New earphones/soundcard/possibly earphone amp advice please

Boscher · 30 Jul 2006 at 22:55

Hi guys

Currently using

Sound Blaster 2 ZS Platinum
Seinheiser PC150
Logitech Z5500's

Looking to get better quality sound out of my system mainly for earphone use in the evenings, my budget is quite high so that's not so important(up to £650). I listen to roughly 3-4 hrs of music per night on earphones, so comfort and good build quality also matter a lot.

I was thinking the new PC650's looked pretty smart and seem to be getting good reviews allround for music.

Soundcard, I have been told mine is dated, I would like something that has optical out for the convenience of plugging in the Z5500's straight in. Also something that can potentially boost the quality of the sound. Thinking of a none-creative card due to the driver issues i had with this card.

I have been told also that a new earphone cable can increase the quality.

As for the earphone amp, any idea of how good these things are and are they worth it?

All suggestions and advice are welcome, please help me out

Thanks.

Boscher · 31 Jul 2006 at 09:25

Err yeah I am looking to buy new Headphones also like I said in my post...

When you say "but it may be a better idea to invest in some good quality headphones.", there's a difference between earphones and headphones?

Boscher · 31 Jul 2006 at 09:38

Ah ok, thanks

Well I did mention in my first post that I was looking at the PC650's and they are full ear coverers ^^

Boscher · 31 Jul 2006 at 17:15

Thanks for the reply,

I was thinking something a little more than the 770 pro's, price and quality wise as that's barely a step-up from my PC150's.

Musical Fidelity seem to have some interested cards which I'm looking into.

As for the headphone amp, these do not seem to be that popular on here? Guessing the difference is minimal and more can be driven via cards directly..

Thanks

Boscher · 1 Aug 2006 at 01:15

*Ordered the Seinheiser HD650's as my first upgrade

What is the best quality headphone cable available to boost the quality and clearness of music?

Heard good things about Oehlbach, Cardas, Zu mobius and possibly russ andrews but a lot of these are really hard to get via UK branches.

Looking to get the best possible.

Also considering an Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 Headphone Amplifier as I have heard great things about it and been recommended via a friend. Shame there's no stores near me that stock these so I could try