Audio/headphone questions

S

Shockwave_Fox

Member
Hey guys

So I have been slowly going down the audiophile black hole starting with getting some Philips X2HR headphones and plugging them into my Dualsense and Xbox controller.

Ive been reading that plugging into the controller isn't the best way to get the "best" sound.
Is there any difference or benefits to plugging the headphones directly into my console though over the controller (I've got an AUX to USB-C adapter)?

I was also looking into a DAC - specifically the Soundblaster G6 - but the setup seems all over the show in regards to what to do and the results from it. Plus I only have a Macbook so wont be able to do any EQ or profile set ups or anything on it (I could do a virtual machine though to be fair).
Is a DAC worth it for improvements to the sound or just overkill?
 
You can improve the sound a lot. But I wouldn't recommend the steps needed.

Especially on Xbox.

On PS5 it would be simpler cause of usb audio out, xbox only supports e arc.
 
Philips X2HR are great. I use them on my PC (into a Behringer UMC202HD and EQ'd) and plugged into PS5 controller sometimes.
Only one way to find out. Buy from Amazon, if you don't notice a big improvement, send it back.
Going to see if my DAC works on my PS5.
 
Mr Moose said:
Philips X2HR are great. I use them on my PC (into a Behringer UMC202HD and EQ'd) and plugged into PS5 controller sometimes.
Only one way to find out. Buy from Amazon, if you don't notice a big improvement, send it back.
Going to see if my DAC works on my PS5.
Click to expand...
I had ordered a Soundblaster G6 but cancelled it due to the software bit - wanted to try the EQ settings from Oratory on it for my X2HRs.

Any luck with your DAC on PS5?
 
You can go down this black hole for sure and I would recommend ignoring all the expensive headphones and go for IEMs they will be far more impressive and will run off the dualsense perfectly.

I just got the Sennheiser IE200 (£100) and they blow my Sennheiser HD600S2 (£400) out of the water. Dont need an amp and have the presence and imaging none of my headphones have.

Throughout all of my journeys looking for the best audio, the game engine and sound design make the biggest difference.
 
Shockwave_Fox said:
Hey guys

So I have been slowly going down the audiophile black hole starting with getting some Philips X2HR headphones and plugging them into my Dualsense and Xbox controller.

Ive been reading that plugging into the controller isn't the best way to get the "best" sound.
Is there any difference or benefits to plugging the headphones directly into my console though over the controller (I've got an AUX to USB-C adapter)?

I was also looking into a DAC - specifically the Soundblaster G6 - but the setup seems all over the show in regards to what to do and the results from it. Plus I only have a Macbook so wont be able to do any EQ or profile set ups or anything on it (I could do a virtual machine though to be fair).
Is a DAC worth it for improvements to the sound or just overkill?
Click to expand...
Just ignore it, it's kinda pointless to do all of that unless you plan to have a proper audio setup with e.g. CD player / amplifier and wired headphones. It's pointless to plug something into the controller if as I understand the sound is still send wirelessly from the console to the controller, no serious audiophile will accept this convenience vs. audio quality tradeoff.

Point is the death of dedicated sound cards in the late 90s showed that gamers as a whole do not care.
 
How do the Philips headphones compare to the BeyerDynamic DT 990 Pro? I currently have those.
 
Shockwave_Fox said:
I had ordered a Soundblaster G6 but cancelled it due to the software bit - wanted to try the EQ settings from Oratory on it for my X2HRs.

Any luck with your DAC on PS5?
Click to expand...

Hey again Fox !

Brother, I've using the GC7 with the PS5 for 1+ years and it's been wonderful - it's a very nice little piece of if kit.
The GC6 may sound a wee bit better BUT, isn't as customizable as the GC7 where you can adjust EVERYTHING via the (Android /iOS) phone app and save it as a preset.
The GC7 has :
- custom game profiles list provided by Creative.
- customizable EQ
- customizable game/voice chat level
- on the fly treble/bass adjustments via the console's knobs
- customizable function console buttons (presets/functions/button color)
- passthrough for optical cable
- customizable crossover frequency slider

Also, the amplification it provides is L O U D, I had it paired with the Cloud Alpha and I was very satisfied with the results.

I also tried it with the Fidelios X2HR with the same, good results.

Cheers
 
TrebleShot said:
Throughout all of my journeys looking for the best audio, the game engine and sound design make the biggest difference.
Click to expand...
This last point is really starting to hit me - I feel like last gen games had so much more "oomph" to them than games released recently for some reason.
 
Giallo Corsa said:
Hey again Fox !

Brother, I've using the GC7 with the PS5 for 1+ years and it's been wonderful - it's a very nice little piece of if kit.
The GC6 may sound a wee bit better BUT, isn't as customizable as the GC7 where you can adjust EVERYTHING via the (Android /iOS) phone app and save it as a preset.
The GC7 has :
- custom game profiles list provided by Creative.
- customizable EQ
- customizable game/voice chat level
- on the fly treble/bass adjustments via the console's knobs
- customizable function console buttons (presets/functions/button color)
- passthrough for optical cable
- customizable crossover frequency slider

Also, the amplification it provides is L O U D, I had it paired with the Cloud Alpha and I was very satisfied with the results.

I also tried it with the Fidelios X2HR with the same, good results.

Cheers
Click to expand...
Hey GC

I was loking at that and can get a decent price for a B-stock one direct from Creative.

How easy is it to set all this up - EQ and profiles etc?
And does it actually make much difference over plugging into the controller - thats what is unclear to me honestly.

I think what I want really is a way to EQ my headphones better to clear up the sometimes muddy Tempest sound.

I tried turning it off and going back to stereo but I really like the sound coming from around me rather than just into my left or right ear - it feels uncomfortable like that now and like its being "forced" into my ear drum!
 
Shockwave_Fox said:
This last point is really starting to hit me - I feel like last gen games had so much more "oomph" to them than games released recently for some reason.
Click to expand...
Yeah I have noticed this too, I think its the move to 3D audio, most people dont set their sound settings on the console/pc and the game itself to match and the auto modes are often wrong.
 
TrebleShot said:
Yeah I have noticed this too, I think its the move to 3D audio, most people dont set their sound settings on the console/pc and the game itself to match and the auto modes are often wrong.
Click to expand...
Its a lot of faff - especially on PS5.

Atmos on Series X is pretty much set and forget and sounds great everywhere.

Tempest is good but sounds muffled a lot - like in Metro Exodus - gunshots sound muffled on PS5 but crisp and clear on Series X with Atmos.
 
Shockwave_Fox said:
Its a lot of faff - especially on PS5.

Atmos on Series X is pretty much set and forget and sounds great everywhere.

Tempest is good but sounds muffled a lot - like in Metro Exodus - gunshots sound muffled on PS5 but crisp and clear on Series X with Atmos.
Click to expand...
Yeah sony didnt want to spend the licensing cost to get Atmos at launch, so developed Tempest which isnt widely supported outside of first party and some partners. So you get this strange upmix of 5.1 on alot of games.

They do support it now on speakers which is good but its not like it would be if it was from launch. Just another weird arse-backward thing sony have done. On PC its a toggle in the sound menu but you have to buy a one off license, not sure why Sony didnt do something like that.
 
Shockwave_Fox said:
Hey GC

I was loking at that and can get a decent price for a B-stock one direct from Creative.

How easy is it to set all this up - EQ and profiles etc?
And does it actually make much difference over plugging into the controller - thats what is unclear to me honestly.

I think what I want really is a way to EQ my headphones better to clear up the sometimes muddy Tempest sound.

I tried turning it off and going back to stereo but I really like the sound coming from around me rather than just into my left or right ear - it feels uncomfortable like that now and like its being "forced" into my ear drum!
Click to expand...


Hey Fox

Man, the difference between having your headphones plugged into the joypad itself Vs the GC7 is...NIGHT AND DAY.
Max volume/amplification can get 10x louder (you can raise it until your eardrums start bleeding basically) and clarity is also better, and, come to think of it, the "muffled" sound due to Tempest wasn't as bad compared to having it enabled while using wireless headphones (if you remember, I started noticing it when I got my wireless headset).

UI is pretty intuitive (you can create your own custom profiles) and the EQ is slider based.
Trust me, you can customize this thing pretty well.

I know that there are many DACs/Amps out there (Schiit etc) but, I've been very happy with the GC7, can't really complain about it (got it for 90€ during an Amazon flash sale).

If you have the Fidelios X2HR, a DAC/amp like the GC7 is not only a plus but...needed, you'll really bring your headphones alive this way 😉
 
Giallo Corsa said:
Hey Fox

Man, the difference between having your headphones plugged into the joypad itself Vs the GC7 is...NIGHT AND DAY.
Max volume/amplification can get 10x louder (you can raise it until your eardrums start bleeding basically) and clarity is also better, and, come to think of it, the "muffled" sound due to Tempest wasn't as bad compared to having it enabled while using wireless headphones (if you remember, I started noticing it when I got my wireless headset).

UI is pretty intuitive (you can create your own custom profiles) and the EQ is slider based.
Trust me, you can customize this thing pretty well.

I know that there are many DACs/Amps out there (Schiit etc) but, I've been very happy with the GC7, can't really complain about it (got it for 90€ during an Amazon flash sale).

If you have the Fidelios X2HR, a DAC/amp like the GC7 is not only a plus but...needed, you'll really bring your headphones alive this way 😉
Click to expand...

Hey GC

Nice, thanks for the write up!

I actually just bought a Fosi K5 Pro to try out as it was cheaper than the GC7 and G6 plus I got 15% off too - still interested in the Soundblaster stuff but struggling to justify buying one when its more expensive than my actual headphones! :messenger_tears_of_joy:

Its coming tomorrow so will try it out and drop an update.
 
Found a Soundblaster G6 used like new for half the price of a new one so grabbed that too....comes Friday.

My missus is super excited for the sound testing comparisons coming along this week....:messenger_bicep:
 
So my experiences with the 2 DACs - not impressed and not really sure what the fuss is either.

Fosi K5 Pro - couldnt hear any discernible difference using this over my dual sense jack - sent back.

Soundblaster G6 - this did have some small sound differences but nothing worth the asking price honestly.

Overall, not impressed with either and cant see any benefits of using them over the DS jack and just turning the volume up!
 
Shockwave_Fox said:
I had ordered a Soundblaster G6 but cancelled it due to the software bit - wanted to try the EQ settings from Oratory on it for my X2HRs.

Any luck with your DAC on PS5?
Click to expand...
I'm actually shocked in 2025 that I'm hearing the brand Soundblaster. I just assumed they went out of business lol
 
The best headphones for console gaming is the Audeze Maxwell.

On my main PC, I use either the Sennheiser HD490 Pro, AUNE AR5000, or HiFi-Man Edition XS on a FIOS K11 DAC/AMP.
 
Speaking of, I kinda need a new headset (that is, something with a mic). My Redragon something-or-other is slowly self-dismantling itself due to wear (it's now equal parts superglue and plastic), and I don't want to fall back on my Porta Pro Wireless, since they're too flimsy for regular use (decent sound, tho), plus I want a wired set for the desktop.
One thing I would prefer, is not having in-line volume controls. They're useless, since I just tweak the desktop controls.
What would be a decent choice, without breaking the bank? No in-ears, hate 'em. Only use my Sony WF-C500s when listening to stuff while cooking (noisy electric hood). Also, preferably over-ear instead of on-ear. Have bad memories of some Audio Technica ATH-S200BT, the most uncomfortable headphones I've ever owned.
 
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Shockwave_Fox said:
So my experiences with the 2 DACs - not impressed and not really sure what the fuss is either.

Fosi K5 Pro - couldnt hear any discernible difference using this over my dual sense jack - sent back.

Soundblaster G6 - this did have some small sound differences but nothing worth the asking price honestly.

Overall, not impressed with either and cant see any benefits of using them over the DS jack and just turning the volume up!
Click to expand...
Are you connecting via USB or using a USB to optical adapter and then connecting?
 
Nikodemos said:
Speaking of, I kinda need a new headset (that is, something with a mic). My Redragon something-or-other is slowly self-dismantling itself due to wear (it's now equal parts superglue and plastic), and I don't want to fall back on my Porta Pro Wireless, since they're too flimsy for regular use (decent sound, tho), plus I want a wired set for the desktop.
One thing I would prefer, is not having in-line volume controls. They're useless, since I just tweak the desktop controls.
What would be a decent choice, without breaking the bank? No in-ears, hate 'em. Only use my Sony WF-C500s when listening to stuff while cooking (noisy electric hood). Also, preferably over-ear instead of on-ear. Have bad memories of some Audio Technica ATH-S200BT, the most uncomfortable headphones I've ever owned.
Click to expand...
I got some X2HRs I can recommend which are wired and over ear - really comfy too. Use a v-moda with them for chatting.

Wireless I have Sony Pulse 3D and the official Xbox ones.

Some of the other recommendations here are really good as well.
 
Shockwave_Fox said:
So my experiences with the 2 DACs - not impressed and not really sure what the fuss is either.

Fosi K5 Pro - couldnt hear any discernible difference using this over my dual sense jack - sent back.

Soundblaster G6 - this did have some small sound differences but nothing worth the asking price honestly.

Overall, not impressed with either and cant see any benefits of using them over the DS jack and just turning the volume up!
Click to expand...

I don't get it, either these 2 are different than my GC7 or...you're halfway deaf Fox 😁😁🤣

Max Volume output is 10x louder (and even more if you turn on the "gain" switch) with my GC7 compared to my DS 3.5 jack so I don't get why the GC6 wouldn't be as loud...
IIRC, I read somewhere that the volume on the fosi K5 got gimped due to an update or something 🤔

I'll have to suggest the GC7 again if you want LOUD volume output

Cheers
 
Nikodemos said:
Speaking of, I kinda need a new headset (that is, something with a mic). My Redragon something-or-other is slowly self-dismantling itself due to wear (it's now equal parts superglue and plastic), and I don't want to fall back on my Porta Pro Wireless, since they're too flimsy for regular use (decent sound, tho), plus I want a wired set for the desktop.
One thing I would prefer, is not having in-line volume controls. They're useless, since I just tweak the desktop controls.
What would be a decent choice, without breaking the bank? No in-ears, hate 'em. Only use my Sony WF-C500s when listening to stuff while cooking (noisy electric hood). Also, preferably over-ear instead of on-ear. Have bad memories of some Audio Technica ATH-S200BT, the most uncomfortable headphones I've ever owned.
Click to expand...

Most are gonna start recommending you 300-400 Eurdollars headphones like the Audeze Maxwell etc, instead, if you want some very decent and cheap-ish, take a look at the hyper x Cloud Alpha (wired), Philips Fidelio X2HR, Sennheiser 560S.

With the exception of the sennheisers, The rest have a v-shaped sound profile which is very good and "fun" Both for movie watching and gaming 😉

Most Anker Soundcore headphones are also VERY decent and cheap, the Q30 for example are very good for movies and gaming - they're BT so you'll have to connect them to your TV, or, pairing them to a gaming Bluetooth USB adapter connected directly to the PS5.
Even when connected to the TV the audio lag is almost imperceptible...
 
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Shockwave_Fox said:
I tried both.

Optical was better overall but wasnt a super major upgrade in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Could be the usb to optical adapter. Some of them have issues drawing enough power from the USB ports.
Volume should not be an issue. So something is up there.
If you got usb to optical out to amp you're just adding an optical port to the PS5. Definitely should be very loud after you amp that
 
I recommend a decent DAC/Amp like Schiit Gunnr (if in US) or a similar level combo from another vendor (Fiio, JD Labs, Topping, etc) and a good pair of headphones that can take a microphone line Hifiman Edition XS or one of Sennheiser cans. There are microphone solutions available for each.
 
Giallo Corsa said:
I don't get it, either these 2 are different than my GC7 or...you're halfway deaf Fox 😁😁🤣

Max Volume output is 10x louder (and even more if you turn on the "gain" switch) with my GC7 compared to my DS 3.5 jack so I don't get why the GC6 wouldn't be as loud...
IIRC, I read somewhere that the volume on the fosi K5 got gimped due to an update or something 🤔

I'll have to suggest the GC7 again if you want LOUD volume output

Cheers
Click to expand...
Haha the volume was fine on both DACs and its fine from my DS as well - I was hoping Id get more clarity and detail, more oomph from using a DAC.

Its weird - when I tried to G6 on my Mac quickly before the PS5 it sounded amazing on a Space Marine 2 video - exactly what I was hoping for! Just sounded really aneamic on console though.

I cant set profiles up as I dont have windows so not sure if that would make much difference?

Funny enough - the new audio focus update boosting quiet sounds has given me more of the sound I wanted :messenger_grinning_smiling:
 
FrankWza said:
Could be the usb to optical adapter. Some of them have issues drawing enough power from the USB ports.
Volume should not be an issue. So something is up there.
If you got usb to optical out to amp you're just adding an optical port to the PS5. Definitely should be very loud after you amp that
Click to expand...
I think I was just expecting more of an impact than it being louder - Im not one to have my headphones super loud as I have blasted my ears a bit with guitar amps so try to protect my hearing more than anything.

I wanted an improvement to the sound from games - more oomph, clarity and crispness - but I do think games audio mixes maybe arent the best really (game dependant).
 
Shockwave_Fox said:
I think I was just expecting more of an impact than it being louder - Im not one to have my headphones super loud as I have blasted my ears a bit with guitar amps so try to protect my hearing more than anything.

I wanted an improvement to the sound from games - more oomph, clarity and crispness - but I do think games audio mixes maybe arent the best really (game dependant).
Click to expand...
Yeah, I recommended trying a more audio oriented DAC/AMP combo. Depending on your country location, DACs/AMPs from Schiit , JDS Labs, Fiio, Topping and more could be a better bet. Of course headphones matter as well.
 
I have always used soundcards all the way back from the Audigy 2 days. I just bought a new PC but the mobo didn't come with a PC Ex1 slot to hook up my tried and True Soundblaster Z. I be damned if was going to use the trash onboard sound from the mobo so I ordered a Soundblaster G6. The G6 was of course a major improvement over my onboard sound but the sound from the G6 always stopped working. I had to reboot my PC to get the sound to work again, then after awhile the sound would cut out again. This is with the lastest drivers. So I returned the G6 and I'm going to try the G8 and hope I do not run into the same issue.
 
Nikodemos said:
I've noticed they're surprisingly cheap for a "gaming" headset. Cheaper than several of the other mentioned options.
Click to expand...

They are, also, they're very good for gaming/movies.
V shaped profile, good treble, good bass (but not overly bassy), very good build quality.

I've had them for 4 years now and not only they're still working perfectly but besides the ear cushions which I had to swap due to the leatherette crumbling the rest of the headset is still in mint condition.

To make you understand, the sound is VERY close to something like the Philips Fidelio X2HR which go for almost 150 Eurdollars.

I'd suggest them wholeheartedly, they're very good for what they are 😉
 
I think Im gonna bring my audio obession journey to an end now haha

I think Im pretty much chasing the dragon at this point - I am going to try EQ'ing my headphones on the Dolby Atmos Headphones app on Series X to the Auto EQ settings to see if that makes any difference.

Just wish there was an EQ option on PS5 at system level or an app available to do it like in Atmos.
 
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