Looking for a new headset. Mainly for gamming. Does anyone own a pair of sound blaster EVO's. I currently have a pair of Turtle Beach.They were good but now are falling apart.Had them for years
My budget is about 100 to 150.Im using onboard sound now. I have always used a sc in the past. Don't know if they are still worth it. Been debating weather or not to spend the money on a sound card.
They are, assuming your ears are not defective. There's a sticky thread about the differences between Onboard and Sound Cards, which still applies today. I'm not sure how far you can go with a 150 max budget. Are you more interested in a headset or sound card? Or are you trying to get both? I'd throw out some recommendations but need to know what part of the world you live so I can narrow things down.
Well now I'm thinking of getting the sound card first. Any recommendations ? Will use the 100-150 for the card. Then save up for the headset.
If you budget is $150 ...don't settle for gaming headset......grab you a nice pair of headphones and add a mic . Then add a soundcard
DGX is basic entry-level. HD558 are almost midrange. They benefit from an amp and a good DAC would be better with them. $30 soundcard + $110 headphones is not balanced spending.
Ive used the DG/HD558 combo and it seemed to work just fine and the DG & DGX cards are almost exactly a like.
The DGX is a great card. Don't let the price fool you. It's one of the best values in sound cards. Comes with a built-in headphone amp IC so no problem driving the HD558's 50-ohms. I own a DG (essentially the same) and used it with some HD595's. Was very satisfied with the sound, no complaints.
It can drive them, no doubt about that, but will it sound as good as better soundcards? I seriously doubt it. The amp itself, the DAC, and the circuitry. The point is that such headphones deserve a higher-end soundcard. Have you tried the HD595's with a better soundcard?
Having used the DG myself I'm inclined to agree with Yasamoka. There's better to be had for a little bit more, aka the Sound Blaster Z. The AMP in the DG only pushes up to about 150ohms or so if I remember right, and while it adds a little kick it wont fully open up a set of 558's. I'm saying this based on having tested HD598's with the DG vs an Essence ST and my current Aune T1. The Z costs a little bit more but you get a more solid product for the price range, and matches well with the Creative Aurvana Live (Pretty much rebranded Denon d1001) for his price range. Of course, spending more if the option is available will always net better results, but the CAL's are still really very good for the $50-60 they cost. I'd rate them over some $100 + products from respected brands.
Superlux HD681 EVO just for $38 or Takstar HI 2050 for $67 They outperform many 100-150 bucks headphones. Many positive reviews on head-fi. You can spend the rest on good sound card
Well first off, the HD5XX's are not exactly hard to drive. Unlike the 600/650's, which benefit greatly from all matter of amps (tubes sound the best IMO). Speaking from experience, my current card is a Xonar ST (still using HD595's). The jump from the DG was noticeable. Here's my thread about it: http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=345851 Better clarity and separation if I had to sum it up. But then again, I upgraded the OPAMPS so the comparison is a little skewed. I don't feel the ST's higher grade headphone-IC made much difference in terms of power delivery. Again, 500's are not hard to drive. I'm not trying to argue against external amp's or better sound cards. I'm trying to keep things in perspective though. The OP has a budget and Tacoboy's suggestion is actually great and I agree with it. Just my opinion.
If you're willing to spend more, this DAC + headphone amp is a good option Audiotrak Prodigy Cube for $139
Another option to consider is the Sony MDR-7506. Very good price/performance ratio ($85) and leaves enough room in the original $150 budget for a soundcard. thewirecutter.com listed them as their top pick for under $150.