Same setup since 2016

Born_2_Kill_83

Born_2_Kill_83

Born_2_Kill_83

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I think it's time for a change, I've been running my GSX1000 and a pair of HD599 since Battlefield 1 came out - theres got to be something better out by now.

The GSX has me limited to what headphones I can use so I'm thinking going for maybe a G6 or is there anything better, want to keep it external if possible.
Then what headphones? Always been a fan of my HD's had some 598s prior. So 560S? maybe 600s? or should I switch to something I know nothing about like DT990 Pros?

Don't want to spend more than £350 total for phones and DAC if possible
 
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DAC/AMP - Depends if you want the software features that something like the G6 or GSX provides? The G6 is still a solid choice and very capable DAC/AMP although it has been out for a while now.

Headphones - The HD 560S are superb and one of the best choices for competitive FPSs. In terms of Beyer's although I really liked the DT990 Pro I would suggest the TYGR 300R although it has gone up in price recently. Same drivers but with a smidge more bass with a less harsh treble. Sounds smoother because of this. Also easier to drive than the 990 Pros. Personally I think the TYGR are better for gaming than the 990 Pro because they are easier to drive (making them better for console gaming) and less fatiguing.

Both the 560S and TYGR are right up there for gaming.

The options given above are likely to be well under your £350, for example the G6 + HD 560S is going to be c.£250 so you would have room to get more expensive headphones, like the AKG K712 Pro or Beyerdynamic 900 Pro X. Whether or not you need to is moot. Personally although I loved the K712 Pro I'm don't think they are better for gaming than the 560S/TYGRs. But I haven't heard the Beyer 900 Pro X so can't comment on those.
 
Audeze Maxwells?

Wireless, no DAC required and pretty much state of the art for gaming and good with Music too!
 
GSX1000
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You listen to your headphones using a motorbike? /s

seriously though, the HD599 headphones are great. I might consider a better DAC like the Ifi Zen v2 which I personally own and love. Reviews here.

I might suggest upgrading to a new pair of headphones only if they are a serious upgrade (to something like the Shure SRH1540 or Grado SR325x) as anything less will be disappointing.
 
For sound quality there is a lot better, for gaming features nothing has really changed - there are few offerings like the GSX, the only alternative really is the Creative AE series.
 
Born_2_Kill_83 said:
So they won't provide 7.1 surround like the GSX?
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If you want a decent virtual 7.1 surround/positional audio experience in headphones there aren't a lot of devices that do that/do that well or do it as well as the GSX. Some of the Creative devices like the AE series have that functionality but it isn't as good as the GSX.
 
JollyJamma said:
Yes. I use mine for PUBG.

I don’t think you really need 7.1 surround sound headphones for gaming these days.

Most games have good enough software surround sound built in to be realistic.

Up to you tho
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I tend to agree with this. iFi Zen DAC is going to be a massive upgrade for music (if that's important). 3D audio is also in software and is becoming more prominent too.

Topping DX3+, SMSL C200, Fiio K7 are all in the similar ball park and all will be fantastic. Probably with very little to choose between them.

I think where the G6 is a bit of a Swiss army knife is with console gaming and definitely can work well decoding DD into 5.1 VSS. And has has a mic input but these might not be important.

I do disagree with that comment above in that headphones like the HD 560S/TYGR are a step up from the HD 599s where headphones have moved on a bit from these (and I loved my HD 598s that got me into audio).
 
So one of these "Audio" DAC's is all I need these days, gone are the days of having a sound card or something like a GSX1000 to convert the audio to surround? I'm a duct out of water when it comes to audio, I just like nice music and to hear footsteps in FPS thats all I know.

I like the idea of these Maxwells although they seem quite expensive. But happy to go with a DAC and 560s if this is a better option for me
 
Born_2_Kill_83 said:
So one of these "Audio" DAC's is all I need these days, gone are the days of having a sound card or something like a GSX1000 to convert the audio to surround? I'm a duct out of water when it comes to audio, I just like nice music and to hear footsteps in FPS thats all I know.

I like the idea of these Maxwells although they seem quite expensive. But happy to go with a DAC and 560s if this is a better option for me
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I think so, although there are still those that prefer the sound from virtual surround or want the features in their software that a soundcard or more gaming oriented DAC/AMP will provide. You can go onto Youtube to hear some of the differences between common virtual surround encoding like Creative's SBX or the old Dolby Headphone etc. I think there's a lot to be said for A-B testing, even on your existing gear to make sure that you don't prefer virtual surround to Stereo. Also whatever you go with there may be a period of readjustment where you don't necessarily fully enjoy your new setup to begin with. You can also use a piece of software called HeSuVi which can change the encoding etc. on the fly with any audio equipment. It has been a while since I used this and I can't really remember how complicated it is to use/setup. And the 3D Spatial options in Windows 10/11 (Dolby Atmos for headphones & DTS:X Headphones) have tests/samples in the apps they provide to see if 3D audio works for you.

I don't think there a wrong choice per say although maybe the DAC/AMP + HD 560S is a 'safer' choice as you've already been using that veiled Sennheiser sound for years and know the build. So the HD 560S are just detail monsters, very very neutral, more soundstage, separation and imaging over the older HD 598/599 models. I can't imagine you won't like although they are more sibilant (so more high pitched sounds or treble ranges). The DAC/AMP route has the room to grow with you, for example you decide you want a pair of Sundara's, HD 600's or HE400SE's for music or some closed backs for mixing. The DAC/AMP will be there to plug into. And depending on the model you go with can be used for other things. So for example I have a MiSTer plugged into my Fiio K5 Pro via optical for great sound when playing retro games.

That said the Maxwell's are likely awesome (I don't have these). The best wireless set on the market, planar drivers, lots of improvements on the older Penrose/Mobius models. Probably better long-term durability. If you want the best wireless setup this is likely it.
 
Many thanks all for the hand holding. I've decided to go with the Maxwells with a company that has a nice return policy for 14 days, so I will give these a go, failing that I intend to try the 560s and alternative DAC.
 
Update, returning the Maxwells ordered a G6 and 560s.

The maxwells were built nicely and offered maybe 20% more bass but everything else my HD599s sounded better, Cyberpunk was more atmospheric using them.

So I’ll try the 560s and a more powerful amp, failing that I’ll stick with my trusty 599s
 
Got the G6 today and 560s, took an hours setting up an tweaking but blown away really nice upgrade, only thing I don’t like is the clamping force of the 560s no way near as comfy as my 599s. I’ve left it’s stretched over my speaker to stretch it out overnight. But it’s a keeper
 
Born_2_Kill_83 said:
Got the G6 today and 560s, took an hours setting up an tweaking but blown away really nice upgrade, only thing I don’t like is the clamping force of the 560s no way near as comfy as my 599s. I’ve left it’s stretched over my speaker to stretch it out overnight. But it’s a keeper
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I did think the HD 560s were a bit tighter than my old 598s but it's been years since I had those. Tbf they are so tame compared to the vice-like PC38X and that might have been why I didn't notice as much. But glad to hear it's a good ending.
 
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