Ordered Sennheiser P360 Now I'm thinking overkill!

AnastieByte · 22 Mar 2012 at 08:22

Hi

At present Im using Sennheiser P230 (or similar) I got them a long time ago so cant be sure model number along with an Xfi gamer sound card.

I have ordered some P360's having read excellent reviews. However, Im now reading that they also require a decent sound card.

This is leading me to think that mine card may not be up to the task.

They will be used for computer games and occasional music and films.

Im thinking I will need a new sound card or headphone amp (Fiio E& any good and will it boost my sound card?)

So tempted to reject the order. I like good quality sound but dont want to keep spending if I dont have to.

Any thoughts?

Marsman · 22 Mar 2012 at 11:11

I assume you have the older Gamer, the full height one? It's still a very good card. Many people still use it, and the Music version as well. It is more than up to the job.

Best to get a separate headphone amp if you want one. The only ones you can get with a sound card, are at opposite ends of the price range. Xonar DG at £20, and the Xonar Essence/Xense at £140. The new Creative Recon3D has a headphone amp, I believe, but that is £90, and a step down from the X-Fi range, according to a few people that have tried it.

The X-Fi Xtreme Music/Gamer is a better sounding card than the Xonar DG. While it is a great sound card for £20, it's not going to be as good as one costing more than twice as much. Also depends on personal taste as well. Some people rate it higher when compared to better cards, some think it is very poor in comparison.

Rather than risk being disappointed, I'd keep the card you have and get a separate amp if you need one. Try the headset with just the card first, you may find it's loud and good enough to use without one.

sHo0sH · 22 Mar 2012 at 11:53

Massive mistake to reject the order, the 360's aren't that hard to drive so your soundcard should be fine.

AnastieByte · 22 Mar 2012 at 13:54

Thanks for the positive replies.

Given that quality is important to me Ill keep them (when they eventually arrive!)

If I think they dont sound as good as they should I will be back for advice on either another sound card or a headphone amp.

Cheers

Begbie · 23 Mar 2012 at 19:34

I was told I would need something to drive my 990s, and they could do with it - yes. But they still work and are louder than my laptop speakers.

I will be driving them shortly though