Looking for New Sound Card + Headphones

Neo Cyrus · **Memory**: 6GB DDR3-2000 9-9-9-24-1T

I've had a couple of suggestions previously when I was considering some new gear but now that I'm 90% leaning towards both a new sound card and new headphones I'm looking for a few more opinions.

My current gear:
- Soundblaster X-Fi XG Fatal1ty Pro
- Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
- Logitech G51 speakers

I'll be using headphones most of the time which is why I'm not looking for new speakers.

As far as sound goes I'm looking mostly for clarity of sound for music. Clear lows, mids and highs. I tend to overdo the bass which sometimes ends up muddy.

Since I'm looking for mostly music clarity things such as EAX are only secondary. As for a budget, if possible I'd like keep the headphones $100 or lower if possible, if not then whatever. For the sound card, I haven't decided.

A concern I have is that I've been using X-Fi series cards for so many years that I'm simply used to being lazy and turning up the auto bass and treble settings and using the Crystalizer. Those combined give a good improvement over default sound without having to put in any effort. Any suggestions for how to tune equalizers?

TL/DR: Looking for suggestions on new headphones and a sound card for music listening, also looking for suggestions on how to tune the equalizer.

Sharoth · 02-13-2013, 01:01 | posts: 692 | Location: Minnesota, USA

I just picked up a Sound Blaster Zx, Blue Yeti mic and a pair of Audio Technica AD700, and aside from being a little light on the bass, which I knew going in, they sound amazing in games, movies and music. Check into them!

Neo Cyrus · **Memory**: 6GB DDR3-2000 9-9-9-24-1T

Finding those headphones in Canada may be a bit of an issue (aside from Amazon which always have jerk prices) and I'd rather not buy a pair that uses fuzzy ear pads. I find those impossible to clean.

As for the SB Zx, I'll look it up.

GenClaymore · 02-13-2013, 01:23 | posts: 5,082 | Location: Michigan,usa

Another good choice is the Audio Techinca A900X, I don't know how much you can find them in canada, But you might be able to get them cheap on ebay, as well as the A900 model I seen once refurbish for 149 dollars which i dont know what the conversation rate is in canada.

Neo Cyrus · **Memory**: 6GB DDR3-2000 9-9-9-24-1T

Yes finding high end audio gear here aside from the most widely available ones is a real issue. The conversion rate should be about equal since the CAD/USD are roughly equal, but you never know.

I found the A900X only at stores I've never heard of before so I wouldn't order them and the prices were $350.

A store which out found out recently ships here is http://www.jr.com so if you have any time to look through their stock to see what's a good option that'd be great.

eclap · 02-13-2013, 02:08 | posts: 18,495 | Location: Hampshire UK

I should have my AD700 tomorrow, I'll get back with feedback on them in the afternoon

Neo Cyrus · **Memory**: 6GB DDR3-2000 9-9-9-24-1T

It's available at some place I've never heard of so I'd rather not order form them: http://www.bosssound.ca/products/103...ath-ad700.aspx

It's priced higher than US stores of course. That and there's still the whole next-to-impossible-to-clean issue.

Nichtswisser · 02-13-2013, 02:53 | posts: 263

Not sure how much they cost in Canada but some of the best all around headphones are the Beyerdynamics DT 990 Pro. They sound pretty good, with a very nice and deep bass, and are extremely comfortable to wear. Some of the best you can get when it comes to comfort. Very important when playing for longer periods of time with them on! And they are made in Germany and are very robust, no cheap China plastic crap. Falling asleep with them on or having them fall down a few times is unlikely to cause them any harm.

Should my pair stop functioning for any reason, I would buy them again without a second thought. Oh, and I never had to to clean the ear pads so far, at least nothing more tedious than brushing them with a towel a few times. And the ear pads can be replaced quite easily and inexpensively should the need arise.

Neo Cyrus · **Memory**: 6GB DDR3-2000 9-9-9-24-1T

Found them at a local shop I've absolutely never heard of for $165 (before 13% tax) who say they have in-store pickup, even though it seems to be an office/warehouse and not an actual store.

http://www.avshop.ca/sound-amp-pa-au...dio-headphones

I'd have to look into it, since I've never heard of them, I'd be a lot less hesitant if they accept payment in person. So are these headphones so good that they're worth blowing $186.5 on? Kinda beyond the price range I was thinking of, and again they're fuzzy.

Edit: Their pricing is suspicious, the 770s are $180 on their website, and 880s $295... yet they place the 990s at $165.

Nichtswisser · 02-13-2013, 11:01 | posts: 263

Google for a few reviews. Beyerdynamic is a well known German company that's been buildnig headphones since 1924. And the pricing isn't suspicious, the shop probably just got the product description wrong.

Many Beyer headphones come in 2 or more flavors, there is the "normal" version which for some reason is the more expensive one , and the "pro" version which is less expensive. And in case of the DT 990 an additional "2005 Edition" which costs around the same as the non-pro version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgt5s4t8G0

btw, for that price I would get them. I paid almost as much in € when I bought mine!

Have a look at their website:
http://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/

Edit: The 990 are less neutral than the 880, and judging on your use of bass and Crystalizer they are probably the better choice for you. The 880 are basically the half closed version of the 990 with somewhat less bass. The sound of the 990 is what many will come up with when they finished playing around with the equalizer when using neutral headphones

gridiron whirlw · 02-13-2013, 14:20 | posts: 3,183 | Location: Ohio

Beyerdynamic make great audiophile headphones.

this is a 250ohm set of headphones.

I have never listened to them, so I can not comment on that....but it is a great maker of headphones.

In my honest opinion...I always tell people to buy from a good headphone manufacturer that is know for their headphones.....even if you buy an entry level set of headphones....you won't be sorry.

scrapser · 02-13-2013, 18:11 | posts: 143 | Location: Silver Spring, MD USA

Probably out of your price range but I have a pair of Denon AH-D7100 ($1200). The best phones I have ever heard. Fostex is better but I can't see spending $2400 for headphones even though people think $1200 is crazy. But when you hear them, you understand.

Nichtswisser · 02-13-2013, 18:34 | posts: 263

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrapser

Probably out of your price range but I have a pair of Denon AH-D7100 ($1200). The best phones I have ever heard. Fostex is better but I can't see spending $2400 for headphones even though people think $1200 is crazy. But when you hear them, you understand.

The poster would prefer headphones below 100$ and you come up with 1200$ canes.... True, from what I heard about them those are great, as are the Sennheiser HD 800 or the Beyerdynamics T1, yet few are willing or able to spent so much on headphones.

It's like recommending a Ferrari to someone who wants a cheap entry level car

scrapser · 02-13-2013, 19:01 | posts: 143 | Location: Silver Spring, MD USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nichtswisser

The poster would prefer headphones below 100$ and you come up with 1200$ canes.... True, from what I heard about them those are great, as are the Sennheiser HD 800 or the Beyerdynamics T1, yet few are willing or able to spent so much on headphones.

It's like recommending a Ferrari to someone who wants a cheap entry level car

Understood...but I was in the same boat and someone gave me a nudge. I'm glad I got nudged. And I did begin with saying "Probably out of your price range...".

gridiron whirlw · 02-13-2013, 19:07 | posts: 3,183 | Location: Ohio

Those are fantastic headphones to say the least....but alittle over his budget

scrapser · 02-13-2013, 20:26 | posts: 143 | Location: Silver Spring, MD USA

I forgot to talk about soundcards. I currently have the Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro which is getting long in the tooth. I have always liked Sound Blaster cards. Not sure if the OP has looked at their new Z series but I think based on what he will be using them for they may be worth a look. They range in price from $100 to $250 depending on the bells and whistles you need.

I think the ZX (middle card) sells for just under $150. It appears they had some software issues which held up release of the ZXR and caused problems with the Z and ZX but that appears to have been resolved now that the ZXR will be released on 2/25. There are lots of people who have posted their experiences (good and bad) on the first two cards. I think with updated drivers, the bad will likely go away.

Neo Cyrus · **Memory**: 6GB DDR3-2000 9-9-9-24-1T

What I meant was that I had never heard of that shop, of course I've heard of Beyerdynamic. I'm just suspicious of e-tailers I've never heard of since there have been a ton of fake ones. Worst case scenario I can just dispute the charge on my credit card.

Thanks for the other suggestions but I'm not spending over $1K on headphones.

I just called the office now and they said they're out of stock of the 990 Pros... but then they said it takes 3 days to get them in lol, that makes no difference to me.

I think I'm going to place the order for the 990 Pros, not the price range I was thinking of but hopefully it's as good as people say.

Now for the sound card. I'm not interested in switching to another Creative card unless they really offer some sort of audible improvement which I doubt. Especially if it's another X-Fi, they may use different Opamps but the main chip is the one and the same.

Nichtswisser · 02-14-2013, 00:13 | posts: 263

The 990 pros are a good choice, and they are really worth the price because they not just sound great but are also very well put together and won't break down without a very good reason for it. You know, like being extremely obese, somewhere between Godzilla and King Kong, and parking your huuuuuge ass on them.

With sound cards there isn't so much choice for consumer hardware, basically you have Creative and Asus, and 1 or 2 more exotic choices that are likely to have compatibility issues in games because they are rather exotic.

Something like the FiiO E17 might be worth a look. It sounds great, it's mobile, and you can get great sound out of basically anything that has an USB port without having to install or do anything apart from plugin it in. I'm very happy with mine.

scrapser · *Last edited by scrapser; 02-14-2013 at 02:45.*

May I suggest checking out the website, "www.headphone.com". They specialize in headphones and supporting equipment such as amps and DACs. They make their own brand as well as review and sell just about all headphones on the market (cheap to expensive). A great site to learn everything you could want to know about headphones. Right now, they are having a 30% off sale on a lot of their equipment. They are located in Bozeman, Montana. I have spoken with most of their people...very knowledgeable.

The new Z series from Creative is brand new technology. Don't shoot yourself in the foot by not at least looking at what they have developed.

eclap · *Last edited by eclap; 02-14-2013 at 16:56.*

Ok, I just got my AD700 today, here's my first impressions after about 2 hours of messing around with them.

1. Comfort - Excellent. I was a little bit worried when I read that they're made for bigger heads and don't really fit smaller heads. They fit me just fine. I will not go jogging wearing these, they would definitely fall off, but for sitting down to watch a film or gaming they sit on your head comfortably. There's no excessive clamping. the velour ear pads are very nice and soft. The cut out for the speaker is small-ish, but then the pads taper out and sit really nicely around your ears. there's no pressure, no discomfort at all. I have to say I'm very impressed by how comfortable they are.

2. Sound quality - so far tested with a few songs and games. After my Superlux HD668B broke, I was stuck using my old Beyerdynamic DT 231 Pro. I noticed immediately that the sound stage was very small, compared to Superlux (I had those modded slightly). Listening to music while playing PoE, I could hear music alright, but the sfx from PoE were almost unnoticeable. Tried the same thing with the AD700 and I was nicely surprised. I could hear the music clearly, on top of that I'm hearing all the sfx from PoE really clearly, REALLY clearly.

Also tried BF3 with these. Tried with dolby headphone 5.1 DH-1. They sound good, but I usually prefer my games without dolby headphone. Same with AD700. BF3 sounds awesome with AD700. But the one game that blew me away was D3. It sounds immense. I'm hearing things I was never able to pick out before. Listening to music, I had a little playlist ready to test these with. Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits sounds epic. Eric Clapton's Travelin' Light also. Jamiroquai's Rock Dust Light Star out of this world. Same artist, Hurtin', sounds amazing again. Rihanna - Rude Boy, there's a really strong and deep base drum in this song which doesn't have as much impact as it maybe should. Otherwise great again. All in all, very happy with SQ. It's obviously early stages and they'll be some tunes I won't love being played through AD700, but hey ho, nothing is perfect.

3. Setting up the headphones with Xonar control panel - Ok, here's where I'm struggling a little bit. Atm I'm running 5.1 from windows settings, that is 6 channel in Xonar cp, PCM 44.1khz. Now about gain setting. I have set it to "Pro-gaming mode for 32-64 ohms" which I thought would be the one for me, seeing as AD700 are 32 ohm phones. Then I switched to "Exciter Mode for >64 ohms headsets. This obviously made things a little too loud and I would never use over 35% master volume. So I rolled the Mixer back in the Xonar CP to 80% and the sound is now great and I can use the whole volume range.

I left the EQ pretty much untouched, I really like how these sound, didn't really need to muck about too much, just raised the Bass and Trebble a tiny bit, like 1-2 notches, left everything untouched. This is after messing with the EQ for a while, I found even flat I liked how they sounded.

Now, a few questions.

1. Use 5.1 in windows cp, even if I'm not using dolby headphone? or switch back to stereo?
2. Is it safe in the long run to use the highest gain setting with the mixer in Xonar CP rolled back a bit? or shall I use the middle gain setting?
3. Any difference in SQ or interference between connecting to the front panel or the back of the soundcard?
4. Any other tips?

Conclusion - Very happy with these. For the price I would definitely recommend them. I like these a lot more than the Superlux HD668B, although those are still an absolute steal. One thing I didn't like about the Superlux was that they were a bit tight. AD700 on the other hand are extremely comfortable. Sound wise they're great. I just really need to start converting my music to FLAC instead of silly 320kbs mp3

Neo Cyrus · **Memory**: 6GB DDR3-2000 9-9-9-24-1T

Thanks for the review, but that won't be the pair I'm going with.

However I'm still looking for suggestions/info on sound cards to replace an X-Fi Xtreme Gamer card.

Darkest · 02-15-2013, 09:42 | posts: 5,244

Both the Asus Essence ST/X and Phoebus would be a good match for higher impedance headphones. Assuming you don't have an external amp. The new Creative Z range is also worth looking at, there have been some good impressions so far on the forums. I'm guessing the DT990's you're going for are 250ohm?

nikavelli · 02-15-2013, 13:48 | posts: 348

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neo Cyrus

However I'm still looking for suggestions/info on sound cards to replace an X-Fi Xtreme Gamer card.

I've always recommended the ASUS Xonar cards. STX and Phoebus would be my top choices.

The new Soundblasters look exceptional and worth owning also. Without testing them out myself though, I'm still a little partial towards the Xonar's.

gridiron whirlw · 02-15-2013, 14:32 | posts: 3,183 | Location: Ohio

Have you decided on your headphone purchase yet?

Neo Cyrus · **Memory**: 6GB DDR3-2000 9-9-9-24-1T

Thread necromancy!

After much delay I did order the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro from them and I just picked them up. It's the 250 Ohm version which is relatively high resistance, but at least it's not the 600 Ohm version.

Now the question is, do I have a defective pair or do they just sound like trash on my setup? I'm using an X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Fatal1ty Pro and since the only amp I have lying around is my mini Fiio E5, that's what i plugged it into.

The result is the same as my phone (Galaxy Nexus), it can't handle the slightest bass adjustment, the bass turns into ****ed up static. Basically it can't have any boosted bass at all. Is this due to my equipment being inadequate due to it's high resistance?