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3DS Weak Audio Output Fix for Under $30

C

CoachKevin

Member
If you listen to Back in my Play or the episodes I have been on the Player One Podcast, you may have heard me address how weak the audio output is on the Nintendo 3DS/XL (and also Vita 1000). Even with earbuds the volume can't reach enjoyable levels, let along a decent set of headphones like the ATH-50s.

I found a solution for under $30 that will bring new life to your 3DS, the Fiio E6 portable amp. It is 2x2" amp that is more than enough to power my ATH-50s for 8+ hours. Even has Bass boost EQ options if you want.





Just want to share this alternative for others like me that want to listen to power a decent set of headphone or blast some awesome music from Theatrythm.

Also if you want a more in depth look I did make a video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5I3m_iN4hc
 
I appreciate the fact that my original Gameboy can blow my ear drums out if I so desire. Everything these days is WAY too quite, even with a good pair of headphones. I'll look into this.
 
Gotta keep those levels low so little kids don't deafen themselves like I did with my Walkman back in the 80s, I guess
 
I want this for my home cinema setup. I plug my N3DS into that when playing at home...but I have to have the amp at double the volume everything else is at.
 
Awesome, with this I'll be actually able to hear the sound when in public transit.

I had completely given up on using my 3DS in the subway.
 
geez are all you guys using open back headphones or something? I can barely raise my 3DS volume above halfway before it gets too loud when I use my earphones.
 
Yeah, e6 is an amazing tool. It's been a year I'm using it constantly with my portables and I couldn't make without it.


350x197px-cc3604d0_iPodHeadphoneSetup.jpeg


e6 + Koss Portapro is my reference setup for portable gaming and is sort of an experience in itself.
 
I have a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50 myself and I think that the output is quite decent. Of course, if you want it louder, yeah, you need such devices.

Btw, I have an OG 3DS.
 
Awesome! Was thinking about one of these and this just pushed me over the edge. It comes with all the cables you need to connect it to your devices?
 
Although the low volume doesn't bother me, I've been meaning to get something like this, maybe I'll bite. I could use something to use my headphones on my PC too, my on board sound card sucks, I suppose I'd need a DAC for that. I really need to brush up on audio.
 
Oh man, this sounds like something I need. The weak audio has always bugged me. I'm definitely going to take it under consideration.
 
i bought a pair of $100 headphones everyone recommends and it came with like a huge ass adapter for i can plug it into my vita/3ds because without it the actual headphone plugin is too big, but when i plug it in theres a huge bulky thing coming out of the headphone jack and it annoys me when trying to position my 3ds/vita so i basically never use headphones.
 
Quiet is a more descriptive word than weak. I came in expecting some sort of a hardware hack to make the internal speakers on the thing a lot better due to the latter being used.

That aside volume levels seem to defined by software. Some games like Threatrhythm Curtain Call are notable in having a lower volume.

Sho Nuff said:
Gotta keep those levels low so little kids don't deafen themselves like I did with my Walkman back in the 80s, I guess
Click to expand...
Or the iPod in the 2000s...
 
I've always heard good things about these Fiio amps, so I'll be buying one when I get some nice headphones in a couple months.

I'll ask this here, since it seems somewhat related. I'm buying a nice set of headphones soon, mainly for 3DS gaming and listening to music. I'll be mainly using them at home. I'm trying to decide between the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Sennheiser HD 598. Any recommendations?
 
The ONLY game that is actually loud on the 3DS is Etrian Odyssey IV. Why the hell is that? I played SMTIV with headphones and it was still pretty damn low.
 
Skelter said:
The ONLY game that is actually loud on the 3DS is Etrian Odyssey IV. Why the hell is that? I played SMTIV with headphones and it was still pretty damn low.
Click to expand...

I talk about it in the video a little bit. DS games are actually louder than 3DS games. If I had to guess I would say Nintendo has a restriction/limit on how loud a game can get for certification.
 
I know no one is going to listen, but I'll say it anyway:

You really shouldn't have the volume turned up that loud. It actually, legitimately does damage your hearing.
 
CoachKevin said:
I talk about it in the video a little bit. DS games are actually louder than 3DS games. If I had to guess I would say Nintendo has a restriction/limit on how loud a game can get for certification.
Click to expand...

Yeah but both games are from Atlus and EOIV is insane how loud it is. Just don't understand really though it doesn't bug me enough to spend $30 to get a soundamp. Any Gaffers have an opinion on the sound levels of the New 3DS?
 
I would be concerned about turning the volume up too loud. dont want my ears to 'explode'. already having problems with my ears.
 
Skelter said:
Yeah but both games are from Atlus and EOIV is insane how loud it is. Just don't understand really though it doesn't bug me enough to spend $30 to get a soundamp. Any Gaffers have an opinion on the sound levels of the New 3DS?
Click to expand...

I have one of those coming on Tuesday. That is the first thing I am going to investigate.
 
OrbitalBeard said:
I've always heard good things about these Fiio amps, so I'll be buying one when I get some nice headphones in a couple months.

I'll ask this here, since it seems somewhat related. I'm buying a nice set of headphones soon, mainly for 3DS gaming and listening to music. I'll be mainly using them at home. I'm trying to decide between the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or the Sennheiser HD 598. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

M50s are more engaging and exciting imho, but bulky + closed so a bit annoying after a while. HD598 have a super spacious sound but a bit relaxed.
My suggestion is to try Grado sr80e, which has an enveloping, lively and punchy sound.

WonkyPanda said:
I've heard great things about the E11.
Click to expand...

I own also e11 and while power increase is noticeable (more dynamic, deeper soundstage) I think e6 is the perfect match for portable gaming due to form factor and the convenience of digital volume setting with memory after turning it off. Power is enough anyway and I don't think anyone will want necessarily to use high impedance power hungry phones with this sort of source.

Peltz said:
I would love this for KIU. That brilliant symphonic soundtrack is woefully held back by the volume output.
Click to expand...

Spot on. KI:U was the first game I tried the fiio e6 on, and the difference was mind blowing. What was a confused grating mess, beautifully transformed in an heavenly melody. Voices also become alive.
 
I thought that by "weak" you meant "low quality" and expected some kind of mod to fix it.

But yeah, for volume it's OK. Not the best portable amp ever, but I don't think you can find a better alternative when you factor in the price and the size.
 
Thanks op, I was hoping the weak audio was fixed in the new 3ds ll but it is still weak. Have to play with max audio if I want to use headphones.
 
did the new 3ds do anything to boost up the audio department?

Fucking travesty that the 3ds has so many games with fantastic ost's ruined by the awful hardware.
 
hwy_61 said:
Man, I came really close to ordering this thing a long time ago...I must've forgotten about it.

Thanks, Kevin!
Click to expand...
Happy to help. Can't say how much more enjoyment I am getting out of my 3DS games now that I can hear the awesome soundtracks from games like Kirby TD, Theatrythm, SM3DL, Zelda, etc.

I even ordered a second to have charged as a backup to swap.
 
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