Audio Thread (DAC, Headphones, Speakers) - Page 2

**Gandalfthewhite** · Jan 24, 2021, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperGeil

German Engineering. I'm for sure getting a pair of DT1990's now. I was on the fence with a couple of others.

Another G6.

For MIC I use a Steller X2 into a Art Tube MP into a BBE 282ix. This is not for games, this is for work. For warm but detailed clean pronunciation, this is perfect for my needs. The BBE is my secret weapon.

Yeah the audient evo 4 has SUPER clean preamps like for the money you cannot find anything better. Mic wise I have it down to like 3 options.

GTwannabe · Jan 24, 2021, 07:27 PM

Threw my SoundBlaster Z back in the rig. Some newer games don't play nicely with DTS Connect on the Realtek chipset. They default to stereo output and don't let you manually configure audio for 5.1 channels.

Thankfully, Creative's new SoundBlaster Command software appears to actually work vs. the junk bloatware that shipped with the card. Looks like they rereleased the Z sans microphone as the "SE" model. Actually, all of their cards for the past decade have used the exact same digital hardware...

Crawdaddy79 · Jan 24, 2021, 07:54 PM

Embarrassing storytime: I got a pair of Sennheiser HD 600's about a year ago, specifically for my PC. They sound pretty good, but don't really shine against my sub-$100 headphones unless the volume is up (and this is rare).

I never plugged them into my phone and listened to music. See, my PC has shitty Realtek onboard sound with a buggy Nahimic software overlay. My phone has a spectacular audio processor (LG V20).

After reading through this thread and seeing that sound cards are still a thing (USB and otherwise) I listened to Balrog Boogie, a 221k VBR MP3 with a wide range of sounds/frequencies and I gotta say, the difference between listening to in on my computer vs my phone with these headphones is similar to seeing a fish castle in an aquarium, one with water, the other without.

I've thought that I was living with good sound but now I learn that it's barely adequate and an insult to these ear speakers. I need to do some reading up on some of the stuff you guys posted in this thread. Many thanks @ all of you.

SuperGeil · Jan 24, 2021, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crawdaddy79

Embarrassing storytime: I got a pair of Sennheiser HD 600's about a year ago, specifically for my PC. They sound pretty good, but don't really shine against my sub-$100 headphones unless the volume is up (and this is rare).

I never plugged them into my phone and listened to music. See, my PC has shitty Realtek onboard sound with a buggy Nahimic software overlay. My phone has a spectacular audio processor (LG V20).

After reading through this thread and seeing that sound cards are still a thing (USB and otherwise) I listened to Balrog Boogie, a 221k VBR MP3 with a wide range of sounds/frequencies and I gotta say, the difference between listening to in on my computer vs my phone with these headphones is similar to seeing a fish castle in an aquarium, one with water, the other without.

I've thought that I was living with good sound but now I learn that it's barely adequate and an insult to these ear speakers. I need to do some reading up on some of the stuff you guys posted in this thread. Many thanks @ all of you.

The HD 600's are not the most sensitivity efficient headphones, and being 300ohms, they are going to need a relativity decent amp to drive them. For sure think about a DAC AMP combo for them. 400 dollar headphones into your onboard direct? That is a crime.

Sound cards mostly died off because video cards got really big, and onboard got ''good enough''. Otherwise, they still have a purpose because they are superior. Just most normies don't care. Also, ITX and micro ATX got really popular. So there is that too.

metroidfox · Jan 24, 2021, 09:49 PM

Yeah, any high impedance headphones will expose a bad source really quickly.

SuperGeil · Jan 25, 2021, 08:54 PM

out of curiosity, I'm going to pick up some Philips 9500's next week to compare to my 7506's.

Kain · Jan 26, 2021, 04:52 PM

For my PC I use the Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 (was using the Titanium HD previously) and a 2.1 speaker setup consisting of 2 x JBL LSR305 and 1 x JBL LSR310S. Sounds freaking awesome.

mizzer · Jan 26, 2021, 07:12 PM

Got the G6 in. Will connect it tonight and report my findings.

SuperGeil · Jan 26, 2021, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kain

For my PC I use the Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 (was using the Titanium HD previously) and a 2.1 speaker setup consisting of 2 x JBL LSR305 and 1 x JBL LSR310S. Sounds freaking awesome.

That is one of the best setups so far in this thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizzer

Got the G6 in. Will connect it tonight and report my findings.

Bin gespannt. What headphones to you have?

mizzer · Jan 27, 2021, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperGeil

Bin gespannt. What headphones to you have?

BeyerDynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohm.

Used DDU to remove Creative drivers and software. Plugged in the G6 and DID NOT install drivers. The little G6 delivers! My cans came to life and all my audio issues are gone.

Great little box!

Nunz · Jan 27, 2021, 10:05 AM

Does the G6 use the Sound Blaster Command software? I'd assume it does, so If so, you can check for updates through the application. It'll take care of everything for you.

I'd recommend checking the settings, as my AE-5 by default will be set for low Ohm headphone gain. With DT770s, you'll want to change that setting to "High" headphone gain, so that the amp feeds the cans appropriately.

mizzer · Jan 27, 2021, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nunz

Does the G6 use the Sound Blaster Command software? I'd assume it does, so If so, you can check for updates through the application. It'll take care of everything for you.

I'd recommend checking the settings, as my AE-5 by default will be set for low Ohm headphone gain. With DT770s, you'll want to change that setting to "High" headphone gain, so that the amp feeds the cans appropriately.

Will do. I'll check it when I get home.

SuperGeil · Jan 27, 2021, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizzer

BeyerDynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohm.

Used DDU to remove Creative drivers and software. Plugged in the G6 and DID NOT install drivers. The little G6 delivers! My cans came to life and all my audio issues are gone.

Great little box!

Sick bro! The amp in the G6 is very powerful. Will have no problem powering even 600 ohm monsters. Creative really knocked it out of the park with the G6. For headphone users at least.

mizzer · Jan 27, 2021, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nunz

Does the G6 use the Sound Blaster Command software? I'd assume it does, so If so, you can check for updates through the application. It'll take care of everything for you.

I'd recommend checking the settings, as my AE-5 by default will be set for low Ohm headphone gain. With DT770s, you'll want to change that setting to "High" headphone gain, so that the amp feeds the cans appropriately.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperGeil

Sick bro! The amp in the G6 is very powerful. Will have no problem powering even 600 ohm monsters. Creative really knocked it out of the park with the G6. For headphone users at least.

Guys.... this amp is awesome! I set it to High Gain and I had to turn my volume down to 25% (from 80+). The application is simple and elegant. It's an amazing piece of hardware. I already cancelled the Schiit Fulla 3.

SuperGeil · Jan 28, 2021, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizzer

Guys.... this amp is awesome! I set it to High Gain and I had to turn my volume down to 25% (from 80+). The application is simple and elegant. It's an amazing piece of hardware. I already cancelled the Schiit Fulla 3.

Glad it worked out

Audio is serious business.

Quickstrike · Jan 28, 2021, 11:50 PM

I've heard the G6 has frustrating Mic Sidetone delay when microphone listening is enabled. Has anyone here experienced this?

mizzer · Jan 29, 2021, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quickstrike

I've heard the G6 has frustrating Mic Sidetone delay when microphone listening is enabled. Has anyone here experienced this?

Haven't used the mic yet.

**Trunks0** · Feb 3, 2021, 04:28 AM

Ok, purchased an Creative AE-5 Plus. Not sure I like SBX over CMSS3D..... however every thing else is nicer and I'll try playing with SBX to see if I end up using it. But so far, sounds pretty good

Nunz · Feb 3, 2021, 08:42 AM

It's pretty crazy how much better Creative's software has become over the past 3-4 years.

**Trunks0** · Feb 3, 2021, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nunz

It's pretty crazy how much better Creative's software has become over the past 3-4 years.

Clearly creative labs has been putting a serious effort into the software/driver side of their company. Because the Sound Blaster Command software is pretty great so far.

*Late edit*
P.s. Forgot to mention. I had an audio crackle issue with my XFi XtremeMusic where after awhile I would get static, pop n' crackle on audio. Requiring me to switch the cards modes to fix it(From say Entertainment to Gaming). This hasn't happened at all with the AE-5 yet. Which is great, as that was getting pretty old with the X-Fi

metroidfox · Feb 3, 2021, 01:44 PM

I'm curious to see how this Creative stuff compares to a dedicated interface. I don't have the space to try one.

Actually haven't even tried the onboard on my new motherboard.

SuperGeil · Feb 3, 2021, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trunks0

Ok, purchased an Creative AE-5 Plus. Not sure I like SBX over CMSS3D..... however every thing else is nicer and I'll try playing with SBX to see if I end up using it. But so far, sounds pretty good

SBX for games. It does make a big difference. SBX is not so good for music, so turn it off for that. Awesome purchase, look forward to hearing more about it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nunz

It's pretty crazy how much better Creative's software has become over the past 3-4 years.

Yes. It's ironic too because it was there software that was holding them back before, not it is their software that gives them an edge.

Gandalfthewhite's System Specs
Motherboard	Asus strix x570-i
CPU	AMD Ryzen 3900x
Graphics	Vega 64 ekwb waterblock
Memory	32GB TridentZ @3600mhz 16-16-16-16
Cooling Solution	EKWB Custom water loop
Display	LG 32gk850f / Acer B326HUL
Soundcard & Speakers	Audio Technica MSR7b headphones
Hard-Drives	seagate 520 1TBm.2 boot Samsung 840 evo 1TB
Power Supply	Seasonic 850 prime platinum
Case	Phanteks Evolv X
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GTwannabe's System Specs
Motherboard	ASRock X299 Taichi
CPU	Intel i7-7820X
Graphics	MSI 1080 Ti DUKE OC
Memory	32GB G.SKILL TridentZ DDR4 3200
Cooling Solution	Noctua NH-D15S
Display	Dell S2716DG 27" 144Hz G-sync
Soundcard & Speakers	Realtek 1220 with DTS Connect, Onkyo TX-313, AIAIAI Tonmeisters
Hard-Drives	512GB Samsung NVMe, 8TB WD Gold with 32GB Optane cache
Optical Drives	16x DVD burner
Power Supply	EVGA SuperNova P2 1000w
Case	Corsair 550D
Input Devices	Roccat Kone XTD, Tobii EyeX 4C Eye/Face Tracking, VKB Gladiator Mk 2, Xbox One controller
Operating System	Windows 10 Pro x64

Crawdaddy79's System Specs
Motherboard	MSI X470 GAMING M7 AC
CPU	Ryzen 2700X
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Memory	2 x 16 GB Micron Ballistix 3000 (@2667)
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Display	Acer XF270HU 27" @ 1440p & Dell S2409W @ 1080p
Soundcard & Speakers	Onboard
Hard-Drives	2 x 500 GB Samsung SSD, 1 x 4 TB Toshiba platterstack
Optical Drives	LG OEM Blu-Ray that seems to work okay
Power Supply	EVGA G+ Gold 850W
Case	Fractal Design Define 7
Input Devices	Logitech MX 518 mouse and black $15 Kensington keyboard.
Operating System	Windows 10 64bit Home
Extra Info	:spin:

SuperGeil's System Specs
CPU	i5 10600
Graphics	Radeon Pro WX3200

metroidfox's System Specs
Motherboard	Asus TUF B550M Wifi Plus
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Graphics	Zotac RTX Trinity OC 3080
Memory	32 GB G Skill TridentZ Neo DDR4-3600 CL17
Cooling Solution	CM 212 Evo
Display	AOC i2367h
Soundcard & Speakers	Focusrite 2i2 & JBL LSR 308 and 310s
Hard-Drives	Some 128 GB ADATA thing/250 GB Samsung 850 Evo/500 GB Samsung 850 Evo
Power Supply	Gigabyte P850GW Bronze
Case	Bitfenix Prodigy M
Input Devices	Thermaltake Poseidon, CM Storm Spawn, X360 Controller
Operating System	Windows 10 Pro x64

Jan 24, 2021, 07:27 PM	#32
GTwannabe Radeon Northern Islands Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 2,215	Threw my SoundBlaster Z back in the rig. Some newer games don't play nicely with DTS Connect on the Realtek chipset. They default to stereo output and don't let you manually configure audio for 5.1 channels. Thankfully, Creative's new SoundBlaster Command software appears to actually work vs. the junk bloatware that shipped with the card. Looks like they rereleased the Z sans microphone as the "SE" model. Actually, all of their cards for the past decade have used the exact same digital hardware...

Jan 24, 2021, 07:54 PM	#33
Crawdaddy79 Radeon 8500 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 18,679	Embarrassing storytime: I got a pair of Sennheiser HD 600's about a year ago, specifically for my PC. They sound pretty good, but don't really shine against my sub-$100 headphones unless the volume is up (and this is rare). I never plugged them into my phone and listened to music. See, my PC has shitty Realtek onboard sound with a buggy Nahimic software overlay. My phone has a spectacular audio processor (LG V20). After reading through this thread and seeing that sound cards are still a thing (USB and otherwise) I listened to Balrog Boogie, a 221k VBR MP3 with a wide range of sounds/frequencies and I gotta say, the difference between listening to in on my computer vs my phone with these headphones is similar to seeing a fish castle in an aquarium, one with water, the other without. I've thought that I was living with good sound but now I learn that it's barely adequate and an insult to these ear speakers. I need to do some reading up on some of the stuff you guys posted in this thread. Many thanks @ all of you.

Jan 25, 2021, 08:54 PM	#36
SuperGeil Radeon R420 Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Berlin Posts: 247	out of curiosity, I'm going to pick up some Philips 9500's next week to compare to my 7506's. __________________ i10400 WX3200 Radeon Pro Sound BlasterX G6 + Sony MDR 7506 LG 43UD79-B

Jan 26, 2021, 04:52 PM	#37
Kain Radeon Caribbean Islands Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Dubai, UAE Posts: 4,526	For my PC I use the Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 (was using the Titanium HD previously) and a 2.1 speaker setup consisting of 2 x JBL LSR305 and 1 x JBL LSR310S. Sounds freaking awesome. __________________ Intel Core i7-3930K \| Corsair Hydro Series H100i PRO \| GIGABYTE GA-X79-UD3 \| 16 GB Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3 2133 MHz \| EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 GAMING \| Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 \| Crucial m4 256 GB \| Western Digital Caviar Black 2 TB \| Pioneer BDR-206DBK \| EVGA SuperNOVA 850 P2 \| Corsair Obsidian Series 650D \| ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q \| 2 x JBL LSR305 + 1 x JBL LSR310S \| Microsoft SideWinder X4 \| Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum \| SteelSeries QcK mini \| Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

Kain's System Specs
Motherboard	GIGABYTE GA-X79-UD3
CPU	Intel Core i7-3930K
Graphics	EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti FTW3 GAMING
Memory	16 GB Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3 2133 MHz
Cooling Solution	Corsair Hydro Series H100i PRO
Display	ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q
Soundcard & Speakers	Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 + 2 x JBL LSR305 + 1 x JBL LSR310S
Hard-Drives	Crucial m4 256 GB + Western Digital Caviar Black 2 TB
Optical Drives	Pioneer BDR-206DBK
Power Supply	EVGA SuperNOVA 850 P2
Case	Corsair Obsidian Series 650D
Input Devices	Microsoft SideWinder X4 + Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum
Operating System	Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

Jan 26, 2021, 07:12 PM	#38
mizzer Believing is Seeing Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,367	Got the G6 in. Will connect it tonight and report my findings.

mizzer's System Specs
Motherboard	Gigabyte Aorus Mast. x570
CPU	AMD 3900X
Graphics	ASUS TUF 3070 OC
Memory	32GB G.SKILL Trident Z 3600
Cooling Solution	Noctua NH-D15
Display	LG OLED 48”
Soundcard & Speakers	Soundblaster X-fi Platinum
Hard-Drives	SSD's
Power Supply	Corsair RM850 White
Case	Fractal Design R6
Input Devices	Logitech G5 V2.0
Operating System	Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

Jan 28, 2021, 11:50 PM	#46
Quickstrike Verification Required. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Western Canada Posts: 7,015	I've heard the G6 has frustrating Mic Sidetone delay when microphone listening is enabled. Has anyone here experienced this?

Quickstrike's System Specs
Motherboard	MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk
CPU	Ryzen 5 5600X
Graphics	EVGA FTW3 GeForce RTX 3080
Memory	32 GB G Skill Trident Z RGB @ 3600
Cooling Solution	ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280
Display	Alienware AW2721D
Soundcard & Speakers	Creative Sound BlasterX G6
Hard-Drives	Sabrent 1TB Rocket 4 PLUS, Adata 2TB XPG SX8200 Pro
Power Supply	Corsair RM850X
Case	Fractal Design Meshify 2
Operating System	Windows 10 Pro X64

Feb 3, 2021, 04:28 AM	#48
Trunks0 Keeping an open mind Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Vancouver, B.C., Canada Posts: 19,963	Ok, purchased an Creative AE-5 Plus. Not sure I like SBX over CMSS3D..... however every thing else is nicer and I'll try playing with SBX to see if I end up using it. But so far, sounds pretty good __________________ -Trunks0 not speaking for all and if I am wrong I never said it. (plz note that is meant as a joke) System: Gigabyte Z87X D3H - Intel i5 4670k @ 4.2Ghz - CoolerMaster Hyper 212 Black RGB - 16Gb Kingston HyperX Black DDR3-1600 - Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD±RW - Samsung 850 Evo 250Gib - 4TiB Seagate - Asus Radeon R9 Fury STRIX - Creative AE-5 Plus - Windows 10 64-bit

Trunks0's System Specs
Motherboard	Gigabyte Z87x-D3H
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Graphics	Asus Radeon R9 Fury STRIX
Memory	16Gb Kingston HyperX DDR3 1600Mhz CL9
Cooling Solution	Coolermaster Hyper 212 Black RGB
Display	49" Samsung CHG90
Soundcard & Speakers	Creative AE-5 Plus, 2.1 Corsair SP2500
Hard-Drives	Samsung 850 Evo 250Gb, Seagate 4Tb
Optical Drives	Asus DRW-24F1ST 24x
Power Supply	EVGA SuperNOVA G3 750Watt
Case	Silverstone Raven RV02
Input Devices	Razer Blackwidow + Elecom M-HT1URBK
Operating System	Windows 10 64-bit
Extra Info	Oculus Quest 64Gb

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