Everything sorted but sound

michael oakes · 5 Apr 2020 at 18:12

Hi all,

just built my new rig in my sig, just need to sort sound... no sound card at present, just the on-board audio on my MSI b450 pro carbon. I’ve been out of it a long time so not sure how good on-board sound is and best options.

All I have at the moment is my Lucidsound LS35x xbox headset which I assume I can do far better than for pC gaming use.
80% of my gaming will be with headphones so thats where I want the money spending, speakers will be used more for music while working etc...

I’m thinking some stereo monitors as they will be used more for music than gaming. Then the best headset Incan get assuming I can do better than my xbox headset. I’m fine with wired.

budget-wise I’m after value, can push it a bit of theres significant quality benefit. I was thinking around £200-250 or so assuming I sell the xbox headset afterwards.

michael oakes · 6 Apr 2020 at 22:21

PapaLazaru said:
Do you need a mic?

No I don’t think so

michael oakes · 7 Apr 2020 at 17:13

So would an SMSL AD13 or AD 18 plug straight into the computer and drive headphones and speakers well? Would I need something else between the two?

michael oakes · 9 Apr 2020 at 11:36

Whats the best option then?

I was looking at the presonus e3.5xt - can be had for £83 and have a headphone out... is that going to limit my headphones...?

michael oakes · 10 Apr 2020 at 11:50

EsaT said:
Those should certainly be solid speakers for listening music.
Though headphone output is likely taken from speaker amplifier's output using resistors to lower voltage to safe level for headphones.
(actual proper headphone amplifier costs)

And you would be missing binaural sound simulation for headphone gaming without getting software for it.
Also sound card like SB Z could have both headphones and speakers connected simultaneous with switching between them done on software without need to plug/unplug things.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/crea...ound-card-retail-70sb150000001-sc-087-cl.html

thanks.

I got the presonus 3.5’s and got a good deal on a new but open box sound blaster x g6, so hoping that will play nice together.
I see what they are like with my lucidsound ls35 headset before buying better headphones.

hopefully will all work well.

michael oakes · 10 Apr 2020 at 19:02

EsaT said:
SBX G6 is very good with high end D/A converter and headphone output capable to driving most headphones you could find from shops.
Also being external sound card it has own direct volume control, if your keyboard lacks it.

Awesome, glad it was a good choice, jumped on it as it was cheap and list on bidding site spelt wrong!
I assume some proper headphones will be a big jump from the lucidsound ls35’s next payday.

thanks for the help!

michael oakes · 18 Apr 2020 at 11:56

Got the soundblaster G6 and the presonus 3.5’s - sounds pretty Good!

I’ve also managed to get some 600ohm dt990’s “refurbished” for a good price so we’ll see How much better than my gaming headset when they arrive! :-)

michael oakes · 18 Apr 2020 at 17:39

hardyxd said:
How big if any difference do you notice with your current headphones with onboard vs the G6 is there? with/without the software.

Its like night and day....