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PC gamers: What's your sound setup?

Sword Of Doom said:
I have a mainly headphone setup and it's a bit complicated.

For Solo Game or Movies:
Astro Mixamp + Sennheiser HD650/Fostex TH-X00

For Chatting while gaming:
Astro A40 + Mixamp

For Music:
Grace Design M9XX(DAC/Amp) + Sennheiser HD650/Fostex TH-X00

Or

Grace Design M9XX (DAC) + Modded Bottlehead Crack + Sennheiser HD650


I've tried many headphones even ones that are over $1000 and I would honestly take the Sennheiser HD650 over most of them.
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Wait, I own an astro mixamp, how are you using that with your PC?
 
Sennheiser HD 598
square_list_zoom_hd_598_01_sq_sennheiser.png


Thinking about getting a DAC/Amp at some point if I ever upgrade to higher impedance headphones, but these don't really need it. They're plenty loud and detailed for me at this point.
 
Yamaha receiver with a 5.1 setup. Nothing beats having a subwoofer for shooting games. Without it games are not nearly as satisfying.
 
Logitech z-5500, best audio investment for $300 since I got them in 2008. Eventually will upgrade to an AVR+speakers setup, but for now (in an apartment) I really don't need anything louder. PC, PS3, and PS4 feed to a Vizio 50" HDTV via HDMI. From there, optical out from TV to the z-5500 control pod.
 
Seinnheiser RS 180 hooked up to a mixer that grabs digital input from both my PC and Television so that I can hear audio output from all my consoles as well. I tried to go back to a PC gaming-specific headset but they all felt very uncomfortable after using Seinnheiser for awhile. I also tried to use a decent pair of speakers but found that the necessary positioning to get the same sound dimensions as my headphones was a big hassle.
 
VlaudTheImpaler said:
So, I just have a regular pair of Senns hooked up to my PC. Am I doing it wrong? Should I get a Fiio or a xonar? What is the difference? I'm obviously not that technically inclined when it comes to audio but I would love to be getting more out of my cans if it would really make that much of a difference.
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If you haven't noticed a lack of audio fidelity already I would honestly say don't worry about it. It's like having frame drops, screen tearing, chromatic abberation etc pointed out to you: ignorance is bliss. And who knows maybe your setup is good enough already.

However if you've got some cash to blow the Xonar line of sound cards has models that run between $30-$150 so if you're really feeling like getting an upgrade you could certainly find something that fits your budget.

For a "regular pair of Senns" I think a dedicated amp like what FiiO makes is completely unnecessary for normal PC use. I've got one and I only use it for portable devices because they usually doesn't have enough power to boost audio quite loud enough on my Sennheisers. On PC I have no issue in that regard.
 
VlaudTheImpaler said:
So, I just have a regular pair of Senns hooked up to my PC. Am I doing it wrong? Should I get a Fiio or a xonar? What is the difference? I'm obviously not that technically inclined when it comes to audio but I would love to be getting more out of my cans if it would really make that much of a difference.
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It depends on what you mean by "difference" I think. Audiophiles tend to love good sound for the sake of good sound, not because it gives any benefits to the act of gaming. In my opinion, a good pair of headphones is the best solution (for pure gaming) for high quality sound with good dimensions/positioning unless you have an entire room to dedicate to setting up an expensive surround system.
 
Oreoleo said:
If you haven't noticed a lack of audio fidelity already I would honestly say don't worry about it. It's like having frame drops, screen tearing, chromatic abberation etc pointed out to you: ignorance is bliss. And who knows maybe your setup is good enough already.

However if you've got some cash to blow the Xonar line of sound cards has models that run between $30-$150 so if you're really feeling like getting an upgrade you could certainly find something that fits your budget.

For a "regular pair of Senns" I think a dedicated amp like what FiiO makes is completely unnecessary for normal PC use. I've got one and I only use it for portable devices because they usually doesn't have enough power to boost audio quite loud enough on my Sennheisers. On PC I have no issue in that regard.
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renzollo said:
It depends on what you mean by "difference" I think. Audiophiles tend to love good sound for the sake of good sound, not because it gives any benefits to the act of gaming. In my opinion, a good pair of headphones is the best solution (for pure gaming) for high quality sound with good dimensions/positioning unless you have an entire room to dedicate to setting up an expensive surround system.
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Thanks for the reply guys! I will look into these Xonar sound cards then.

Perhaps I'll ask for it for Christmas or something. Now, I'm almost 30 but my mother will spend stupid amounts of money that she doesn't have on the dumbest Christmas gifts for me even if I tell her I don't want anything. Seriously, the last time I tried telling her not to bother because I knew she was short on money, she bought me a $180 dollar leather fanny pack...
 
If you have a budget under $100, you're probably not going to get anything too amazing but those Logitechs will probably be fine. Their Z2300 set was legendary.

I bought a set of Audio Engine A2+s ($249) and paired it with a Dayton 10" subwoofer ($99). It's an amazing sounding combo and rivals my home theater setup. The Audio Engines are incredible for their size but you absolutely need a sub with them.

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Powered-Speaker-Systems/A2-plus-Powered-Desktop-Speakers

https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1000-10-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B0063NU3AA
 
I run through a little Muse USB DAC to a Schiit Asgard 2 outputting to either Sennheiser HD650s or Audeze LCD-2s, depending on mood.

Prolly ought to get a nicer DAC.
 
Using a z906. Looking to upgrade the whole shebang (tv with receiver) once the standard stabilize. I mean almost every year or two a feature gets added that makes your device obsolete.
 
I mainly use headphones, but I do have a pair of bookshelf speakers and a desktop amp to run them.

81eYDNNHWEL._SL1500_.jpg


41ZJRL36sHL.jpg
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I run those speakers for vinyl and music as well, so I have a slightly different use case. There are also very nice speakers that are self amplified, I would suggest springing for these than something targeted at gamers.

Audioengine A2+
6185H0JzRyL._SL1000_.jpg
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EGM1966 said:
7.1 headphones currently. I had 5.1 speaker setup a while back but switched over to headphones entirely.
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Just as an FYI, anything labelled at 7.1 is a gimmick at best and if it uses tiny speakers to mimic the effect it's a scam at worst.
 
Logitech X-540 5.1 speakers connected to onboard sound. Roccat Kave 5.1 headset connected to Sound Blaster Z.

Works well for me, I use the speakers mostly, typically the headset only for voice comms or when it's late at night and I'm playing BF4 or something.
 
My main headphone setup is a Schiit Magni 2 + Modi 2 with a pair of Beyerdynamic T5Ps. Really a fantastic headphone that sounds properly like an open headphone, but with superb isolation.
 
At workplace, I need isolation to be able to concentrate (whether on work or gaming) and bothering with extra cords/boxes is out of the question, so I have Beyerdynamic DT770 32ohm plugged directly into an Asus gaming laptop.
At home PC (desk), Beyerdynamic DT880 250ohm via Audio-Gd NFB-12 DAC/amp. Most comfy fullsize phones I've tried, and simultaneously the most detailed sound. I'm curious what it would take to get a substantial upgrade from this setup.
Same home PC from couch/TV, active pair of Genelec 8010a + Genelec 5040a sub plugged into same DAC. These things are designed for very short distance, not couch distance, but they still sound good far and can go louder than I need.
 
Grief.exe said:
Just as an FYI, anything labelled at 7.1 is a gimmick at best and if it uses tiny speakers to gimmick the effect it's a scam at worst.
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When there are physically 7 drivers in the headphones, yes, it's 100% a scam as that isn't how your ears work.

Software surround like Dolby Headphone and SBX are definitely legit though.
 
I went through two pairs of Senns, I'm not sure what model they were...let me go goggle it, they ran about $120-135 both times. (first pair got sat on)



...I believe they were HD 280's --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000065BPB/?tag=neogaf0e-20



But now I have some Sennheiser Game Ones coming in the mail this week! Nobody here uses them, no opinions? -- I only ever used my previous Senns for PSP/DS/3DS/Vita... while deployed, but now I threw in the headset factor so they can double as MMO headphones if I ever play FF14 again one day.
 
MGrant said:
Sennheiser HD 598
square_list_zoom_hd_598_01_sq_sennheiser.png


Thinking about getting a DAC/Amp at some point if I ever upgrade to higher impedance headphones, but these don't really need it. They're plenty loud and detailed for me at this point.
Click to expand...

Low Impedence headphones can benefit from a DAC/Amp just as much as high Impedence headphones. They're easier to drive, that's the only difference. You will still get the benefits of a good dedicated DAC and amp

I get what you're saying but don't underestimate the benefits of a DAC/Amp
 
Still rocking that logitech Z-5500, all the diodes for the display are dead, but it is still going strong.

Had also a Steelseries Syberia V2, but one of the sides died...
 
Grief.exe said:
Just as an FYI, anything labelled at 7.1 is a gimmick at best and if it uses tiny speakers to gimmick the effect it's a scam at worst.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't call it a gimmick, even on a cheap set like my Cloud 2's, you can hear the difference when switching 7.1 on and off while listening.

Just using a surround sound Youtube video works great. They create a virtual surround soundspace that tricks your ears. I'm not sure exactly how it works.... just that it does work.

The one's with the individual speakers though? Yeah, that's a bit of a scam. Without the DAC creating the virtual surround, it doesn't matter how many speakers you have right next to your ears, they'll all still just be exclusively left and right channels.
 
I test for a couple websites so don't always stick to one thing long.

But right now I am using some Sennheiser 3series for PC, testing the hyperxcloud as well for console.
Home I was running a nice Yam receiver that I loved, but switched to Denon a couple weeks ago for 4k and atmos.
 
I've got a set of two satellite speakers and a small sub. And I use my recent purchase of a HyperX Cloud Revolver headset as well.

I want to use HDMI to get Dolby or DTS to a 5.1 system, but so far no luck. I've only been able to produce stereo in an uncompressed format.
 
Astro Wireless Mixamp + Bose QuietComfort 25 + Soundblaster Omni.


Man, this sound is amazing. Because of the noise cancelling I can't hear my PC working ;)
 
I've answered this before here but I don't mind to mention it again:

Sennheiser HD 280 <- CMoy(Handmade) <- SPDIF Optical DAC <- PC

Not a perfect setup but I'm pretty happy with it.
 
friz898 said:
But now I have some Sennheiser Game Ones coming in the mail this week! Nobody here uses them, no opinions? -- I only ever used my previous Senns for PSP/DS/3DS/Vita... while deployed, but now I threw in the headset factor so they can double as MMO headphones if I ever play FF14 again one day.
Click to expand...
I got a pair of Game Ones since I found a good deal on them (about 130 euros) and wanted a headset with a decent mic. Due to bad internet at home it doesn't currently make sense for me to play a lot of multiplayer, so haven't needed the headset much for that yet, but I also got them so I'd have clear sound for any work-related voice chat, and in case I get hired to make educational screencasts again. Not a big fan of attachable mics and extra cords hanging around and tangling up etc. so the integrated solution, volume control and mute available with the gross motor movement of raising the arm is nice.

The Game Ones seem solid, comfortable enough for long wear, good enough sound. Not at the level of my DT880s in any of those qualities, but not so far off that it would piss me off having to switch to Game Ones if I need the mic. I think they're a quality product and probably fairly priced if you need a headset a lot, for me personally they were only OK value at the 130e discounted price. Needless to say I would not have bought them at regular price. Game Zeros would have been more flexible as they have isolation for LAN parties and such, I'd have preferred them but they were way more expensive.
 
I have pair of Genelec 8020C paired up with a NAD D 1050 USB DAC. As for headphones, a pair of Sennheiser HD25-1 II. Wasn't exactly a cheap setup, but the Genny and the Senny are built like bricks and I don't see the need of upgrading them anytime soon.
 
FunkyDealer said:
I've got a set of two satellite speakers and a small sub. And I use my recent purchase of a HyperX Cloud Revolver headset as well.

I want to use HDMI to get Dolby or DTS to a 5.1 system, but so far no luck. I've only been able to produce stereo in an uncompressed format.
Click to expand...

I've been reading up on this and it's a goddamn nightmare. Basically, unless you're playing back a source using Dolby True HD or DTS-HD audio encoding, stereo is all you'll get.

My setup:
PC connected to a Dell monitor (S2415H) via DVI and a Sony w800B via HDMI.
There's an optical cable going from the TV's optical out to my Denon AVR-S710W receiver.
Even if it's only 2.0 it sounds great, things like reverb in games that have it and tank fire in Armored Warfare sound great.
As a bonus, the receiver lets me access my shared music on the network.
 
When on the desktop: Crappiest Logitech speakers and Kingston HyperX Cloud II. only game with headphones, the speakers are there mostly to catch a notification, music while cleaning or watching a youtube video, But I've never played a game with them.

When the "gaming" PC is on the living room: Audigy 4 Pro with Dolby Live Encoder outputting through optical + Yamaha RX-V465 + 5.1 speakers (Also Yamaha, but can't remember the model).

GLy8bbzl.jpg

(What appears in the picture is the computer made of spares I mainly use for Retroarch, XBMC and low specs stuff such as Trails in The Sky or Undertale. I used to have my main computer there until it became too outdated to play modern games).

I have never been able to get 5.1 from the PC to the receiver unless I am encoding the output. Right now it is connected through HDMI and with XBMC I get 5.1 when it is a format that the receiver can decode, but the rest is always stereo. I just can't get it to output PCM. Right now I am not playing PC games on the living room other than emulators so it does not worry me, but the next time I upgrade I will have to look for a motherboard that can encode into Dolby live or DTS, similar to the Gygabyte Ga-EP35-DS4 I used to have before.
 
Headphones - Phillips SHP9500 with VMOD BoomPro Mic

A/V Receiver - Yamaha RX-V
  • Front L/R - RTiA5 (Cherry)
  • Center - CSiA6 (Cherry)
  • Rear L/R - RTiA3 (Cherry)
  • Rear High L/R - FXiA6 (Black)
 
Smallish speaker+headphone amp with all digital inputs you need for PC audio.
Marantz HD-AMP1
160302.Marantz8.jpg


Compact speakers with neutral revealing sound
ATC SCM7 v3
IMG_4403_zpsukpfeqe8.jpg


Old school compact sub, probably changing to svs or rel for better punch
Elac 2030
bild
 
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