Support NeoGAF

[IcyRhythms]

I currently use a Sound Blaster Z and I have been pleased with it. I'm just one of those people that get a little excited about having new things and would like to see how a DAC and AMP setup compares. The Sound Blaster Z card has greatly improved my gaming sound and music, paired with my Sennheiser 598's. I was considering a Schitt stack. The Magni 2 and Modi 2. Any opinions on this would be appreciated. DAC and AMP setup would be for gaming as well as A LOT of music.

I've also heard good things about this

https://www.mayflowerelectronics.co...erters/objective2-odac-combo-with-rear-power/

 

[Vaettir]

Before I dropped my Sound Blaster Z, I used my Audioengine D1 and had it routed to my SBZ via toslink. Now I just use my D1 as my standalone audio processor. A Dac would improve your audio experience to a variable degree, but these all depend on the dac you select.

I think the Schiit stack is a great set for the price. If you use speakers, I'd say opt for the Magni 2 Uber version.

 

[AllBusinessJr]

Creative X7. Best (gaming) thing I've purchased in years. The Performance is supposed to beat the Schitt stack.

 

[Arulan]

You've already picked the two best recommendations. Both the Schitt stack and o2+ODAC are fantastic. There really isn't any perceptible difference in terms of performance. Basically it comes down to which one can you get cheaper and aesthetics. The only reason to look at anything else is if you need more than the basic inputs offered by these two.

Personally I use the o2+ODAC from here. Input and power in the back of course.

Also, just so you know, the HD 598s don't really require a dedicated Amp, but it doesn't hurt. It'll also be beneficial if you buy something in the future that does. One of the largest holes that audiophiles fall into is upgrade escalation, in which you buy half-steps, and then later when you upgrade your headphones or speakers, you're left having to upgrade everything else as well. If budget permits, try to plan for future upgrades.

 

[bati]

Is space an issue? If not you can get a very very good used hi-fi receiver/amp for ~250.

 

[M2C3]

You've already picked the two best recommendations. Both the Schitt stack and o2+ODAC are fantastic. There really isn't any perceptible difference in terms of performance. Basically it comes down to which one can you get cheaper and aesthetics. The only reason to look at anything else is if you need more than the basic inputs offered by these two.

Personally I use the o2+ODAC from here. Input and power in the back of course.

Also, just so you know, the HD 598s don't really require a dedicated Amp, but it doesn't hurt. It'll also be beneficial if you buy something in the future that does. One of the largest holes that audiophiles fall into is upgrade escalation, in which you buy half-steps, and then later when you upgrade your headphones or speakers, you're left having to upgrade everything else as well. If budget permits, try to plan for future upgrades.

Same! Love my o2+ODAC! Works great with my Tannoy 501A's and my Philips X2 cans. It's small and hardly noticeable on my desk. Highly recommended for gaming and music.

 

[IcyRhythms]

Is space an issue? If not you can get a very very good used hi-fi receiver/amp for ~250.

Space is an issue at the moment, yes.

 

[Sword Of Doom]

Space is an issue at the moment, yes.

The FiiO D3 is an awesome little DAC I recently got for $25. My desktop speakers sound much better connected to it vs my PC onboard audio

 

[Zack Zavage]

http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad...-gaming-guide-1-14-2016-final-section-updated

I recommend going pure stereo with headphones if you're not a competitive player who requires audible location of enemies or so. Stereo beats virtual surround any day in terms of fidelity, which most people associate with 'quality'.

I'm using FiiO E17 + E09k combo hooked up to my Beyerdynamic DT 880 / 600 Ohms for about 3 years now and am more than satisfied.

EDIT: I also absolutely love them for music and movies, especially in lossless quality. In fact, I prefer them over my 5.1 JBL speaker and Harman Kardon AVR setup. I mainly use that if I'm not alone.

 

[diffusionx]

Schitt Stack? They serious with that name?

 

[Hypron]

You've already picked the two best recommendations. Both the Schitt stack and o2+ODAC are fantastic. There really isn't any perceptible difference in terms of performance. Basically it comes down to which one can you get cheaper and aesthetics. The only reason to look at anything else is if you need more than the basic inputs offered by these two.

Personally I use the o2+ODAC from here. Input and power in the back of course.

I'm currently looking at buying all the DIY parts for an O2+ODAC from that website. I'm quite keen to assemble one myself and learn exactly how a headphone amp works. Plus, it'll save me ~$100 compared to getting all the upgrades for the pre-built one (1/4" connector, back inputs for power and RCA output) which is always nice.

I kinda want to pull the trigger and buy it all now but I should probably wait until I get my next paycheck, otherwise I'll have to survive with like $50 on my current account till then haha.

Schitt Stack? They serious with that name?

You thought that was bad? I introduce you to the Fulla Schiit:

 

[luka]

magni 2U/modi 2U owner - i can vouch for the schiit stack. best audio-related purchase i've ever made. whatever you get, it's always better to go for something that focuses on pure audio quality and engineering over 'gaming' features, since basically everything is done in software these days.

Schitt Stack? They serious with that name?

can you believe that schiit?

 

[MilkLizard]

A lot of music? Get that Schiit. You won't regret it.

 

[SliChillax]

I have a Fiio E09K amp paired with an E07K dac and they sound amazing with my Audio Technica ATH- M50's. Definitely worth it.

 

[tokkun]

Schitt Stack? They serious with that name?

Yes, and the jokes are just as stale in the audio community as the "tits" jokes about Trails in the Sky are here.

 

[IcyRhythms]

Same! Love my o2+ODAC! Works great with my Tannoy 501A's and my Philips X2 cans. It's small and hardly noticeable on my desk. Highly recommended for gaming and music.

Was looking at the X2 cans. Amazon has had item under review for a couple of months now. Something with people complaining about the product? I can't remember. Have you had any issues with them?

 

[super-famicom]

I currently use a Sound Blaster Z and I have been pleased with it. I'm just one of those people that get a little excited about having new things and would like to see how a DAC and AMP setup compares. The Sound Blaster Z card has greatly improved my gaming sound and music, paired with my Sennheiser 598's. I was considering a Schitt stack. The Magni 2 and Modi 2. Any opinions on this would be appreciated. DAC and AMP setup would be for gaming as well as A LOT of music.

I've also heard good things about this

https://www.mayflowerelectronics.co...erters/objective2-odac-combo-with-rear-power/

+1 for the Schiit stack.

Then, better headphones! The 598 is decent for entry level.

 

[Dave_6]

Love my stack of Schiit (Magni 2 and Modi 2)

 

[M2C3]

Was looking at the X2 cans. Amazon has had item under review for a couple of months now. Something with people complaining about the product? I can't remember. Have you had any issues with them?

Strange. No problems on my end. They look awesome and sound fantastic.Using them for gaming and music is a joy.

Edit: After looking at the Amazon page, it looks like something to do with the earpads and if they are removable. What I can say is the default earpads are extremely comfortable. No problems with wearing them for multiple hours. Gonna throw some Toto on now!

 

[IcyRhythms]

Strange. No problems on my end. They look awesome and sound fantastic.Using them for gaming and music is a joy.

Edit: After looking at the Amazon page, it looks like something to do with the earpads and if they are removable. What I can say is the default earpads are extremely comfortable. No problems with wearing them for multiple hours. Gonna throw some Toto on now!

I will probably end up getting them. They look nice!

 

[Trojita]

Creative X7. Best (gaming) thing I've purchased in years. The Performance is supposed to beat the Schitt stack.

Hmmm, I was thinking about getting one but that thing is expensive.

 

[AllBusinessJr]

Hmmm, I was thinking about getting one but that thing is expensive.

I use the AKG K702 Anniversary and formerly double amped with the Matrix M-Stage and Mixamp. The X7 is every bit as good an amp as the M-Stage, but the DAC on the X7 is just as good, or better, than the Schitt modi. It also does Dolby Digital virtual surround, so it's like the Mixamp was re-made with audiophile components.

The fact that it can also power passive bookshelf speakers is nice, but I don't personally use that feature.

 

[Infinite Xero]

Was looking at the X2 cans. Amazon has had item under review for a couple of months now. Something with people complaining about the product? I can't remember. Have you had any issues with them?

I have these headphones and the sound quality is excellent. The complaints owners were having was the headphone cups were glued on and therefore not removeable. I bought these a little over a year ago and they do not have this issue (mine uses clips) so I'm guessing it was the newer models that were affected. Don't know if Philips if ever fixed this. If they didn't you will only notice this problem if you try to remove or replace the cups.

 

[Trojita]

I use the AKG K702 Anniversary and formerly double amped with the Matrix M-Stage and Mixamp. The X7 is every bit as good an amp as the M-Stage, but the DAC on the X7 is just as good, or better, than the Schitt modi. It also does Dolby Digital virtual surround, so it's like the Mixamp was re-made with audiophile components.

The fact that it can also power passive bookshelf speakers is nice, but I don't personally use that feature.

Hmm I'm currently using a Creative X-FI Titanium HD and sometimes my Fiio e17. Wondering if I should get this.

 

[Blitzhex]

Hmm I'm currently using a Creative X-FI Titanium HD and sometimes my Fiio e17. Wondering if I should get this.

Don't change the titanium hd, any dac below 350 dollars won't be an upgrade. Connect a o2 or schiit amp to it with the rca line out and you're done.

 

[Hey Im Patrick]

I'm a bit noob when it comes to these. If I got it right, you need an AMP +DAC? Or is there like an all in one?

 

[RipperGrim]

I'm a bit noob when it comes to these. If I got it right, you need an AMP +DAC? Or is there like an all in one?

You don't necessarily need a DAC if you have a PC with either a sound card or motherboard with a built in sound card. It is basically required though if you want to use headphones with a console as long as the DAC has an optical port. Also amp+DAC all in one devices do exist.

 

[Hey Im Patrick]

You don't necessarily need a DAC if you have a PC with either a sound card or motherboard with a built in sound card. It is basically required though if you want to use headphones with a console as long as the DAC has an optical port. Also amp+DAC all in one devices do exist.

Hey, thanks! I'm also planning to get a DAC since I'll be engaging in video and music production. I'll probably learn more about that. Thanks again!

 

[super-famicom]

I'm a bit noob when it comes to these. If I got it right, you need an AMP +DAC? Or is there like an all in one?

There are all in one units available. The Fiio E07 is a decent starter one. Amps are only required for headphones that have a high impedance.

And for more info on headphones, DACs, and amps, check out the Headphone OT

 

[JeffAtomsky]

Hmm... my reply might look quite out of the place but... do you really need a DAC+AMP nowadays? Any AV receiver would do just the job and even more, since you didn't mention your budget.

My setup: Sony STR-DN860 AV receiver with 7.1 speaker set up.

PC feeds audio from my video card via HDMI.

nVidia HDMI is capable of doing 44.1/48/96/192Khz PCM (Stereo or Multi channel), capable of passing Dobly Digital (TrueHD)/DTS(-HD). Intel HDMI would be able to do two extra sample rates of 88.2/176.4KHz.

I've tested Diablo III and it could do native 7.1 surround. I believe all the modern games would be able to do similar stuff.

On the music side, this receiver is capable of doing Hi-resolution audio and DSD, so basically any audio you throw at it can be handled, even (ahem) SACDs... Foobar2000 works quite well with it and you just have to make sure to use WASAPI.

My receiver can also channel audio to my bluetooth headphone. And it even supports LDAC (Hi-resolution audio over bluetooth). This is extremely convenient when you cannot fire up your speakers in the night.

 

[kiriin]

I would say a good pair bookshelves speakers or even surrond sound setup would work better for gaming. That said I personally use o2/odac combo.

 

[Stevey]

I use my ASUS Xonar DGX out to Denon 5.1 receiver.

Sounds good to me.

 

[Mbrill82]

Was looking at the X2 cans. Amazon has had item under review for a couple of months now. Something with people complaining about the product? I can't remember. Have you had any issues with them?

I love my X2s and I've owned several different headphones from different brands in the $300-$400 price range. The X2s are my favorite out of what I've owned.

I bought mine like 6 months before the whole issue with Amazon came about, I can't really speak to all the details but I would definitely do some research before I bought them to make sure the issue is resolved, I recommend the headphones subreddit on Reddit, there's tons of info there.

 

[chixdiggit]

Just purchased the Schitt Stack minutes ago. Now to slowly wait for FedEX to get here.

What else do I need to get this hooked up on my PC? Does it come with all the cables?

 

[heavy liquid]

Just purchased the Schitt Stack minutes ago. Now to slowly wait for FedEX to get here.

What else do I need to get this hooked up on my PC? Does it come with all the cables?

Which stack did you buy? If it's the Magni/Modi, then it doesn't come with any cables. Not sure if any of their stacks do, actually. You'll need a pair of RCA cables and a USB cable (the old square kind). You can buy these at their site or Amazon.

I'm using a Schiit Lyr/Bifrost combo, and have been very happy with it.

Usually with one of these headphones:

 

[chixdiggit]

Which stack did you buy? If it's the Magni/Modi, then it doesn't come with any cables. Not sure if any of their stacks do, actually. You'll need a pair of RCA cables and a USB cable (the old square kind). You can buy these at their site or Amazon.

Yea Magni and Modi. Thanks for the answer. I know I have those cables lying around already.

 

[Hypron]

Actually, speaking of cables. What type of RCA cables would you guys recommend? Are there any advantages to getting anything more than your typical $2 cable? I assume better cables will minimise interferences and stuff but what really matters is if it makes any actual difference.

I'll upgrade my desk setup sometime next month with a O2+ODAC, a power amplifer (thinking of the Topping TP22 at the moment) and some bookshelf speakers (probably some Q Acoustics 2020i). I was looking at cables and those available locally either seem to be those basic $2 ones or super expensive "audiophile" ones. I have a pretty nice $10 cable that's fairly heavy gauge for my TV's amp but it's really rigid and would be a pain in the ass on my desk.

 

[heavy liquid]

Actually, speaking of cables. What type of RCA cables would you guys recommend? Are there any advantages to getting anything more than your typical $2 cable? I assume better cables will minimise interferences and stuff but what really matters is if it makes any actual difference.

I'll upgrade my desk setup sometime next month with a O2+ODAC, a power amplifer (thinking of the Topping TP22 at the moment) and some bookshelf speakers (probably some Q Acoustics 2020i). I was looking at cables and those available locally either seem to be those basic $2 ones or super expensive "audiophile" ones. I have a pretty nice $10 cable that's fairly heavy gauge for my TV's amp but it's really rigid and would be a pain in the ass on my desk.

Yeah, it may make a difference since it's not digital like HDMI. Best to make sure it has good shielding and they're gold plated so you get a clean signal, like these ones:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DI89IQS/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Schiit sells them too, but they're pricey. What's nice about theirs is they're only 6 inches, so they fit well.

http://schiit.com/products/pyst-cables

 

[Zeth]

Check out the Micca OriGen, pretty great bang for your buck at $99:

http://amzn.com/B00V7K5UJI

edit: unless you you want to use it for consoles

 

[kairu]

Check out the Micca OriGen, pretty great bang for your buck at $99:

http://amzn.com/B00V7K5UJI

edit: unless you you want to use it for consoles

I just recently started getting into headphones and amps and stuff, and while I don't have any super hard to drive headphones (Philips X2, Fostex T40RP Mk 3, Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro) the Micca OriGen is the only Dac/Amp that I have, and it sounds great to my ears, and drives all of them really well. The Fostex are the only ones that require me to use the gain switch.

I love the Micca OriGen. Very solidly built. Not sure how it would function for gaming, though. I only use it on my computers. Have a Astro Mixamp Pro TR for gaming since its easier to hook a mic up with that.