[pez]

This is probably the third revision of this thread now, but the first time for me. Personally I think the original was wordy, so we'll try and keep this a bit more concise.

There's a ton of options that exist to the point that this can be a pretty overwhelming decision to make. We're here to help ease this decision. We are going to go based on a few factors:

• What budget you have.
• What type of listener you are. (i.e. primarily music, gaming, etc.)
• What features you need or desire. ( ie. open back closed back)

We are going to break this up into sections of Headphones, IEMs, Headsets, DACs, Sound cards, Amps, (etc/placeholder). Items will be listed in ascending order based on price and each headphone recommendation will also come with a short and to-the-point description of what the headphone offers or at least does best.

Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x - $149.00 (Closed, Portable, All-Rounder)
This headphone is known for being a great first foray into audio for most people. The headphone is bassy, though not over-exaggerated or bloated. These remain neutral through the midrange and treble which isn't common with a lot of headphones in this price bracket (DT770). Overall, the headphones are fairly comfy, though they won't rival the likes of the DT770. Aftermarket pads are popular for these including a velour option that sweeten the deal.

Massdrop x Fostex T-X0 - $149.99 (Massdrop edition of the T50RP MKII, *pending sound test*)
Just basing this off of the FQ graph -- bassier version with more tame mids, with a leather headband and velour/protein leather hybrid earpads.

Fostex T50RP MKIII - $159.99 (Semi-Open, Planar Magnetic (RIP), mid-happy, punchy)
THE DIY headphone that has created a cult of modding enthusiast who strive to get every last drop of performance from these inexpensive headphones. With proper mods, these headphones can punch way above their price point.
To boot; punchy bass, forward mids and an open sound. Decent soundstage that is better than closed back headphones, but not as good as fully open headphones.

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80ohm, 250ohm - $166.02, $160.01 (v-shaped sound signature with recessed mids, sparkly highs, exaggerated bass and a narrow soundstage)
Great headphone for EDM, rap and pop music, but not much else. The lack of midrange doesn't give confidence in other types of music such as rock, etc. Super comfortable, and built like a tank. Not so ideal for gaming due to the lack of soundstage.

Fostex TH-X00 Mahoganny, Purpleheart, Ebony - $399.00, $449.00, 499.00 (closed-back, mid-happy and bass-centric, surprisingly open sounding for closed back headphones)
Fostex' vision of what a successor to the famous Denon AH-D5000. There are three versions of this headphone that come with different wooden cups. The cups impart their own sonic characteristics to the overall tone. In ascending order of price, we have Mahoganny, Purpleheart, and Ebony editions.

• Mahoganny - Middle of the pack for bass, forward midrange and recessed treble
• Purpleheart - Most bass of the trio, more v-shaped sound with more present mids and highs than the other two
• Ebony - Least bass of the trio, but only slightly and has a more linear sound signature that should be more pleasing to those who are sensitive to midrange

AKG K7XX - $199.99 (Massdrop's version of the Q701)
Shares many of the same sound characteristics that the Q701 has with a slightly better bass and a more pleasing sound to most that would generally find the Q701 fatiguing or even grating. Beware that some QC issues have been reported with the elastic strings of the headband. This is possibly fixed by now, though).

Sennheiser HD6XX - $199.99 (Massdrop's version of the HD650; open-back, relaxed sound with a good bass response and extension, good soundstage)

Massdrop's version of the classic icon. This is the same headphone offered at a lower price of $200. If you are able to get them at this price, there's no reason to choose the HD650 over these unless you just really dislike the dark/navy blue colorway. These headphones are still made in the same factory as the HD650, so quality issues outside of the normal occurance should not exist. See the HD650 description for info on the sound of these.

Beyerdynamic DT880 250, 600 - $219.00 (Great soundstage and very open sound with a fairly neutral sound -- errs on the side of being 'bright' or 'sparkly')
Another great headphone for gaming and those looking for a fairly neutral headphone. This headphones 'suffers' from the normal sparkly treble that the Beyer line is known for. Bass is punchy, but mids do take a backseat to the highs by nature. Great for gaming as they have a wide soundstage. Rock, metal, and hardcore (and just about every one of its' subgenres) benefit the greatest from this headphone. Be warned, the treble will bother those that are sensitive to it.

- Sennheiser HD600

AKG Q701 - $249.91 (Bright and forward highs, open sound stage, a little bass light but still has enough to make most people content, forward and clear mids)
Awesome headphones for people who are looking for headphones that offer a mix of gaming performance and sound quality for music. The bumps on the headband can potentially cause some people discomfort after an extended period of time. These headphones have a tendency to sound harsh when paired with a bright sounding amp. A slight eq or a warmer sounding amp such as a tube amp would pair very well with these headphones.

Sennheiser HD600 - $286.12 (open-back, neutral sound with a tight bass response; very popular for it's smooth yet unoffending midrange)

Great headphone for those looking for a neutral headphone that can do just about everything well that isn't bass-heavy. The bass errs on the side of being punchy, though a bit light for some (certain amplification can affect this). This headphone shines in the midrange where it remains slightly forward, yet smooth enough that it doesn't become fatiguing. Pair that with the neutral highs that are pleasing, if not perfect for those that don't care much for the DT880 or Q701.

Sennheiser HD650 - $375.14 (open-back, relaxed sound with a good bass response and extension, good soundstage)

These headphones were always classified as dark in a world where the DT880, 990 and the K701 were their main competitors. You have tame highs, present mids without being overly forward and a very decent bass slam and extension. These scale nearly infinitely with better amplification, but they do great on entry level stuff as well.

Headsets

**Under construction**

Amps

**Under construction**

DACs

**Under construction**

Sound Cards

**Under construction*

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krulani

I'd like to preface this by saying I know literally nothing about quality sound. I did read the entire OP and have a few questions.

1.) I'm buying the Asus Maximus VI Impact that has a sound card in the form of a "daughter-board" called SupremeFX. Is this considered a sound card, or is it just marketing-speak for onboard sound? If it IS a soundcard, yay! How is the quality? That brings me to my next question...

2.) I'd really like to upgrade all of my sound-related peripherals if the SupremeFX is indeed a sound card (it would be the first i've ever used). With the SupremeFX, do i need/want a headphone amp to go with it? I was unsure if that was something you need in addition to a sound card, or if that soundcard WAS a heaphone amp. Confused.

3.) Assuming a headphone amp is necessary, will this list of items offer me a great first experience into the crazy new world of quality sound? And are these items compatible, and inclusive of everything i need?

-Soundcard: Asus SupremeFX, included with the Maximus VI Impact as a "daughter-board"
-Headset: Audio Technica AD900X
-Headphone Amp: Schiit Magni [Solid State]
-Mic: Blue Yeti
-Pop filter
-Shock mount

Thanks in advance for any help rendered. I appreciate all insight.

Your predicted setup isn't a bad first step. The onboard sound will be beaten out by a dedicated DAC, but in your case, the amp will be a better first step. However, I'm not really sure how dependent your headphones will really be for an amp. It wouldn't hurt to get the amp and give yourself some room for future upgrades to even better headphones.
Quote:

Originally Posted by THEStorm

Hey guys, I'm looking for a bit of advice.

I am looking to improve on my audio equipment. I enjoy all types of music (except country). I use my computer mostly for gaming, and everyday activities (photo editing, watching movies, etc). I will be using the on board sound from my motherboard (Gigabyte Sniper M5) which has "Creative Sound Core 3D" with a changeable OP Amp (whether or not that makes much of a difference over standard on board I'm not sure) and due to the internal setup of my computer I would prefer an external setup (my GPU covers my only PCI-E slot that I can use for a sound card).

So I have access to a Sony receiver (It's a bit older, from mid 2000's, but its 7.1 700W with digital inputs) that I am not 100% sure if it works, so at the moment this is all hypothetical but lets just pretend at this point it works (still have a solder on a new power plug). Would you recommend just grabbing a set of passive bookshelf speakers (like the Infinity Primus P153), grab a decent set of headphones (not sure exactly what yet) and call it a day?

Or should I look into getting a DAC, Headphone AMP and a set of passive speakers (along with headphones, need those either way)?

I'm pretty sure that the second setup would be better for a computer setup however it would also be much more costly. I know that receivers are a do everything but not one thing well but for my purposes will this suffice?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Don't forget the option of DAC, Amp with pre-amps, and powered speakers as well. Might not be to your suiting/liking, but it's an option

. Also, it doesn't hurt to try out the receiver. General rule of thumb is that modern day receivers aren't as great for their headphone portions as vintage ones, but free is free. Just test it out and see how it sounds to you, first. You may still want to go with a DAC also, however.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by THEStorm

My budget is fairly flexible at the moment, would just like something with good value (that's why I was looking at the Infinity Primus P153, it is in the recommended list as good value, when looking I found them on Amazon for $75 a piece). As for the headphones Probably about $200, but I am in Canada. If it weren't for the receiver I would do it more so in steps to help keep the costs down a bit. And as long as it is in good shape I am not opposed to going used.
Oops I ment to write Active with my DAC, and AMP. Was thinking of powered speakers there, just wrote passive for some reason.

Yeah, I think it's a reasonable option; especially if you're tight on space. Not everyone can fit a receiver in their room/office, let alone on their desk.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krulani

This is exactly what I was looking for, a nice breakdown of what each does. I couldn't figure out how each piece related to the other. Based on this if I understood correctly, since a SupremeFX is the best i can do (ITX board) for a sound card...I can substitute using that by buying a DAC and a headphone amp (I don't mind buying both) to drive headphones. That's my best option for quality sound. Right? I hope so, I'm really trying to figure this out lol. I'm trying to build my dream rig (woohoo!): Computer components, display, audio stuff, keyboard, mouse, the works.

Yes, your understanding is correct. Unless it is an Amp/DAC combo, you cannot use a DAC without an amp. A dedicated DAC and a dedicated Amp is a much better option than your onboard solution, though if your onboard solution is absolutely necessary, it will do. A good starting point is the Schiit Modi (DAC) and Magni (Amp). You could also substitute the Magni with a Vali if you can foot the price and crave the more 'musical' type of sound it may offer you.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omairsr

Hi everyone. I'm looking to improve my sound experience, one step at a time. I am interested in purchasing the HD 380 pros, but after some research, I realized that my onboard sound card may not be enough for them. I currently have a Dell Optiplex 755 (a workstation computer; I know, I know). The headphones that I'm using are a cheap pair, but here's their website page nonetheless: http://www.a4tech.com/product.asp?m=p5&cid=221&scid=221&id=442

After looking at this thread and Simca's "Differences between On Board and a Sound Card" thread, I am considering investing in the Asus Xonar DG mentioned in the opening post. What I want to know is: Will the sound quality I get see a noticeable improvement even with the cheap old headphones I have now? Because if yes, then I may put off the HD 380s until a bit later when I have a more flexible budget.

I recommend the headphones first. Those headphones are super easy to drive and actually sound quite good out of a phone, even. Yes, a sound card will probably make an improvement, but headphones are always the better investment to make first. It would be well worth it to grab the headphones first, and then later on when you've saved up, grab a sound card or a DAC and amp.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omairsr

The reason I was going for the sound card first was because it was cheaper and the Onboard vs Soundcard thread suggested that a sound card is more important; are you implying that I'd see a greater improvement with the headphones alone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyd

Yeah the HD380's are a great pair of headphones and it will give you a bigger improvement than a sound card. The Xonar DG is only a step above onboard anyways. It is better, but not as big as a headphone swap.

Exactly this.

Onboard really isn't as good as a sound card will be; but you're going to get more 'instant gratification' by purchasing the headphones first. The best part about the 380s is that they will be just adequate running out of a sound card that you eventually choose (or that you get if you decide on a sound card first).

It's hard to make a list like this, but Simca has done a good job of it. However, don't get too bent on semantics. Someone else mentioned the quality of your music being important, and they are correct. 256 AAC/MP3 and up is the 'recommendation'. This just means to get rid of those crappy LimeWire tracks from years ago

.

Just remember:

Quality of Music > Headphones > DAC/amp.

It's hard to say an amp or DAC is more important than one another, as for different headphones it can vary. In your case, though, the DAC (sound card) is more important; but you'll be gaining an 'amp' as well (sound card is an all-in-one solution).

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by omairsr

Thanks a lot for all the help, everyone. I'll be getting those headphones as soon the opportunity presents itself.
Thankfully, I started caring about music quality some time ago. Most of my stuff is FLAC or 320kbps MP3.
Totally! I still have the original MP3 of In The End that I download all those years ago.

Good on you

.

Good luck with the purchase!

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krulani

Where would one aquire quality music files legally? I'm assuming Spotify is a no?

I think a lot of times it depends on the type of music. Spotify for it's price is great, and I will address a fix in detail in the second part of this post. If you're looking for lossless, it's harder to find; but 256 MP3/AAC can be acquired from Google Play, Amazon MP3 Store, and iTunes; just pick the lesser of evils in your eyes

.
Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyd

It costs money.

Best way is CD's, you can get great quality rips off of them, and you can get whole albums for just a few dollars. Going to a half priced books or a music exchange can find you great CD's for extremely cheap.

Spotify, Pandora are no. Soundcloud is great for a lot of artists. Look for 320kbps or VBR (variable bit-rate) for MP3, and FLAC is the most common lossless format. 256kbps is usually sufficient for a budget setup, but I'd recommend getting 320kbps if possible.

Spotify is actually quite good as far as quality tracks. They use 256-320 for PC/Laptop streaming, and OGG Vorbis for mobile streaming. Quite good actually; and a big step ahead of Pandora from the last time I've used it.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RussianC

Hello, I wanted to ask if anyone could help me find a Set of speakers 5.1 for under $120. Maybe someone saw a good deal on a set on ebay or something. Looking for something with decent quality of sound really.

Found a Logitech X-530 thinking of picking it up, around 50$ bid.
Also a Creative Labs A550 set for 65.

Maybe a few words witch to go with?
In the dark here, have no idea what's good and bad.

If you're US based, there's still some Walmarts that have the X530s around on clearance for under $60. May not be your best option for the money, but thought I'd throw that out there for you

.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by THEStorm

I just ordered a set of Hifman HE-400's and now I am looking for a DAC and AMP.

Which would you recommend, Magni/Modi stack or O2/ODAC?

Leaning towards the O2/ODAC as I very much like the concept, but before I order anything I am going to see how the cans sound without an AMP & DAC.

It might sound alright amp, but if it sounds like poo, you'll know why

.

 

[pez]

IIRC, the Forte's were a real stand-up card. I would think a Titanium HD, Z, or STX would be a side-grade, rather than an upgrade. You would be better off buying a dedicated/standalone DAC and AMP, or just stick with your soundcard for now and invest in an amp to go along with your headphones.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rows

But is my Auzentech sufficient to drive the DT 990"s??

And when I go for a separate DAC and AMP do i still have surround sound in Game for positioning audio which is of course very important when you play FPS on high level?

You'll want at least an amp to compliment your Forte, but you can use the money you were going to buy a new sound card with and use it on an amp. How obtainable are Schiit products for you? The Vali might be a good start for the type of sound properites that the Beyer line usually represent.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by devilangel

Forgot the bass sort of issue, anyway -> http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-update-3-29-2014-ultrasone-hs-15-added-edits

The points made prior to yours are very valid, especially coming from a crowd that are both audiophiles and gamers all the same. Not sure why you're trying to debunk our opinions based on a money driven site like Head-fi.
Quote:

Originally Posted by superbarnie

So I just realized that the JVC HARX-700 headphones got removed from the list. Are they bad? Or is there better alternatives?

They are surprisingly good, and at the the less-than fifty dollar price point, at that. I gave them a listen at my bud's house the last time I visited and I forgot how good they actually were. Their biggest weakness, IMO, is how creaky and cheap they feel, even though they aren't cheap at all. The pair my friend has is secondhand (via me) and has been going strong for him for a couple years now.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OC'ing Noob

I don't think he was trying to debunk it. I read it as him saying he forgot about the bass response and how bad it was. Maybe I misread. *shrugs*
The JVC HARX700 are not bad headphones. There are just other options that can be considered better with the Monoprice 8232, Superflux HD681, and a few Koss cans.

It was more aimed at the first post, but however.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvidiaftw12

I'd get the Audio Technica Atr-2500 before that.

It's also around twice the price

.

 

[pez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvidiaftw12

We the one he posted is $61, the 2500 used to be $48.

Erm...

http://www.modmic.com/products/modmic

Edit:

Thought you were referencing the ModMic. My bad

.

 

[pez]

This Charlotte meet is coming up quick. It's gonna make me spend lots of money I feel

.

 

[pez]

Lol which is ridiculous, though it may not stay at MSRP for very long, if at all.

 

[pez]

Any reason you wouldn't consider wired? You'll pay significantly more for it being wireless, and a get a lot less audio for that price.

 

[pez]

It was actually updated again at the end of January (this year).