AMP / DAC for AKG K712 PRO for Gaming

younus1932

New member
Hello Guys,

I am an enthusiast PC gamer. All I do is gaming and mostly competitive gaming, I have decided to go for AKG K712 PRO for gaming as i will be using it for FPS games and heard AKG K7 series are awesome for footstep hearing. So I've decided to go for them. Anyways moving on to the main question , what AMP and Dac shall i buy to use for gaming mainly for footsteps hearing and all. my budget is more or less 300$. I can pay a little higher if really needed. Please help me. Thanks

Please note i dont have any sound card. Just the mobo Asus ix Code.



Thanks
 
Assuming you are from the US since you are using $?

If you are then I suggest getting a Schiit Modi/Magni stack. You'll never need anything more than this unless you start spending absurd money on audio equipment. But this combo is seriously the best for the money and the DAC can even be upgraded down the road too if you want, send it to them and they'll upgrade it and send it back.

Now if you want a soundcard that is going to be connected with a PCIe slot, then you'll probably want one of the gaming cards so you can get the 3D positioning emulation they get that helps figure out footsteps. I honestly can't tell the difference between the soundcards and an external non Gaming AMP/DAC combo and think it's a gimmick to buy gaming soundcards. But people disagree with me here. They can all they want, the external stuff always sounds better and Gaming performance to me is identical. So I always go external:)
 
SMSL M3 external AMP/DAC, I have one that powers my DT770's, DT990's, HD650's and Fidelio X2's.

Nice and clean signal, No messing about and the price is fantastic as well without having to spend hundreds :)

https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-Audio-M...e=UTF8&qid=1495559093&sr=8-1&keywords=SMSL+m3

You don't get much of a clean signal from USB compared to other inputs though:p
While that option is pretty good, not sure it has enough power in it to truly take advantage of the AKGs.
Edit: upon further research the answer would be no, the SMSL M3 would not fully take advantage of the AKGs. Only provides about 1/3 the required power.
 
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If you live in the US, you might want to consider the Micca Origen+.

Although I don't have one myself (not available in the EU and I don't shop through amazon), but it's supposed to be amazing, especially considering it's only $99.

Great review on it:



The Schiit stack (or if you place them side-by-side, Schiit spread) is also a good option, as mentioned by NBD.

I'd also recommend checking out this list.
 
Can't find much info on the Mica, but it's USB powered which probably means it won't have enough power output the drive the AKGs. I think the only small USB powered one that could do it is the Schiit fulla 2 and that's only because it has 2 power in ports for extra power output and the fact that they actually list it's Power ratings unlike all the other usb devices
 
Can't find much info on the Mica, but it's USB powered which probably means it won't have enough power output the drive the AKGs. I think the only small USB powered one that could do it is the Schiit fulla 2 and that's only because it has 2 power in ports for extra power output and the fact that they actually list it's Power ratings unlike all the other usb devices

The Micca has a 5V DC in ;)

Also, the K712 Pro's have a rated impedance of 62 ohms, which isn't terribly hard to drive. I can't imagine the Micca having trouble driving it whatsoever.

I'm definitely not telling you to just go for the Micca, but it definitely is a very capable amp, especially considering its price. No doubt the other amps mentioned will be better, but for $100 you can't go wrong with it. It's not plug-and-play, though, meaning you'll need to install drivers for it to work.

Also, the amp that Alien listed, the Oppo one, is supposed to be excellent afaik, so definitely look into it. And, like I said, the Schiit stack/spread (Modi + Magni) are also an amazing choice at just around your budget.
 
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NeverBackDown , AverageNinja, AlienALX, Dicehunter.

Thanks alot guys. i am just so happy to see there are several post for my thread. I tried other forums but i couldn't get any help.

Ok. So i understand that Schiit Modi + magni will do. Thats great. But now i am little confused. Along with Magni + Modi , i will also be needing to buy a sound card or just these two are enough ?

If these two are enough , then my next question is. These have uber version also. Will Non-uber version be enough for my need (gaming for fps) or Uber version will be needed.

Thanks alot guys. Love this community :)
 
Just the Amp and DAC should be enough as far as I know. Plug the Amp into the DAC, and the DAC into your PC. Cables should be included, but don't quote me on that.

You can find the differences between the regular and uber versions on the products pages under 'FAQ': Magni 2, Modi 2.

I personally think the Uber versions are worth it. They won't make a huge difference per say, but it's still a decent upgrade over the regulars. Plus, the ubers are made of aluminium instead of painted steel, which is a lot more aesthetically pleasing.

EDIT: The Schiit products don't come with cables. I'd also definitely wait on the imput of other forum members. I'm not a huge audiophile myself, so no doubt some other members will give you better advice.
 
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The Micca has a 5V DC in ;)

Also, the K712 Pro's have a rated impedance of 62 ohms, which isn't terribly hard to drive. I can't imagine the Micca having trouble driving it whatsoever.

I'm definitely not telling you to just go for the Micca, but it definitely is a very capable amp, especially considering its price. No doubt the other amps mentioned will be better, but for $100 you can't go wrong with it. It's not plug-and-play, though, meaning you'll need to install drivers for it to work.

Also, the amp that Alien listed, the Oppo one, is supposed to be excellent afaik, so definitely look into it. And, like I said, the Schiit stack/spread (Modi + Magni) are also an amazing choice at just around your budget.

You are right they are only rated at 62ohms, but you have also to take into account there 200mw power rating. And at 50ohms, the Micca doesn't output enough to fully take advantage of the AKGs, so adding another 12ohms after that makes it harder. It would still do it yeah but if he is buying such an expensive headphone, he definitely shouldn't be skimping out on the audio gear to drive it either. My opinion at least.
In regards to the Oppo, it's not worth the money. Less powerful than the cheaper Schiit stack. Makes no sense for a desktop.

NeverBackDown , AverageNinja, AlienALX, Dicehunter.

Thanks alot guys. i am just so happy to see there are several post for my thread. I tried other forums but i couldn't get any help.

Ok. So i understand that Schiit Modi + magni will do. Thats great. But now i am little confused. Along with Magni + Modi , i will also be needing to buy a sound card or just these two are enough ?

If these two are enough , then my next question is. These have uber version also. Will Non-uber version be enough for my need (gaming for fps) or Uber version will be needed.

Thanks alot guys. Love this community :)

You would just need the Schiit modi and magni. You don't have to get the uber edition. If you want to you can. It'll be just a little bit better and give you more output options for connecting speakers if you ever do that, but if you are strictly headphones, the NON uber option is more than enough. I would personally get the NON uber edition. You are probably not even going to notice a difference.
You will need to buy cables for them though. I got mine on amazon for much cheaper than using the Schiit cables.

example of cables: USB cable
Cables for connecting the modi/magni

these are the cables I use to connect my schiit products.
 
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In regards to the Oppo, it's not worth the money. Less powerful than the cheaper Schiit stack. Makes no sense for a desktop.

And you would know, because?

I'm not being funny dude, but recommend whatever you like to whoever you like. However, making such bold statements like that one ^ are really not a good idea if you have no experience with the product.

Nothing annoys me more than when people come up with a random put down comment "just because". Just because that isn't what you recommended.

If you had one and if you had listened to it you would know it's more than enough unless of course you want to go deaf by the time you are thirty, and is also portable too so offers more features.

Note - nowhere do I say "Don't buy what he says you should buy because <insert reason here>".

That Oppo is one of the best DACs on the market for the money. I just watched a review of what you have recommended and Linus had issues with it thinking his headphones were an antenna and it was giving out all sorts of noise and feedback.

Bigger does not = better.
 
And you would know, because?

I'm not being funny dude, but recommend whatever you like to whoever you like. However, making such bold statements like that one ^ are really not a good idea if you have no experience with the product.

Nothing annoys me more than when people come up with a random put down comment "just because". Just because that isn't what you recommended.

If you had one and if you had listened to it you would know it's more than enough unless of course you want to go deaf by the time you are thirty, and is also portable too so offers more features.

Note - nowhere do I say "Don't buy what he says you should buy because <insert reason here>".

That Oppo is one of the best DACs on the market for the money. I just watched a review of what you have recommended and Linus had issues with it thinking his headphones were an antenna and it was giving out all sorts of noise and feedback.

Bigger does not = better.

It annoys me when people twist words. Where did I say just because?
I didn't say it sucked, I said it is less powerful than the schiit stack, it also is less expandable. Why pay more for less? Or is that what we are doing now?
Ironically Alien, the one putting out a put-down comment is you. Turning a simple statement into something that is soooo sooo sooo wrong and ear scratching, that you must come out and voice your displeasure.

I did not say bigger = better either, except in this case it does. You may think it is great value for a portable DAC/AMP, but for a desktop use it is severaly lacking compared to the Schiit stack. The Schiit stack is quite famous for how cheap yet chuffing amazing value for money. It cannot be beat at this price.

BTW I should ask since you assumed this, have you used the schiit stack before? Have you actually used the product? Did you compare them to the Oppo? Because if you did not, then you are being a hypocrite here.

Note - nowhere do I say "Don't buy what he says you should buy because <insert reason here>".
Can you tell me where I said that as well? Oh right you cannot. I said it is not worth the money when he can get something better cheaper.

Next time before trying to call someone out, don't assume things or twist words and actually look at both products technical details to back up your claim. One quick glance and you would know it's not really even that close.
For a portable DAC/AMP it is impressive, but at the price it is it should be. But you are trying to compare a portable DAC/AMP to a desktop DAC/AMP. It won't ever be close. Portables just cannot draw enough power to keep up.

I mean it's not even much better than a Fiio E10k for the money and the E10k is less than double the price of the Oppo

Ironically Alien, the one putting out a put-down comment is you. Turning a simple statement into something that is soooo sooo sooo wrong and ear scratching, that you must come out and voice your displeasure.
 
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Prove it.

I love that you ignore everything else because you know you are in the wrong over making it a big deal.

Don't know how to use Google? You can find it. I shouldn't have to argue over something that is less than double the price compared to something else. You obviously view it differently, so you can find your own opinion based off your research because whatever I find you obviously aren't prepared to even give a chance before you claim more nonsense. You come back and PM me what you find and make your claim as to why I am apparently wrong in saying for the money you pay for the fiio the Oppo isn't worth the extra money as it's performance increase doesn't justify it. And yes PM me only. Don't derail the thread. He knows our recommendations, he doesn't need arguments.
 
Assuming you are from the US since you are using $?

If you are then I suggest getting a Schiit Modi/Magni stack. You'll never need anything more than this unless you start spending absurd money on audio equipment. But this combo is seriously the best for the money and the DAC can even be upgraded down the road too if you want, send it to them and they'll upgrade it and send it back.

Now if you want a soundcard that is going to be connected with a PCIe slot, then you'll probably want one of the gaming cards so you can get the 3D positioning emulation they get that helps figure out footsteps. I honestly can't tell the difference between the soundcards and an external non Gaming AMP/DAC combo and think it's a gimmick to buy gaming soundcards. But people disagree with me here. They can all they want, the external stuff always sounds better and Gaming performance to me is identical. So I always go external:)
What do the gaming sound cards/headphones claim as an advantage over an external DAC/Amp? 7.1 or 8 channel directional sound or summin'?

I live in the UK, and I have the Schiit Vali 2 and Modi 2. For music they produce extraordinary sound, and they're excellent value for anyone in the EU. I've no idea about games as I use them with a Mac.
 
Personally, I run AKG K702's and K7xx's from a Xonar Essence STX. if it's for gaming that's the best solution I've found so far.

The Xonar handles 7.1 to binaural surround sampling very well, and coupled with the open soundstage you get with AKG.. makes for a very accurate and detailed gaming soundstage.

Just remember what's good for music, isn't always necessarily what you want for games. Dumb stereo is great for music using external sources, but you need something half-decent on the PC to downsample the 7.1/5.1 surround into a proper Stereo binaural sound, otherwise you're just playing with basic stereo, which isn't great for positional accuracy.
 
Personally, I run AKG K702's and K7xx's from a Xonar Essence STX. if it's for gaming that's the best solution I've found so far.

The Xonar handles 7.1 to binaural surround sampling very well, and coupled with the open soundstage you get with AKG.. makes for a very accurate and detailed gaming soundstage.

Just remember what's good for music, isn't always necessarily what you want for games. Dumb stereo is great for music using external sources, but you need something half-decent on the PC to downsample the 7.1/5.1 surround into a proper Stereo binaural sound, otherwise you're just playing with basic stereo, which isn't great for positional accuracy.

you are right but doesn't AMP / DAC do the same thing ? Which is to handle the sound and give it to the user as surround and all. This is just what i assume. However, more accurate answer can come from people who own them. I am still looking at people's opinion and yet to decide. Surely your pointed is also noted.
 
Just remember what's good for music, isn't always necessarily what you want for games. Dumb stereo is great for music using external sources, but you need something half-decent on the PC to downsample the 7.1/5.1 surround into a proper Stereo binaural sound, otherwise you're just playing with basic stereo, which isn't great for positional accuracy.
Do you think onboard £220ish sound insufficient?
 
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