PC Audio setup

CSMonkeh

CSMonkeh

CSMonkeh

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Finally taken the plunge and got myself a separate soundcard -Asus Xonar DG 5.1 PCI Sound Card with built in Headphone Amp.
Now, I wanna get some decent headphones to go with them - any recommendations??
Budget for £50 - don't wanna go too mad
Cos I listen to hardhouse/hard trance and hardcore I do need fast, punchy bass and would love to avoid a splashy treble.

Many thanks!


PS I've got an Antec 902 case with front 'phone ports. One assumes u can plug these into said sound-card without issue?
 
Not bothered whether open or closed headphones tbh -only going to be used in my room so leakage isn't gonna be much of an issue (also what are IEMS???)
Anyway having a look around and Goldring NS1000s seem a popular choice, and fall into my budget. Is it worth getting: "FiiO E5 Portable Headphone Amplifier"? Or will the built-in one on the sound-card suffice?
 
The NS1000s are indeed a great set of headphones, but if you do get them you'll certainly want to invest in the E5 as the DG isn't quite good enough to power them properly you also might want to get an extension cable as the supplied cable is rather short, too short for hi-fi use anyhow.

You could also look at the DR150 which is an open set priced at £50. Both the DR150s and the NS1000s are worth every penny, I have both and both are great for different occasions! The DR150s are the cheaper of the 2 as you shouldn't need any accessories, the NS1000s are very similar quality but will require as mentioned an amp and most likely extra cable.

IEMs are In Ear Monitors, basically the type of earphone which goes into your canal and has good isolation.
 
I don't think the ns1000's require an external amp if the sound cancelling is switched on. When it is turned on the headphones built in amp also is turned on, and I find that more than sufficient.
 
DR150's might be ruled out. They are less bright than the DR50/100's, but I have seen people say they find them too bright. How does the treble of the NS1000's compare to the DR150's?
 
Nothing wrong with the treble on DR150 those people are wrong or didn't give the dr150 chance to loose their siblance.
But overall the ns1000 simply sound better I own both.
 
EdwardTeach said:
I don't think the ns1000's require an external amp if the sound cancelling is switched on.
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You can run the NS1000s from just the ANR, however it becomes pretty bass light without an external amp, plus if you are using the headphones for a PC then an amp that can recharge via USB as opposed to replacing batteries would be better. I personally use my 1000s with batteries rather than an amp because I don't generally use them on the PC.

Marsman said:
DR150's might be ruled out. They are less bright than the DR50/100's, but I have seen people say they find them too bright. How does the treble of the NS1000's compare to the DR150's?
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The 150s are fine once they've been burned in in my opinion. The 1000s with ANR on can sometimes make me feel like I'm drowning in a sea of treble in comparison with the 150s which have much more balanced highs in my opinion.
 
OK thanks for all ur input!
As said in an earlier post most of my listening is electronic music and really don't want a bright set of 'phones.
With that in mind what pair should I go for? The DR150s or the NS1000s?
I'm not bothered whether another external amp is required to give the better sound - I just don't want to her 'tsch' 'tsch' 'tsch' all the time!!

Cheers muchly
 
In that case I'd get the 150s then, they also come slap bang on your budget where as the 1000s would cost more due to the required accessories. If there is anywhere local where you can try out audio equipment though it'd be a good idea to go down a have a listen yourself that way you can let your ears decide ;)
 
Yeh I was swinging towards them anyway cos I'm not really a fan of noise-cancelling anyway. It won't be necessary for me.

Thx muchly!
 
What about Sony's extra bass headphones? Over all, sound quality wise, they wont be as good as the Goldring's, but they will deliver in the bass dept, and will certainly have no chance of having too much treble.

Personally, I find the DR150's are just right, for treble and bass, but some have said they would like extra bass. It's not that the either Goldring's lack bass, it's just some people want more of it than others.
 
As you are on a budget i would recommend looking for a bargain on used headphones. You'll end up with something of much higher quality than you would if you bought new.

I know there is a 'yuck' factor involved but nothing that can't be solved with some sanitary wipes :)
 
Dirk said:
As you are on a budget i would recommend looking for a bargain on used headphones. You'll end up with something of much higher quality than you would if you bought new.

I know there is a 'yuck' factor involved but nothing that can't be solved with some sanitary wipes :)
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This is a good idea but can be hard if you're just starting off with audio equipment. As for cleanliness I only really see it an issue with IEMs, but maybe that's just me.
 
Haha! Yes IEM's would be the most worrisome, when it comes to hygiene. But! my Golding's need a damn good clean. Dust galore has collected on the velour and in the ear cups. Hairs too. Still only I use them, but I have been meaning to clean them for a while. Having said that though, I have been meaning to do a lot of things for a while. :o
 
The budget wasn't a rigid one, but I wasn't willing to spend much more. DR150s ordered now so lets hope it kills off that awful 'tsch' sound!
 
CSMonkeh said:
DR150s ordered now so lets hope it kills off that awful 'tsch' sound!
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'tsch' sound, of what? I know you mean too much treble, but I don't quite understand how the DR150's are going to kill it off? Do you have something already that was producing too much treble?
 
Cos I'm currently using on-board sound and some cheap Sony MDR-XD200 'phones. Got a Xonar DG sound-card heading my direction, so that takes care of the source. The DR150s should then complement it to improve my sound, surely?
 
CSMonkeh said:
Cos I'm currently using on-board sound and some cheap Sony MDR-XD200 'phones. Got a Xonar DG sound-card heading my direction, so that takes care of the source. The DR150s should then complement it to improve my sound, surely?
Click to expand...

Yep, you'll notice a BIG difference! Enjoy your new audio gear. :)
 
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