PS3 sound through a Xonar Essence/PC

fozzybear

fozzybear

fozzybear

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Is this possible?

If I got a Xonar Essence, could I somehow divert the PS3 sound through my PC so I could use headphones with the Xonar Essence whilst playing games/blu ray on the PS3?

Not sure that makes sense! :confused:

I haven't got a clue when it comes to which cables I would need to do this.
 
Put it through the audio In, sound card might have an optical port and ps3 definitely has an optical out.

Only way I can think of.

However you might get a little lag having to go from ps3 -> pc -> headphones.

I take it you are wanting better sound quality or virtual surround, you could get one of those gaming headphone dolby boxes, I got Tritton AX 720 and the box that comes with them has a movie + music mode as well as virtual surround mode for playing games like CoD, works with PC + XBOX + PS3 but they're quite pricy, and I don't know if you can get the sound card box (thingy) seperate from the headphones.
 
Cheers for that.

I'm also considering a YAMAHA RXV467 av receiver for £179.95 to use with the PS3 and my PC.

I'm just not sure what the sound difference would be like between the YAMAHA RXV467 (silent cinema) and a Xonar Essence through headphones. What would be 'better'?

My main use would be for music and blu ray following by a bit of gaming.
 
Essence has no digital in, so you would have to use stereo analogue from the PS3. Even if you got a sound card with digital in, it would still only be stereo. No sound card can take 5.1 in, if that's what you were hoping to do.
 
Ah right. I'll have to have a rethink.

Any idea which would be the better for blu ray sound - Dolby headphone on the Essence or Silent Cinema on the Yamaha?

I'm presuming the Essence will be a higher quality amp? That's just a guess though.
 
Essence will have better sound quality, especially for headphone use. You would have to pay significantly more for an AV receiver that will offer the same sound quality. Headphone sockets on amplifiers and AV receivers, are really there for convenience. AV receivers, first and foremost, are designed for speakers. The Essence is primarily a sound card for headphone use. Not sure how Silent Cinema compares to DH.
 
Ahhh, I'm confused.

Can someone recommend an all in one amp. I need the amp for connecting to my PC and playing FLAC's. Also, I need the amp to connect to PS3 for headphone gaming and blu rays.

I was set on getting the Essence but there appears to be a lot of messing around to get it to work with a PS3.

Amps and connections are things I know little to nothing about.

So basically, I need something all in one for FLAC's (PC), blu rays and gaming (PS3). Is there such a thing for around £140-150?
 
Pop down to your local Richer Sounds, they have a number of AV receivers for around the £150 mark. In store only, so they can't be bought from their site.

You could have course buy a 2nd hand one, where you will get more for your £150. However, you might want the piece of mind that a warranty brings when buying a new one.
 
But I'll be using headphones almost exclusively.

I'm going to lose a lot listening to FLAC through a AV receiver compared to the Essence aren't I? Also, unless I get a Yamaha with Silent Cinema, I'll just be getting stereo sound when watching films.

I'm at a loss at what to do. I could still get the Essence but that would be just for my music.
 
fozzybear said:
Cheers for that.

I'm also considering a YAMAHA RXV467 av receiver for £179.95 to use with the PS3 and my PC.

I'm just not sure what the sound difference would be like between the YAMAHA RXV467 (silent cinema) and a Xonar Essence through headphones. What would be 'better'?
Click to expand...

the essence would run rings around it mate, literally.


if you want my opinion, get a zero dac/amp. cheaper than an xonar essence, but just as good and it has three switchable inputs. ps3 in to one (optical), pc in to the other (coaxial or usb)
 
james.miller said:
the essence would run rings around it mate, literally.


if you want my opinion, get a zero dac/amp. cheaper than an xonar essence, but just as good and it has three switchable inputs. ps3 in to one (optical), pc in to the other (coaxial or usb)
Click to expand...

You're not the first person I've heard mention the zero dac/amp today.

How would something like a ONKYO A9155 (£150) or something cheaper like a CAMBRIDGE AUDIO TOPAZ AM1 (£80) compare?

Bear in mind that I'll be using headphone nearly all the time.
 
If you are wanting some kind of surround sound from your PS3 with headphones, then I think possibly something like an Astro Mixamp, would be the best idea. An AV receiver with Silent Cinema, just for headphone use, you are paying for a lot components you are not going to use. £150 for an AV receiver is already at the very low budget end, so using it just for the headphone use, you aren't getting the best for your money really.

A Zero DAC/headphone amp, as James mentioned, would offer far better quality of sound, and can be connect to both PC and PS3. However, it will only be stereo from a console. An Astro Mixamp, or similar, will take Dolby Digital from the console and apply Dolby Headphone. You would need an optical switcher in order to connect and use it with both console and PC.

Can't really see any other way of doing it. Which ever way you do it, there is a compromise really.
 
fozzybear said:
You're not the first person I've heard mention the zero dac/amp today.

How would something like a ONKYO A9155 (£150) or something cheaper like a CAMBRIDGE AUDIO TOPAZ AM1 (£80) compare?

Bear in mind that I'll be using headphone nearly all the time.
Click to expand...

They wouldn't compare. They are amps for speakers. Yes they have headphone sockets, but it's for convenience.
 
Right, cheers guys.

I suppose I could still get the Essence and a bluray drive for my PC. I'd at least have music and blu ray covered. I'm not massively bothered about the sound for playing games. I could get an XBox360 rather than a PS3.

Something for me to ponder! :confused:
 
james.miller said:
why are you so hung up on getting the essence ?
Click to expand...

The ability to use Dolby headphone for movies. Also, FLAC playback.

Also, I don't fancy ordering something from abroad and waiting ages for delivery. Any problems with it, it will have to be returned abroad.

I've still not made my mind up though.

edit//
Ideally, I would like an Essence alternative that I can buy on the high street or in the UK.
 
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You would have to go an audio specialist really. You wont get anything from the usual suspects of high street stores. Even then, you will likely have to pay significantly more on the high street for such a device.

Maybe something like this, Beresford TC-7520. Not available on the high street though, but I think you would struggle to get anything similar for the money from a high street store.

If you still have your Xonar, then like the Zero DAC, you can use Dolby Headphone with it. Console would just be stereo though.
 
Marsman said:
You would have to go an audio specialist really. You wont get anything from the usual suspects of high street stores. Even then, you will likely have to pay significantly more on the high street for such a device.

Maybe something like this, Beresford TC-7520. Not available on the high street though, but I think you would struggle to get anything similar for the money from a high street store.

If you still have your Xonar, then like the Zero DAC, you can use Dolby Headphone with it. Console would just be stereo though.
Click to expand...

A little over budget really. It comes to about £169 after tax and delivery charges.

Thanks for the advice though. I'll have a think over Easter.
 
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