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The Official Headphone Thread 2.5: We're Making WAVs and Catching FLAC

M

matmanx1

Member
disillusion386 said:
I posted in the thread about gaming headsets, but that thread seems to be getting buried. I'm hoping someone here could help out with some advice. I read the OP a bit, but I'm still not sure what to get. Basically, I'm just looking to get better audio while gaming (and listening to music), have a mic when needed, and not break the bank too much. Any help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I saw someone above suggested it already but yeah, the Phillips SHP9500 and the V-Moda boom mic would be a great way to go on the cheap.

Cans: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ENMK1DW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJ17WKK/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Melhisedek said:
Ok guys,
I just came home with my Philips Fidelio X2s and connected them to my main rig and right away I see I have a problem. I have ASUS P8Z77-V PRO motherboard and 6 different colored connections in the back. I only use green one for my cheapo 2.1 speakers.

Now I would like to use both speakers and the headphones but no way I'm gonna crawl behind desk to change cables every time I need to switch.

So I found an old Y-switcher and it works but everything sounds a looot lower (probably as signal splits into two). I have some forward facing 3.5 mm openings but afaik they have never been working, perhaps they are not even connected, but I don't know how to check.

So what is the best and if possible cheapest solution to my problems? It would be perfect if both speakers and headphones were always playing and I could just choose myself what to listen to. Worst case scenario if there was some switch or something.

Also another thing is that headphones sound kinda low even when I crank sound to 100 in Windows. I was expecting "hearloss" (joking), but it is barely loud, and this is with headphones connected directly to motherboard green 3.5mm port so no Y-splitter.
Is that normal or can I do something there as well? I mean my cheap, cheap 2.1 speakers sound very loud from the same port.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

You need MOR POWAH! But seriously, your mobo doesn't have enough juice. I would suggest purchasing a cheap (but good) DAC/amp for your X2's as they will benefit greatly from a better source. The Schiit Fulla 2 is about as good as you will ever find for $99.

Hook it up USB and Windows will see it as another sound card. Set it to default to use your headphones and then set your internal sound card to default to use your speakers. This is exactly how I control my setup at my house and it works very well. I even have a shortcut on my PC desktop for "sound properties" that I can open quickly to switch the default sound card between my internal (for speakers) and Fostex DAC/amp (for headphones).

Yes, you could use an external switching device but buying a dedicated DAC/amp will allow your X2's (or other headphones in the future) to sound much better and operate more to their potential. Just my suggestion.
 
M

MyNameIsRye

Member
matmanx1 said:
You need MOR POWAH! But seriously, your mobo doesn't have enough juice. I would suggest purchasing a cheap (but good) DAC/amp for your X2's as they will benefit greatly from a better source. The Schiit Fulla 2 is about as good as you will ever find for $99.

Hook it up USB and Windows will see it as another sound card. Set it to default to use your headphones and then set your internal sound card to default to use your speakers. This is exactly how I control my setup at my house and it works very well. I even have a shortcut on my PC desktop for "sound properties" that I can open quickly to switch the default sound card between my internal (for speakers) and Fostex DAC/amp (for headphones).

Yes, you could use an external switching device but buying a dedicated DAC/amp will allow your X2's (or other headphones in the future) to sound much better and operate more to their potential. Just my suggestion.
Click to expand...

Do the schiit fullas work on PS4 and xbox one?
 
M

Melhisedek

Member
matmanx1 said:
You need MOR POWAH! But seriously, your mobo doesn't have enough juice. I would suggest purchasing a cheap (but good) DAC/amp for your X2's as they will benefit greatly from a better source. The Schiit Fulla 2 is about as good as you will ever find for $99.

Hook it up USB and Windows will see it as another sound card. Set it to default to use your headphones and then set your internal sound card to default to use your speakers. This is exactly how I control my setup at my house and it works very well. I even have a shortcut on my PC desktop for "sound properties" that I can open quickly to switch the default sound card between my internal (for speakers) and Fostex DAC/amp (for headphones).

Yes, you could use an external switching device but buying a dedicated DAC/amp will allow your X2's (or other headphones in the future) to sound much better and operate more to their potential. Just my suggestion.
Click to expand...

Damn,
I searched all over the place and I can't seem to find this particular part anywhere in sweden (checked the great britain amazon as well). Any other similar perhaps not as high end dac/amp that would do the job and perhaps be more available?
 
D

disillusion386

Member
Lockjaw333 said:
Your plan is solid, however Sennheisers have a proprietary twist lock mechanism on the cable jack so the v-moda boom mic won't work (unless you want to mod the lock out which I'm assuming you don't want to do).

This will work, it works on my 598 cs:

Boom Microphone Universal Volume for gaming PS4 Xbox One PC Laptop iphone Android phone to Sennheiser HD598 HD558 HD518 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ATH-M4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IRCRCL2/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Also you may want to have a look at the 598 SE, as those are black instead of tan/brown:

Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition Over-Ear Headphones - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0126HISOO/?tag=neogaf0e-20

And as an alternative to the 598, have a look at the Philips shp9500. They are much cheaper ($56 right now on Newegg) and many believe they are just as good. These will accept the v-moda boom mic:

https://m.newegg.com/product/index?itemnumber=N82E16826138190
Click to expand...

Awesome. Thanks for the heads up on the mic. I definitely won't feel comfortable modding the headphones. I also don't mind getting the Sennheisers, but will definitely look into the Philips ones.

matmanx1 said:
I saw someone above suggested it already but yeah, the Phillips SHP9500 and the V-Moda boom mic would be a great way to go on the cheap.

Cans: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ENMK1DW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Mic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJ17WKK/?tag=neogaf0e-20
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'll look into these.

Do you know if I need anything else to be able to use this set up with the PS4 and Xbox? Like can I just plug them in directly into the controllers or should I get an amp/DAC?
 
L

Lockjaw333

Member
disillusion386 said:
Awesome. Thanks for the heads up on the mic. I definitely won't feel comfortable modding the headphones. I also don't mind getting the Sennheisers, but will definitely look into the Philips ones.



Thanks! I'll look into these.

Do you know if I need anything else to be able to use this set up with the PS4 and Xbox? Like can I just plug them in directly into the controllers or should I get an amp/DAC?
Click to expand...

Directly into the controller unless you have your ps4 like on a desk setup and are right near it, then you may want to look into a DAC for better audio quality. The audio through the ds4 over Bluetooth isn't the best but you are probably fine with it. I always use the controller and it's fine.

If you get a DAC make it an optical one, as Xbox does not support USB audio devices. But again I don't think you need it.

So two choices, 598s with the ketdirect mic or shp9500 with the v-moda boom mic. The first will end up costing like $100 more, but the 598 are one of the most popular cans out there and many love them. Many people love the shp9500 and believe they are just as good. Your call.
 
D

disillusion386

Member
Lockjaw333 said:
Directly into the controller unless you have your ps4 like on a desk setup and are right near it, then you may want to look into a DAC for better audio quality. The audio through the ds4 over Bluetooth isn't the best but you are probably fine with it. I always use the controller and it's fine.

If you get a DAC make it an optical one, as Xbox does not support USB audio devices. But again I don't think you need it.

So two choices, 598s with the ketdirect mic or shp9500 with the v-moda boom mic. The first will end up costing like $100 more, but the 598 are one of the most popular cans out there and many love them. Many people love the shp9500 and believe they are just as good. Your call.
Click to expand...

Fantastic. Yeah, I'll get them, see how the audio quality is, and decide whether I need a DAC. Thanks for all the advice!
 
D

deoee

Member
Short update:

I'm suprised. After listening to the HD 8 for some time now I find it hard to switch back to the HD 598. For some reason, especially in the treble, I feel like the HD 598 sound... cheap and lack smoothness.
When a high voice (e.g. Starlight by Muse) sounds awesome and soft on the HD 8 and I switch to the HD 598 it feels kinda distorted, artificial nearly.

I can only recommend to look up the Sennheiser HD 7/8 series, especially with the current price of the HD 7: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I117M2O/?tag=neogaf0e-20
 
Garou

Garou

Member
Slightly technical question: A friend has a pair of urBeats and the little red grill/filter that is glued to the speaker-"hole" came off on both sides. Is it OK to use them without? I guess dirt would be an issue, but could there be any harm to the ears if you go without?
 
J

Jabronium

Member
Few more hours in with the Teaks. Still haven't tried the ebony cups yet but continue to be blown away. The different drums and cymbals actually have distinct, different sounds rather than just *thud*. Continue to be able to pick out nuances in guitars and vocals that had previously gone unnoticed and am able to follow along with the bass line that had previously been buried. I'm still a relative noob in the world of mid-fi so I'm still unsure about applying some of the terminology, but I can definitely hear what Tyll meant when he said these have a very liquid sound.
 
M

MyNameIsRye

Member
I've narrowed my choices down to the Fidelio X2's, and the Sennheisers HD 598s. There is a huge gap in price with these 2, and while the money isn't really an issue, I'm not interested in paying $100 more for the X2's if the price isn't worth it. What do you guys think?

Also I think I'm just going to go with the Astro mix amp for PS4/PC.

Haven't decided on a mic yet, since I guess it depends what headphones I end up with.

Does this look like a good set up?
 
Xander51

Xander51

Member
Garou said:
Slightly technical question: A friend has a pair of urBeats and the little red grill/filter that is glued to the speaker-"hole" came off on both sides. Is it OK to use them without? I guess dirt would be an issue, but could there be any harm to the ears if you go without?
Click to expand...

Shouldn't hurt your ears, no. That material is designed to be acoustically transparent, more or less. However, now dirt and ear wax can go straight into the driver so be a bit careful. If stuff gets down there, it could impact the sound quality or damage the driver outright.
 
M

MyNameIsRye

Member
Came into some extra money thanks to the super bowl. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the X2, and V-Moda boom pro.

As someone who mainly games on PS4 is this a good way too go?

I also need more recommendations for a mix amp (if needed) that will work on PS4/PC. Xbox one would be nice also. I was thinking the Astro mix amp, but since I'm getting the X2's now, I think I might prefer something a bit cheaper.
 
E

e90Mark

Member
MyNameIsRye said:
Came into some extra money thanks to the super bowl. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the X2, and V-Moda boom pro.

As someone who mainly games on PS4 is this a good way too go?

I also need more recommendations for a mix amp (if needed) that will work on PS4/PC. Xbox one would be nice also. I was thinking the Astro mix amp, but since I'm getting the X2's now, I think I might prefer something a bit cheaper.
Click to expand...

I use the X2/BoomPro. Great set up.

If you want the latest and greatest, the Astro Mixamp TR works with all your platforms. If you need voice chat, the Xbox version will work on the PS4 in PC mode.
 
M

MyNameIsRye

Member
e90Mark said:
I use the X2/BoomPro. Great set up.

If you want the latest and greatest, the Astro Mixamp TR works with all your platforms. If you need voice chat, the Xbox version will work on the PS4 in PC mode.
Click to expand...

Do you use an amp for the X2's? Are these sufficient just plugging into the controller?

Does the amp provide more clarity in sound, or just better volume control?
 
E

e90Mark

Member
MyNameIsRye said:
Do you use an amp for the X2's? Are these sufficient just plugging into the controller?

Does the amp provide more clarity in sound, or just better volume control?
Click to expand...

I use the Mixamp TR. Considering the ohm rating of the X2's, it would be sufficient plugging them into the controller.

Personally, don't know if it does/would provide more clarity in sound as I've only ever used them with the Mixamp, but the volume control is the biggest thing I like.

(I only use this on PC btw, I have no consoles)
 
A

Ashhong

Member
So I've decided to return my HD558 because I don't think it's that worth it over my M50. What is a better open headphones that might have a little extra bass? I know open doesn't have much bass but still. I paid 75 for the 558 so I guess maybe around 150$?

Also, the Fiio 10k dac/amp is on mass drop for like 65$. Is that a good dac/amp or should I spend more for the Fulla 2? I don't have any super fancy headphones, and mainly want it for my PC but a portable amp sometimes is nice too
 
M

MyNameIsRye

Member
e90Mark said:
I use the X2/BoomPro. Great set up.

If you want the latest and greatest, the Astro Mixamp TR works with all your platforms. If you need voice chat, the Xbox version will work on the PS4 in PC mode.
Click to expand...

Nice, thanks for pointing that out. I'll look into the Xbox one then.
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Ashhong said:
So I've decided to return my HD558 because I don't think it's that worth it over my M50. What is a better open headphones that might have a little extra bass? I know open doesn't have much bass but still. I paid 75 for the 558 so I guess maybe around 150$?

Also, the Fiio 10k dac/amp is on mass drop for like 65$. Is that a good dac/amp or should I spend more for the Fulla 2? I don't have any super fancy headphones, and mainly want it for my PC but a portable amp sometimes is nice too
Click to expand...
http://fischeraudio.com/shop/fa-011/
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Ashhong said:
Nice thanks, this seems pretty much what I want. Any other suggestions?

And what about the DAC/amp?
Click to expand...
Well if you can afford Fidelio X1/X2 or the original HE-400 but those are gonna be more. As for the setup depends on what you need, portability? Compatability with gaming consoles or other entities? Budget?
 
Master Of Illusion

Master Of Illusion

Member
Looking to upgrade my DAP. I like the sound of my iBasso Dx50 (have the 1.9.4 firmware which sounds nice and wide), but the interface is starting to bug the hell out of me and the company pretty much abandoned that model, so I'm thinking of upgrading to this:

http://ibasso.com/cp_xq_dy.php?id=4898

It IS very pricey and I'm afraid the android tech may interfere with the sound quality, but it does have 2 Sabre DAC chips built in and a great looking UI.

Between this and similar level Fiio and Astell & Kern models, anyone here have a preference / experience to help me throw out my hard earned cash?
 
A

Ashhong

Member
HiResDes said:
Well if you can afford Fidelio X1/X2 or the original HE-400 but those are gonna be more. As for the setup depends on what you need, portability? Compatability with gaming consoles or other entities? Budget?
Click to expand...

Ah, so that's the best option at my price range? Would like something higher end like the HD650, but that's probably more down the road.

The DAC/amp is mostly for home listening, mainly on my PC. The only portability I would need is for when I move it to my bed probably. Budget is technically 100$, but if the Fiio 10K is comparable to the Fulla 2 I wouldn't mind saving 40$

God dammit, now I'm also considering upgrading to the 598 instead. Disregarding my love of bass, are the 598s worth 50+$ upgrade cost from the 558? Man I hate the headphone game, I can't decide what I like for myself
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Ashhong said:
Ah, so that's the best option at my price range? Would like something higher end like the HD650, but that's probably more down the road.

The DAC/amp is mostly for home listening, mainly on my PC. The only portability I would need is for when I move it to my bed probably. Budget is technically 100$, but if the Fiio 10K is comparable to the Fulla 2 I wouldn't mind saving 40$

God dammit, now I'm also considering upgrading to the 598 instead. Disregarding my love of bass, are the 598s worth 50+$ upgrade cost from the 558? Man I hate the headphone game, I can't decide what I like for myself
Click to expand...
I don't think the Fidelio is superior just more balanced, albeit still on the bassy side. The Fischer is undeniably fun though. Fulla 2 might be your best bet, I'd stay away from the 650 until you have at least like $250 to spend on your setup. I wouldn't bother with the 598 it seems like that's probably just not the sound signature for you.
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Master_Of_Illusion said:
Looking to upgrade my DAP. I like the sound of my iBasso Dx50 (have the 1.9.4 firmware which sounds nice and wide), but the interface is starting to bug the hell out of me and the company pretty much abandoned that model, so I'm thinking of upgrading to this:

http://ibasso.com/cp_xq_dy.php?id=4898

It IS very pricey and I'm afraid the android tech may interfere with the sound quality, but it does have 2 Sabre DAC chips built in and a great looking UI.

Between this and similar level Fiio and Astell & Kern models, anyone here have a preference / experience to help me throw out my hard earned cash?
Click to expand...
I'd just save that money and cop the Xduoo X3 and Rockbox it.
 
S

SolarMystic

Member
Ashhong said:
Ah, so that's the best option at my price range? Would like something higher end like the HD650, but that's probably more down the road.

The DAC/amp is mostly for home listening, mainly on my PC. The only portability I would need is for when I move it to my bed probably. Budget is technically 100$, but if the Fiio 10K is comparable to the Fulla 2 I wouldn't mind saving 40$

God dammit, now I'm also considering upgrading to the 598 instead. Disregarding my love of bass, are the 598s worth 50+$ upgrade cost from the 558? Man I hate the headphone game, I can't decide what I like for myself
Click to expand...

I would stay away from the e10k now that the Fulla 2 exists.
 
A

Ashhong

Member
HiResDes said:
I don't think the Fidelio is superior just more balanced, albeit still on the bassy side. The Fischer is undeniably fun though. Fulla 2 might be your best bet, I'd stay away from the 650 until you have at least like $250 to spend on your setup. I wouldn't bother with the 598 it seems like that's probably just not the sound signature for you.
Click to expand...

SolarMystic said:
I would stay away from the e10k now that the Fulla 2 exists.
Click to expand...

Thank you both. Just realized the terms of what I'm looking for are "open and fun". How is the "openness" of the Fischer? Comparable or better than the 558? Will look at the Fulla 2 for my next upgrade after headphones too.

Next on my list...IEM. The ride just never stops! RE-00 came back on Massdrop and I'm thinking of picking those up, but was told it's not bassy at all, so not sure about that. They are just so cheap...
 
S

SolarMystic

Member
Ashhong said:
Thank you both. Just realized the terms of what I'm looking for are "open and fun". How is the "openness" of the Fischer? Comparable or better than the 558? Will look at the Fulla 2 for my next upgrade after headphones too.

Next on my list...IEM. The ride just never stops! RE-00 came back on Massdrop and I'm thinking of picking those up, but was told it's not bassy at all, so not sure about that. They are just so cheap...
Click to expand...

"Fun" is very subjective, but usually that means V-shaped to most people. I believe the Fischer is closed back. In that case, I'll second the recommendation for the Fidelio X2.

The RE-00 is not bassy at all. If you want bass, look at the Shure SE215. They go on sale for around $60 every so often. I'm sure there are others that can have more recommendations when it comes to IEMs though.
 
Master Of Illusion

Master Of Illusion

Member
HiResDes said:
I'd just save that money and cop the Xduoo X3 and Rockbox it.
Click to expand...

I installed Rockbox in my Dx50 once and the interface was even worse to navigate than the default iBasso firmware (I liked the extra EQ settings on Rockbox though), but then again that's because the Dx50 relies on such a small touchscreen.
 
A

Ashhong

Member
SolarMystic said:
"Fun" is very subjective, but usually that means V-shaped to most people. I believe the Fischer is closed back. In that case, I'll second the recommendation for the Fidelio X2.

The RE-00 is not bassy at all. If you want bass, look at the Shure SE215. They go on sale for around $60 every so often. I'm sure there are others that can have more recommendations when it comes to IEMs though.
Click to expand...

Yea sorry, by "fun" I mean more towards v shaped. The Fischer is actually open as well. However, if the X2 are that much better, I wouldn't mind holding off a bit and getting those instead. Reviews seem pretty great for those as well

I'll check out those Shure as well, thanks
 
H

HiResDes

Member
SolarMystic said:
"Fun" is very subjective, but usually that means V-shaped to most people. I believe the Fischer is closed back. In that case, I'll second the recommendation for the Fidelio X2.

The RE-00 is not bassy at all. If you want bass, look at the Shure SE215. They go on sale for around $60 every so often. I'm sure there are others that can have more recommendations when it comes to IEMs though.
Click to expand...
The Fischer is definitely not closed back. I currently own the X1 and they're pretty good, but in terms awe inspiring bass and excitement I miss the Fischer that I sold before them.
 
M

MyNameIsRye

Member
Just curious how often this kind of stuff goes on sale. X2's are $250, and the Astro mixamp is $130. Am I better off holding out for a sale price?
 
A

Ashhong

Member
MyNameIsRye said:
Just curious how often this kind of stuff goes on sale. X2's are $250, and the Astro mixamp is $130. Am I better off holding out for a sale price?
Click to expand...

Lowest I found the X2 was 200$ from Massdrop last year. You can find it for 200$ on Amazon Warehouse deals right now

---

How is this dac/amp? https://www.massdrop.com/buy/creative-sound-blaster-e5-usb-dac-amp-combo?referer=CXQ8P9

HiResDes said:
The Fischer is definitely not closed back. I currently own the X1 and they're pretty good, but in terms awe inspiring bass and excitement I miss the Fischer that I sold before them.
Click to expand...

Awe inspiring bass and excitement? Goddamn! I was thinking of saving for the X2 since it seems to be critically acclaimed, but you are selling me on these Fischer
 
H

HiResDes

Member
Meh reviews

Ashhong said:
Lowest I found the X2 was 200$ from Massdrop last year. You can find it for 200$ on Amazon Warehouse deals right now

---

How is this dac/amp? https://www.massdrop.com/buy/creative-sound-blaster-e5-usb-dac-amp-combo?referer=CXQ8P9



Awe inspiring bass and excitement? Goddamn! I was thinking of saving for the X2 since it seems to be critically acclaimed, but you are selling me on these Fischer
Click to expand...

They're really not much different, they both are pretty peaky treble wise and have some problems in the midrange especially when the Fischer aren't amped enough, but the FA-011 is pretty much an X1 with the bass turned up to 11.
 
K

K.Jack

Knowledge is power, guard it well
The Fischer FA-011 feels like the best headphone purchase I've made.

Even beyond the amazing bass, it is still technically detailed, with great layering, soundstage, and directionality.
 
P

pseudocaesar

Member
Any opinions on either the Sony MDRZX110NC or Sennheiser HD 4.20s? Both cost the same, just wondering whether anyone has any strong opinions either way.
 
A

Ashhong

Member
HiResDes said:
Meh reviews



They're really not much different, they both are pretty peaky treble wise and have some problems in the midrange especially when the Fischer aren't amped enough, but the FA-011 is pretty much an X1 with the bass turned up to 11.
Click to expand...

K.Jack said:
The Fischer FA-011 feels like the best headphone purchase I've made.

Even beyond the amazing bass, it is still technically detailed, with great layering, soundstage, and directionality.
Click to expand...

Jesus Christ lol, such high praise. Ok, returning my 558 tomorrow and ordering the Fischer. Thanks!

How does the openness of the soundstage compare to the 558?
 
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