Gamers, What's Your Audio Set Up?

von Humboldt said:
Thanks for the reply!

I only own 58X Jubilees currently, bought because they sound decent and were easy to drive by both laptop and PS5. But now I want to build a new high(ish) end desktop PC, so intend to experiment with different cans for both gaming and music. I tried a friend's Hifiman Edition XS for example, and thought they were great. So some headroom would be nice, but I don't see myself ever going too exotic.

An all in one would be nice, but I wouldn't mind a stack so long as it's not too big (I have a sit/stand desk on the way, so I'd like to keep weight and clutter down to a minimum). I've been looking at reviews for some of Schiit's stuff. The Asgard 3 with add-on DAC card looks interesting as a starting point, although it would only have a single USB input making it awkward to switch between PC and PS5. I could always add a separate DAC later if I felt the need though. Some of the Burson Audio devices looked great as well, but they're near impossible to buy here in Ireland so I've mainly dismissed them.
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I also have those headphones, Very simple to drive really. I think the XS should be fairly easy to drive also.
The Asgard 3 will likely drive 99% of headphones and is a great unit. I've no experience with the built in DAC though. I have an Asgard 3 with a modius DAC. The Modi & Magni stack is recommended by many but again, I've never tried it. Hifi guides forum has a dedicated section for gaming audio so may be worth sticking up a post there if you like. You would likely get some solid advice. Topping Amp/Dac's are recommended often too.
For an all in one, Perhaps the Soundblaster G6 may fit the bill.
 
michty_me said:
I also have those headphones, Very simple to drive really. I think the XS should be fairly easy to drive also.
The Asgard 3 will likely drive 99% of headphones and is a great unit. I've no experience with the built in DAC though. I have an Asgard 3 with a modius DAC. The Modi & Magni stack is recommended by many but again, I've never tried it. Hifi guides forum has a dedicated section for gaming audio so may be worth sticking up a post there if you like. You would likely get some solid advice. Topping Amp/Dac's are recommended often too.
For an all in one, Perhaps the Soundblaster G6 may fit the bill.
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That Schiit stack looks promising, cheers.

Yeah, I've looked at the G6 and it seems to be quite well regarded. Not sure if VSS is needed these days though? Probably all down to personal preference.
 
von Humboldt said:
That Schiit stack looks promising, cheers.

Yeah, I've looked at the G6 and it seems to be quite well regarded. Not sure if VSS is needed these days though? Probably all down to personal preference.
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I'm not sure how best to describe it but I had read of some saying the sound of the Modi/Magni felt a bit more enclosed compared to the Asgard like it would reach an imaginary wall whereas the Asgard would sound more spacious. I'm not too sure though. Not an Audiophile by any means.
 
Captain said:
Anyone recommend a good amp to power the DT990 pros?
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You don't mention a budget or main usage, i.e. gaming or other media. But assuming £150-200 range I think three of the more obvious suggestions are likely the iFi Zen Dac V2 (c.£170 - seems to have crept up in price), Topping DX3 Pro+ (£200) and Fiio K7 (£190). I've had the Fiio K5 Pro a few years and would recommend but I think the price difference between it and the new K7 might make it redundant.

There are cheaper options or more 'gamer' options that can do VSS etc. but any of these will excel for PC gaming and can be used with 3D audio codecs etc. If spending more then that opens up certain separate DAC/AMP stacks although this might be overkill.

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Whilst posting in this thread I've got a slight update, where I recently posted about buying the EPOS + Drop PC38x and I have to say they are probably the best all-round headphones (or headset) I've experienced for gaming. The tuning, angled driver, their neutrality, very light weight, comfort and ability to be driven from anything. Plus OK mic as well. There's lots I haven't heard but these are my new favourites over the TYGR 300Rs.

In addition though I've picked up a few bits this week, including the EPOS H6Pro (closed) headset. Very similar in many ways to the PC38x (same drivers, same mic, similar leads etc.) albeit better and worse at the same time. The bass is too prominent but they are better built, albeit heavier than the PC38x and more comfortable than the PC38x. There is barely any clamping. So I can see why audiophiles tend to hate them but also why some people prefer them. I've quite enjoyed owning both and can see me keeping them given their differences (i.e. closed vs. open).

I adore the fact that both headets don't need a DAC/AMP and have a consistent sound no matter what they are plugged into. I spent ages this week on the Series X and PS5 playing certain games over and over between the controllers and various DAC/AMPs and although both these headsets sound a bit better on one vs. being plugged into the controllers it is such a marginal difference that I don't think it matters.

I did find a possible bargain solution to the PS5 DAC/AMP solution this week; the Sound Blaster X1. Essentially a rebadged SXFI Amp - which is a small USB C portable DAC/AMP that can work with anything and has compatibility with UAC 1.0 for PS5. Although it has a software suite it can function without any of that. I was quite surprised by the sheer amount of power this little stick can put out, particularly on Switch or PC. On PS5 it's still hampered by the 50% output reduction but has more that enough power and I found to be OK with lower impedance headphones like the TYGR 300R. Only £40 atm on a promo price.

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Using the eARC of the LG C2 I have a Dolby Atmos set up.
BTW, this has gave me lot of trouble on a Nvidia card that disappeared once I tried an AMD card. I wish a could try a second Nvidia card to see if it was a drivers issue or a card issue :rolleyes:
 
Finally caught up with the Sennheiser HD 560S (which is my third headphone/set purchase this year so need to dial-in).

Initial impressions are great; comfort, lack of clamp compared to the PC38X, tonality, lots of detail. Did a lot of A-B testing tonight although only tried them with one game; Horizon Zero Dawn, PS5 with 3D audio and was suitably impressed. Directional audio on that game (and with the DTS:X configuration app) is superb. So all good.

I thought they might make my TYGR 300R's redundant, or be so similar that I didn't need both. However for certain scenarios I prefer the TYGR's so I might actually hang on to those. Although I will be selling some other headphones but still means I'm own four pairs. Which is probably one or two too many. But I certainly don't want to add anymore in the near future, if I can help it. That said when it comes to gaming I feel the TYGR's, PC38X and 560S are all stunning headphones and any one is probably 'endgame' enough. I only really think paying more would be worth it for features (i.e. Maxwell's) or for better quality for music (i.e. HD6xx series, or DT 1990/900 X etc.). And none of those more expensive examples appeal enough.

R2GGU2Wm.jpg
 
Timber said:
Finally caught up with the Sennheiser HD 560S (which is my third headphone/set purchase this year so need to dial-in).

Initial impressions are great; comfort, lack of clamp compared to the PC38X, tonality, lots of detail. Did a lot of A-B testing tonight although only tried them with one game; Horizon Zero Dawn, PS5 with 3D audio and was suitably impressed. Directional audio on that game (and with the DTS:X configuration app) is superb. So all good.

I thought they might make my TYGR 300R's redundant, or be so similar that I didn't need both. However for certain scenarios I prefer the TYGR's so I might actually hang on to those. Although I will be selling some other headphones but still means I'm own four pairs. Which is probably one or two too many. But I certainly don't want to add anymore in the near future, if I can help it. That said when it comes to gaming I feel the TYGR's, PC38X and 560S are all stunning headphones and any one is probably 'endgame' enough. I only really think paying more would be worth it for features (i.e. Maxwell's) or for better quality for music (i.e. HD6xx series, or DT 1990/900 X etc.). And none of those more expensive examples appeal enough.

R2GGU2Wm.jpg
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I bought a pair of these for when I worked away to replace SHP9500.
They are a cracking headphone with great imaging and soundstage. Probably why they are recommended by many for gaming purposes. I think you would have to pay a substantial bit more to beat them.
 
I've never been into headphones but I have some EPOS Game something for the rare occasion I use the mic. I mainly use a Tannoy HTS 101XP speaker setup with an old Yamaha receiver. They're smaller satellites and were a nice fit for my room.
 
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