Looking for new headphones

N

Nathlm

New member
My corsair vengeance 1500 headset has broke after a decent lifespan. The reason that I'm asking you guys for advice is that I'm looking for something a bit better quality sound-wise as I've started to listen to more music. I still play a lot of games but I listen to all types of music too. I will be buying an Asus DGX sound card as well.

I've got two options which seem viable however their sound is drastically different, which would you recommend for my use-case?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003BYRGLI/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=electronics

or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-...qid=1382895498&sr=1-1&keywords=sennheiser+555

Also could you recommend a good mic for use with headphones.
Thanks in advance
 
Those are very different in nature. Looking up reviews on head-fi helps as well.

Do you have a sound card? With headphones of that caliber you should definitely have something from Asus' Xonar line, or alternatively a headphoneamp+dac like Fiio e10.

Also, here's something I can recommend from experience: Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro. Especially if you're into electronic music, since they have strong yet detailed bass.
 
looz said:
Those are very different in nature. Looking up reviews on head-fi helps as well.

Do you have a sound card? With headphones of that caliber you should definitely have something from Asus' Xonar line, or alternatively a headphoneamp+dac like Fiio e10.

Also, here's something I can recommend from experience: Beyerdynamic DT-770 Pro. Especially if you're into electronic music, since they have strong yet detailed bass.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I edited the post to put that sound card info in.
However those Beyerdynamics sound right up my alley because I quite often like a bit of bass with my headphones.
Do you have any mic recommendations?
 
I see. DGX is a good choice and a good pair for DT-770s judging by a 5min listening session.

By the way, the headphones isolate noise quite well. Sometimes too well, I can't hear my phone ringing while listening to music, for example. The headphones are also built like a tank, I have a habit of tripping to headphone cables and they've stayed in pristine condition for more than a year despite that. :P

Depending what you prefer, you could get the Zalman clip-on mic or a logitech desktop mic. Actually the microphone quality doesn't matter too much since with analogue microphones the sound card matters the most.
 
Last edited:
What would be the best impedance to get as there are quite a few different models each the same price but with different impedances?
 
Less impedance means the headphones require less juice from the sound source. The 80ohm version is usable with laptops and phones as well, but 250ohm requires a headphone amplifier. Requiring less power for similar volume also means that signal noise is more audible.

Also, I recall reading that the 32ohm version has a very different sound signature.
 
Ok so the 80 ohm version seems about on the money I'd say.
What about the xonar dgx? Would I get better sound by spending a bit more on a sound card, because if that's the case I'll do it.
Also microphones, which do you recommend?

and thanks again for being patient with an audio noob :biggrin:
 
Hmh, I thought I edited in some info about mics.

Xonar DGX stands out since it has a headphone amp. Essence STX is its big brother, but at a much higher price. But it is one of the best audio cards can buy, if we ignore ones designed for professional use.

In terms of microphones it boils down to preference, Zalman clip-on microphone is decent, as is a logitech desk microphone. With analogue microphones sound card matters the most with audio quality.
 
My money would be getting an Essence STX if you're getting DT770's Much better headphone amp etc fella. Seems expensive but it's worth'it if you're spending os much on the cans.
 
tbh I doubt that I will notice the difference between the DGX and STX,
especially £120 worth of difference.
 
Nathlm said:
tbh I doubt that I will notice the difference between the DGX and STX,
especially £120 worth of difference.
Click to expand...

I don't.

As long as you have proper headphones.
What about a FiiO E07k or E10 though? They're external DACs with headphones amps. Will create a bit more mess on your desk but they can be bought for £75-90.
 
SuB said:
Your call fella, just saying there is a big difference.
Click to expand...
Well I already ordered last night, I could cancel but I'm not an audiophile so I doubt the difference in sound would justify £120.
By doing a quick google search people are saying that there isn't a need to get the STX unless you are going above 250ohm impedance or need the 192khz audio
 
I'd say that the DGX is the best option for you. It is inexpensive so upgrading later on won't make you feel bad... But it is a really solid card, I doubt you'll feel like upgrading any time soon.

FiiO headphone amps are very good indeed, but then you'd have to use integrated audio for microphone. That is never a good thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Looking for gym headphones
Replies
7
Views
9K
darnn
D
Daiyus
Upgrading Wireless Headphones
Replies
4
Views
3K
Daiyus
Daiyus
rzthrun
A Build for Mom - Looking for critiques / suggestions
2
Replies
23
Views
11K
rzthrun
rzthrun
Dicehunter
Mini Review For Vive Cosmos
Replies
5
Views
9K
Dicehunter
Dicehunter
J
GTX 1080 Advice
Replies
6
Views
2K
clone38
clone38
Back
Top