[CrazzyRussian]

Hey guys, so as shown in my avatar I have in my possession a pair of Sony MDR-7506 Studio monitoring headphones. I got these for the precise bass and the accurate sound that they have to offer and how they are superior to most, if not all the headphones in their price range. I also choose them over something like the HD555's because the closed design will benefit me.

To keep things short here is my situation:

I listened to MP3's and FLAC's on my computer and felt curious why people were saying these headphones make 128 kbps audio sound like crap. I went to www.mp3ornot.com and tried it out the test. To my surprise I had a very hard time telling the difference between 320kbps audio and 128kbps audio. While people online said the difference was like day and night to me it was almost exactly the same.

I want to know why I cannot hear the difference like others can. Is it my onboard Realtek ALC892 soundcard, my Sony MDR-7506 headphones, or is it me?

OR am I not focusing on the right part of the audio?

FYI: I have confirmed that these are not fakes. They were purchased off of amazon and had all the characteristics of a real genuine pair of MDR-7506 headphones?

 

[ghettosuperstar]

You need a different source. Try a receiver, or another radio. This is to give you a comparison to see if it's the computer or the headsets. Also if you have one lying around, try a cd or dvd. You can always download a audio test cd. Worst case scenario look for a better soundcard.

 

[chronostorm]

it'll probably help if you replace your onboard with something better

 

[CrazzyRussian]

Update: I just hooked up my soundcard output to my old sony receiver and noticed a lot more bass, even though all of the EQ were off. Also, the highs were a bit stronger and cleaner. Does this mean it is my soundcard that is lacking?

 

[ghettosuperstar]

Sorry to say but onboard sound is always crappy. Time to go shopping.

 

[CrazzyRussian]

Any suggestions? I have a Soundblasher Live in my closet but I've heard after 10 years todays onboard is a little better.

Which sound card do you perfer? I was thinking the Creative Xtrememusic or the ASUS Xonar DS? Nothing too expensive, just looking to get the most out of my headphones

 

[Simca]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazzyRussian;13064852
Any suggestions? I have a Soundblasher Live in my closet but I've heard after 10 years todays onboard is a little better.

Which sound card do you perfer? I was thinking the Creative Xtrememusic or the ASUS Xonar DS? Nothing too expensive, just looking to get the most out of my headphones

Absolutely the DS if your budget is below...80 dollars. Even then, one should consider carefully whether they want to spend the extra 30 dollars for the DX because it mostly just offers dolby digital which many do not use anyway. Same processor.

Your sound card is most definitely the culprit; however, I'm not a fan of Sony's. Do not like the sound signature. Still, it's the on board audio you had, not the headphones ftmp.

 

[chinesekiwi]

depends on budget yo....
Also dependant on your hearing...

 

[The Mad Mule]

ew, onboard...

 

[Phoriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazzyRussian;13064437
Update: I just hooked up my soundcard output to my old sony receiver and noticed a lot more bass, even though all of the EQ were off. Also, the highs were a bit stronger and cleaner. Does this mean it is my soundcard that is lacking?

I have the same headphones and even though they have a relatively low resistance they do benefit from a bit of amplification. I used to EQ my music for more bass before getting my awesome sound card ($80 on kijiji

ujelly?) but now I can leave it all flat because the lows are much more pronounced.

 

[RallyMaster]

Onboard makes good audio sources very hard to discern from poor quality audio. You really ought to get a sound card.

 

[CrazzyRussian]

Okay guys, with all of your suggestions I am still stuck with what soundcard to choose. I am not looking to spend above $50 since I think that a $50 soundcard will be more than enough for me to get the full potential of my headphones.

Any suggestions for a soundcard?

 

[aksthem1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazzyRussian;13078480
Okay guys, with all of your suggestions I am still stuck with what soundcard to choose. I am not looking to spend above $50 since I think that a $50 soundcard will be more than enough for me to get the full potential of my headphones.

Any suggestions for a soundcard?

Look for a modded XtremeMusic on Head-Fi or eBay. They have them for around that price.

I got mine for $65 shipped, but man it is a world above my old XtremeGamer. The sound stage is amazing and brought the potential of my speakers out.

 

[Simca]

Without a doubt the Xonar DS.

 

[CrazzyRussian]

Are there any sound cards in my budget that come in a PCI-e flavor? The DS and the Xtreme Music are both PCI

 

[RallyMaster]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...006&Tpk=eclaro

That?

EDIT: Wow, that was early in the morning. Didn't notice that was a $190 card. You might want to wait for a Xonar DX to show up in the FS section. They typically go for around $55.

 

[CrazzyRussian]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RallyMaster;13084087
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271006&Tpk=eclaro

That?

EDIT: Wow, that was early in the morning. Didn't notice that was a $190 card. You might want to wait for a Xonar DX to show up in the FS section. They typically go for around $55.

LOL $190 XD. Thanks for recommending on waiting for a DX, will wait

 

[drjoey1500]

Did you just get the headphones? It takes a while to get used to new headphones and start hearing things you never heard before. The difference between 128kbps and 320 is way overhyped. The most apparent difference is the highs on 128kbps get messed up and sound funny. It's not night and day that smacks you in the face when you hit play like people make it seem. Especially on onboard anyway. With that said, I don't recommend using 128kbps at all

.

I'd also recommend waiting for a rebate on the DX, but TBH onboard isn't as horrible as everyone says. I've tried other good sources but I've been happy with my M50's and onboard for over a year. It definitely has problems and I could tell you what they are, but it still sounds good.

The DX sounds very good, but while you're waiting don't be afraid to enjoy your onboard

.

 

[Simca]

You can check out ebay and look for a used Xonar DX. That's what I did. Sometimes like now people sell them for 65 dollars.