Gamers, What's Your Audio Set Up?

Grim5 said:
Does high end audio make you guys better gamers? And how so?
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I know this sounds weird, but the thing about x86 compatable hardware is... it can be used for a variety of different tasks, not just gaming. I know, it's a revelation, but there you go.

I spend a lot of time on my PC, watching videos, playing games, listening to music. Doing work stuff while listening to music etc etc. I even take my headphones/DAC into my bedroom the odd night and just chill and unwind.

As for does it make me a better gamer.... well no, obviously not. but it does make me happier.

You also don't need to spend much money on it either. Most of the Topping stuff is pretty affordable, as is Fiio, Fosi Audio etc etc.
 
Grim5 said:
Does high end audio make you guys better gamers? And how so?
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No, but mainly because I'm getting old now :D. Every game I've played that I played before, sounds so much more detailed with my DAC vs motherboard sound. Unsurprisingly perhaps, but I was really surprised about how much extra I could hear even while passively listening. If I'm just sitting here enjoying music, you can hear even more detail. Same headphones so a like for like comparison!

Rubbish anecdote but hopefully brings it to life a little: I was playing D4 and heard some weird sounds I am sure I've never heard before while playing. Took my headphones off thinking it was coming through my window (open headphones so possible if it's loud!). It wasn't, it was just the extra detail you can hear.
 
Rusty0611 said:
Rubbish anecdote but hopefully brings it to life a little: I was playing D4 and heard some weird sounds I am sure I've never heard before while playing. Took my headphones off thinking it was coming through my window (open headphones so possible if it's loud!). It wasn't, it was just the extra detail you can hear.
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i've had that before with games as well. on my Mojo/Amiron combo, in the original Division. When you go into a house or building, the ambient noise changes. It's closed in, and there's house noises, creaking etc. Sometimes there's a closing door sound. I live alone, so I'd have to get up and check, if I was indeed alone!
 
Starvald said:
Yeah, and software and interfaces haven't been standardised yet either.

I went from a Q6, in which I tried a bunch of different switches, before settling on Gateron Silvers. So high activation point, but I didn't like the weak spring so I replaced them with heavier springs. Then a move to the Q1, with the heavy switches, and because it wasn't a full sized, I had to change. So I'm happy now. And I can change the activation point when I want. I also like how the Q6 HE sounds, very different to standard switches.
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My q6 max arrived today and wow wow wow
 
martos123 said:
Soundblaster AE5, AV Receiver and 5.1 Speakers.

I mainly solo game, but for the odd WoW raid I'll use my Sony WH-1000xm3 as the sound/mic is decent enough.
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Doesn't the XM3 lag from the Bluetooth connection?

I've never tried gaming with my XM5, it's just what I've heard
 
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I've not noticed any issues with lag. I tend to use Bluetooth earbuds when out and about and never get dropouts. Newer versions of Bluetooth are more stable too, so less likely to dropout.
 
I compartmentalise my gear, I have headphones for home at the desk (Edition XS, HD600, as the cables on them are 1.5m long), I have headphones for xbox/PS5/Switch gaming on the sofa (PC38x, where the cable is short on purpose to the controller, the PX38x also has a mic built in), I also have wired headphones on the sofa (HD580 with a 3m cable), I have wireless buds on the go to work (Nothing Ear 2), I have wireless headphones for long flights (Sony XM4) and IEM when those get uncomfortable (EW300).

I also have AVR with 5.1 too when I want to. But sometimes I just watch anime on my Mac though the built in speakers.
 
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Grim5 said:
Does high end audio make you guys better gamers? And how so?
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Probably no, I mean it could, but for gaming you hit diminishing returns far quicker.

For me the reasons to spend on different headphones/sets are:
  1. Comfort. No matter how good the headphone is if it hurts my head then I won't use it.
  2. Interface. DAC/AMPs that can easily be plugged into something and add an interface for EQ, volume or mic gain.
  3. Immersion. There's a level in Tiny Tina's Wonderlands where you run over a bridge and on Dualsense controller, or even a cheap USB headset I can't hear the running water below. With a DAC/AMP setup and wired heaphones the running water is there. It's quite ethereal and adds to the atmosphere. There's similar examples in Horizon Zero Dawn that spring to mind.
  4. Versatility. As mentioned by Raymond, I have a different pairs for gaming, for music and for going out.
You don't need to spend much to achieve some of the above. And I think even some gaming headsets these days are actually quite good. I think microphone and the reasons to spend money there are different, but obviously overlaps.
 
zrcvBXL.jpeg


Beginning to get things set up in some sort of organisation. Desk is an Ikeahack, 2 desk drawers and a kitchen countertop. Currently held by the ergotron clamps at the front. Still have a bit to do: Going to be moving the drawers in a bit, and fixing them to the top with some london brackets, and a rear post for middle support under. Then the clamps can go back, with a higher pole and my 2 other monitors can go in then. Went with a riser stand for the C4, as I decided against a clamp post, and since this is a rental, I can't attach the C4 to the wall. Also have to do something with the speakers, some desk stands or mounts. But we're getting somewhere finally.
 
Timber said:
Slight aside given PS5 & Switch come up from time-to-time in this thread (probably mostly me!) I thought I'd post my finding regarding the new Switch 2; basically only UAC 1.0 DAC/AMPS work for me. Which include Fosi Audio K7 and Qudelix 5K. The Creative Sound Blaster X1 doesn't work at all despite working with Switch 1. If I run the Fosi K7, or Qudelix 5K in UAC 2.0 mode they don't work...
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Sorry to quote one's self, but I did see that for Switch 2 Mad Lust Envy over at Head-Fi did go into much more detailed write-up about Switch 2's audio including confirming UAC 2.0 DACs don't work with Switch 2; Mad Lust Envy's Headphone Gaming Guide: (6/9/2025: Nintendo Switch 2 Audio Testing/Impressions Added)

Included an update with confirmation of the fact that 3D audio doesn't work over HDMI, but only 3.5mm AUX and USB. So completely mirrors the PS5 in this regards.

I know there's mostly PC gamers in this sub-forum, but thought this was interesting enough to post for reference. At the time I wrote my post above on the Switch 2 launch weekend I didn't think to check Head-Fi. Amazing to think a forum post and guide I was checking back in 2011 for impressions on the HD 598 et al is still relevant today in 2025!
 
Starvald said:
Beginning to get things set up in some sort of organisation...
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That's a lovely set-up and the desk is neat. When the time comes to redecorate our small office I need to do something similar with the desk.

Two asides but this place is starting to turn into the X9 owner's club. And also you got enough shortcuts on the desktop :p
 
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Starvald said:
zrcvBXL.jpeg


Beginning to get things set up in some sort of organisation. Desk is an Ikeahack, 2 desk drawers and a kitchen countertop. Currently held by the ergotron clamps at the front. Still have a bit to do: Going to be moving the drawers in a bit, and fixing them to the top with some london brackets, and a rear post for middle support under. Then the clamps can go back, with a higher pole and my 2 other monitors can go in then. Went with a riser stand for the C4, as I decided against a clamp post, and since this is a rental, I can't attach the C4 to the wall. Also have to do something with the speakers, some desk stands or mounts. But we're getting somewhere finally.
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how wide is that desk?
 
His deskmat is larger than my desk....because I have a Q1 (it lacks the arrow keys column and the num pad...) and looking at the scale of that, my desk is narrower even than left side of his keyboard to the right side of the mat.
 
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