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New HD 598's

T

Tom Braker

n00b
Joined
Mar 29, 2016
Messages
10
Hello I am looking to upgrade my pc and recently purchased some Sennheiser HD 598's headphones. I am looking to create the most potential out of my phones. I was thinking about adding a sound card which will hopefully improve upon listening potential of the headphones? Can anyone recommend a decent card that will give me clear sound along with the ability to not have to turn up volume to 70 on my Fiio X1 for example?

I appreciate everyone's help
 
Hi, a soundcard won't make the amp require less volume. You would need a more powerful amp to do that, to get an appreciable diferrence from what you have now you would need to double the mw. How much you want to spend? Ever consider an external DAC instead of a soundcard? Less chance of EMI that way.

Read this thread: Onboard Audio @ 2016 vs Dedicated Sound card?

and do some research here: Computer Audio
 
No I have not. Can you possibly recommend some inexpensive but capable External DAC's ? Thanks
 
I haven't bought one since EMU 0404, which is good but a bit dated now. Best to ask at headfi. I actually use a Creative X-Fi soundcard connected to an Onkyo receiver because I use both headphones and speakers.
 
$200, gotcha, I'll try to stay close. You've a lot of options. I'm going to throw out a bunch, this is a FAR from comprehensive list.

I'm a huge fan of getting the sound out of your PC, this means getting a DAC. You also mention wanting to get your HD598s to be their best, and while yes they're easy to drive, you'll want an amp.

You could spend a bit less on an entry level dac/amp combo like: Amazon.com: SMSL SD793-II PCM1793 DIR9001 DAC Digital Audio Decoder Amplifier, Black: Electronics or Amazon.com: FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black): Electronics I don't know which sounds better, but the SMSL has more features.

You could step up a bit to this: http://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-D1-24-bit-Digital-to-Analog-Converter/dp/B006IPH5H2

Or one of these solid choices if the budget is flexible: http://www.amazon.com/Aune-X1S-384KHz-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B014FBZCCA or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EDAPIS

I like separates, you get more flexibility and if your headphone amp dies, you don't need to buy a new dac. A well spoken of setup is the Schiit Stack: Schiit Audio, Headphone amps and DACs made in USA. and Schiit Audio, Headphone amps and DACs made in USA. You'll need to spend a couple of bucks on interconnects, but this is a solid, fantastic sounding combo. I'd go with the Uber version of each for added flexibility. Made in the USA if you give a Schiit.

Or, while still needing to spend a couple of bucks on interconnects, you can get really close to your budget with one of these: Amazon.com: SMSL Sanskrit 6th 32bit/192kHz USB/Optical/Coaxial to Analog Audio Decoder (Black): Electronics and one of these http://www.amazon.com/K5-Docking-Headphone-Amplifier-Titanium/dp/B01BBX1NNM

Another great thing with separates is you can mix and match to fit your budget. If you can ONLY spend $200 and you really want a headphone amp like the Schiit Magni 2 Uber you could pair it with a <$30 dac like http://www.amazon.com/D3-Digital-Converter-Optical-Toslink/dp/B005K2TXMO or Amazon.com: Behringer UCA202 Audio Interface: Musical Instruments or Amazon.com: Signstek HIFI USB to Coaxial S/PDIF Converter Decoder Convert Digital to Analogue Signal Mini USB DAC PCM 2704 Chipset with USB Cable: Computers & Accessories until you save up enough money to get a better dac.

But wait, I haven't even mentioned audio interfaces like: Komplete : Audio Interfaces : Komplete Audio 6 | Products Scarlett 2i2 | Focusrite or AudioBox 22VSL | PreSonus

Now, go read some reviews. I also like this YouTuber Z Reviews I have no idea if he knows what he's talking about, but he sounds like he does and he cracks me up. Just don't actually watch while he's talking, the head mounted GoPro is a bad choice. I think he has reviewed everything I posted a link to except the audio interfaces.

Personally I prefer separates rather than combined units, and for some reason I lean towards toslink instead of usb, but I'm half convinced it's only because I'm retarded.
 
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I like Decibel's post. Good concise information. If you have a local shop you can hop in and listen to some of these that would be the best thing to do. Music and sound in general is VERY subjective at the end of the day. What sounds good to me won't sound good to you and vice versa.

I'm currently using a Fostex HP-A4 which I would highly recommend if you wanted to jump a small price bracket. I've seen them as low as $329. They drive my Sennheiser HD650s, Denon AH-D7000s really well. I replaced the stock OP-AMPS in them for the LME49990s because I prefer the sound they produce over the stock ones (which are OPA2134).
 
Decibel said:
$200, gotcha, I'll try to stay close. You've a lot of options. I'm going to throw out a bunch, this is a FAR from comprehensive list.

I'm a huge fan of getting the sound out of your PC, this means getting a DAC. You also mention wanting to get your HD598s to be their best, and while yes they're easy to drive, you'll want an amp.

You could spend a bit less on an entry level dac/amp combo like: Amazon.com: SMSL SD793-II PCM1793 DIR9001 DAC Digital Audio Decoder Amplifier, Black: Electronics or Amazon.com: FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black): Electronics I don't know which sounds better, but the SMSL has more features.

You could step up a bit to this: Amazon.com: Audioengine D1 24-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter: Electronics

Or one of these solid choices if the budget is flexible: Amazon.com: Aune X1S 32Bit/384KHz DSD DAC Headphone Amplifier black: Electronics or Amazon.com: Fostex HP-A3 32-Bit Digital to Analog Converter/Headphone Amplifier: Musical Instruments

I like separates, you get more flexibility and if your headphone amp dies, you don't need to buy a new dac. A well spoken of setup is the Schiit Stack: Schiit Audio, Headphone amps and DACs made in USA. and Schiit Audio, Headphone amps and DACs made in USA. You'll need to spend a couple of bucks on interconnects, but this is a solid, fantastic sounding combo. I'd go with the Uber version of each for added flexibility. Made in the USA if you give a Schiit.

Or, while still needing to spend a couple of bucks on interconnects, you can get really close to your budget with one of these: Amazon.com: SMSL Sanskrit 6th 32bit/192kHz USB/Optical/Coaxial to Analog Audio Decoder (Black): Electronics and one of these Amazon.com: FiiO K5 Docking Headphone Amplifier/DAC, Titanium: Electronics

Another great thing with separates is you can mix and match to fit your budget. If you can ONLY spend $200 and you really want a headphone amp like the Schiit Magni 2 Uber you could pair it with a <$30 dac like http://www.amazon.com/D3-Digital-Converter-Optical-Toslink/dp/B005K2TXMO or Amazon.com: Behringer UCA202 Audio Interface: Musical Instruments or Amazon.com: Signstek HIFI USB to Coaxial S/PDIF Converter Decoder Convert Digital to Analogue Signal Mini USB DAC PCM 2704 Chipset with USB Cable: Computers & Accessories until you save up enough money to get a better dac.

But wait, I haven't even mentioned audio interfaces like: Komplete : Audio Interfaces : Komplete Audio 6 | Products Scarlett 2i2 | Focusrite or AudioBox 22VSL | PreSonus

Now, go read some reviews. I also like this YouTuber Z Reviews I have no idea if he knows what he's talking about, but he sounds like he does and he cracks me up. Just don't actually watch while he's talking, the head mounted GoPro is a bad choice. I think he has reviewed everything I posted a link to except the audio interfaces.

Personally I prefer separates rather than combined units, and for some reason I lean towards toslink instead of usb, but I'm half convinced it's only because I'm retarded.
Click to expand...





Man...do I appreciate your response. Thank you very much ! If I were to start out with a DAC/AMP combo which one would you choose?

On the DAC/AMP separates which one would you choose?

Thanks again
 
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you really don't need to spend $200 to enjoy good quality music, i've bought a Auzen Bravura for $40 and that has been great, it has more volume than my headphones can handle and has replaceable opamps, not that i'm even gonna replace them.
there are no more driver updates and company is out of business but for $40 i have nothing to complain about
 
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