...if you have one onboard, you're golden.
Zero will also be fine to hang around through a few headphone upgrades if you get something better than the HARX.
There are things an X-Fi will do that it won't, for some games, for analog output...but if you're using stereo anyway...might as well. All you need is an S/PDIF output, any S/PDIF output...if you have one onboard, you're golden.
Zero will also be fine to hang around through a few headphone upgrades if you get something better than the HARX.
If you have an X-Fi and XP then you do not need the Zero.
If you have vista then the x-fi is not needed and you can sell it and get a zero.
The Velor pads are for another headphone and are a bit of a pain to buy. You are fine with the stock pads on the X-700.
Just wait for the headphones and mic and try them out before buying anything else. You will probably just be OMG anyway.
If you have vista then the x-fi is not needed and you can sell it and get a zero.
The Velor pads are for another headphone and are a bit of a pain to buy. You are fine with the stock pads on the X-700.
Just wait for the headphones and mic and try them out before buying anything else. You will probably just be OMG anyway.
If you have an X-Fi and XP then you do not need the Zero.
If you have vista then the x-fi is not needed and you can sell it and get a zero.
The Velor pads are for another headphone and are a bit of a pain to buy. You are fine with the stock pads on the X-700.
Just wait for the headphones and mic and try them out before buying anything else. You will probably just be OMG anyway.
Well crap I have both XP and Vista and I use both. So the Zero would be ideal for me? Does anyone have a link to the zero? I assume my Asus Rampage will have the S/pdif out?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ZERO-24-192-DAC...e-Version_W0QQitemZ110287182130QQcmdZViewItem
Shipping is from China and takes about 3 days which is why it is $45. Sound is better than a Prelude though so the price is ok.
Shipping is from China and takes about 3 days which is why it is $45. Sound is better than a Prelude though so the price is ok.
As an eBay Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
XP uses hardware acceleration i.e. X-Fi for sound.
Vista uses software i.e cpu for sound.
No X-Fi use in Vista. No EAX support beyond 2 in software. Same as not using an X-FI. Basically a waste of $$ unless you already have one from XP.
The Zero will take your onboard digital output and cleans it up. The sound is improved and the built in amp is superior to an X-Fi or Prelude.
So Vista + Zero = yay
XP + X-Fi = yay
Vista uses software i.e cpu for sound.
No X-Fi use in Vista. No EAX support beyond 2 in software. Same as not using an X-FI. Basically a waste of $$ unless you already have one from XP.
The Zero will take your onboard digital output and cleans it up. The sound is improved and the built in amp is superior to an X-Fi or Prelude.
So Vista + Zero = yay
XP + X-Fi = yay
XP uses hardware acceleration i.e. X-Fi for sound.
Vista uses software i.e cpu for sound.
No X-Fi use in Vista. No EAX support. Basically a waste of $$ unless you already have one from XP.
The Zero will take your onboard digital output and cleans it up. The sound is improved and the built in amp is superior to an X-Fi or Prelude.
So Vista + Zero = yay
XP + X-Fi = yay
Ahhh I got ya.... so?
Zero + XP = YAY
and
Zero + Vista = YAY
Will there still be need for equalization and will that still work through the software on the sound card? What about these games that have hardware support.. any need to change the setup? Sorry for all the questions!
Ahhh I got ya.... so?
Zero + XP = YAY
and
Zero + Vista = YAY
Will there still be need for equalization and will that still work through the software on the sound card? What about these games that have hardware support.. any need to change the setup? Sorry for all the questions!
Huh?
XP + X-FI = yay
Vista + Zero = yay
Eq? lol
Nobody uses an eq unless there is omething wrong with the rest of their equipment.
No game in Vista has hardware support.
THERE IS NO HARDWARE SOUND IN VISTA.
Only XP uses hardware sound.
If you have Vista you get a Zero or something like it.
If you have XP you get an X-FI or something like it.
No more replies on this. I am starting to think you need a helmet lol.
Huh?
XP + X-FI = yay
Vista + Zero = yay
Eq? lol
Nobody uses an eq unless there is omething wrong with the rest of their equipment.
No game in Vista has hardware support.
THERE IS NO HARDWARE SOUND IN VISTA.
Only XP uses hardware sound.
If you have Vista you get a Zero or something like it.
If you have XP you get an X-FI or something like it.
No more replies on this. I am starting to think you need a helmet lol.
Lol. I think the OP meant that Zero goes ok with both Vista and XP while XFi is only ok with XP. Yes, that's right, OP.
Lol. I think the OP meant that Zero goes ok with both Vista and XP while XFi is only ok with XP. Yes, that's right, OP.
LOL, yeah that was my point. The ZERO will work with both XP and Vista. So becuase I use both operating systems the ZERO would be the way to go for me. Please forgive the EQ comment. I come from mobile audio and run Audio Control EQ's with Lunar amplifiers with my system. Believe me the high end Focal Components I run have to be tuned and I use an RTA for tuning and imaging. I guess I have to keep in mind that car systems have to be tuned depending on the vehicle they are in. Head phones are always in the same place and it makes sense they would be tuned correctly for a flat frequency band. Sorry for the mixup Spaceman and appreciate your help!!!
The Zero doesn't know or care what's driving it so long as it gets signal. If you're on XP, there are some benefits to the X-Fi or a similar solution, but it depends on priorities etc how important they are. For using both, your reasoning is probably sound. /os issue
You can still do software EQ in foobar or whatever if you want. If you could do it in software before, that's still probably fine as it's well before the computer tries to output anything.
You can still do software EQ in foobar or whatever if you want. If you could do it in software before, that's still probably fine as it's well before the computer tries to output anything.
Local? The only thing would be a receiver. The headphone amp would be a little less punchy though. hmmmm.
No, not really. I don't think you can do better for the $$ unless you built it yourself. Headroom has the totalbithead for around $150 but I do not think it is quite as good.
No, not really. I don't think you can do better for the $$ unless you built it yourself. Headroom has the totalbithead for around $150 but I do not think it is quite as good.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ZERO-24-192-DAC...e-Version_W0QQitemZ110287182130QQcmdZViewItem
Shipping is from China and takes about 3 days which is why it is $45. Sound is better than a Prelude though so the price is ok.
Hmmm. Seems tempting, but im kinda weary on shipping from china and receive it DOA. That would be a pain.
Also, on ebay, whats the difference between the upgrade version and the non upgrade one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ZERO-24-192-DAC...VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
vs
http://cgi.ebay.com/ZERO-24-192-DAC...VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
I have coax and optical on my mobo, and if I do get a zero, I plan on using a video rca cable with coax. That should be fine right? (I know i'm a cheapie).
Thanks.
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Local? The only thing would be a receiver. The headphone amp would be a little less punchy though. hmmmm.
No, not really. I don't think you can do better for the $$ unless you built it yourself. Headroom has the totalbithead for around $150 but I do not think it is quite as good.
Yeah, I have spent some time looking and your right. The Zero is exactly what I am looking for. I pulled the trigger on the one you linked for my earlier. Thanks again for all your help! I was curious how having 3 volume controls will work. One within windows, one on the Zero and one on the Z-2300's I have. I am assuming some of these will not matter or how should they be setup?
You should max out windows and use the zero volume control. It will control the volume on either the headphones or the 2300s(you need to set those to the max volume before they distort if given a full volume signal).
Ahh ok, this is kinda what I was thinking. Will be nice to just have the one knob to do it all after I get it setup. Well everything is on order. Now I just wait. Any idea how long it takes to get that Zero from China? lol