Xonar DG - ultimate budget headphone card?

Essexraptor · 26 Nov 2010 at 20:08

Quick question to all you audiophiles

Would the DG give me better positional performance with FPS's using my Steelseries 4H stereo headsets?

Currently using with the Realtek onboard audio

Many thanks for any input in advance

Essexraptor · 27 Nov 2010 at 01:17

^^^^^^^^^

Uriel, Marsman.....anyone?

Auraomega · 27 Nov 2010 at 01:23

It should do. I can't comment myself, personally I can't play games with headphones on, it just doesn't 'work' for me. Some of the other posts in this thread are others opinions on positional audio, which appear to be pretty good.

Marsman · 27 Nov 2010 at 01:25

Well quite a few people that have bought a DG have noticed an improvement over on-board audio, despite the fact that it is so cheap. It has Dolby Headphone, which is used to simulate surround sound with stereo headphones, so I'd say yes, you will get better positional sound results.

I take it the 4H are stereo, and not one of their USB headsets? They seem to release quite a few SS, not too clued up on all the model numbers.

Essexraptor · 27 Nov 2010 at 01:39

Auraomega said:
It should do. I can't comment myself, personally I can't play games with headphones on, it just doesn't 'work' for me. Some of the other posts in this thread are others opinions on positional audio, which appear to be pretty good.

Marsman said:
Well quite a few people that have bought a DG have noticed an improvement over on-board audio, despite the fact that it is so cheap. It has Dolby Headphone, which is used to simulate surround sound with stereo headphones, so I'd say yes, you will get better positional sound results.

I take it the 4H are stereo, and not one of their USB headsets? They seem to release quite a few SS, not too clued up on all the model numbers.

thanks for your input...

I'm just trying to avoid the "buying the wrong gear" trap... as always

Yep the 4H are stereo headsets, non usb and I'm not going down the real, virtual route once again!!

It's just that this DG just seems to be such a "good" buy and makes sense rather than splashing out £100+ on a soundcard that's not needed. I've read a few of the threads in here now and understand the option of HEADPHONES as opposed to HEADSETS but the latter is one that I would prefer to take for FPS's/gaming use which they will be used for 98% of the time. I'm fortunate enough to have other rigs/systems set up to use for music and films etc. and use speakers for them.

Money wise if this card can improve positional awareness without changing my current headsets - all well and good

hence the question - any further input would be appreciated

Marsman · 27 Nov 2010 at 02:09

The DG is an almost 'no brainer' IMO. To get a headphone amp, and Dolby Headphone for £26 or there abouts, makes it as Uriel said, 'ultimate budget headphone card?'. He was asking that, and looking at the length of the thread, and so many positive comments, I'd say a definite yes.

Essexraptor · 27 Nov 2010 at 02:51

Cheers

I'll think I'll go for it

Worst that could happen is that I may have to buy a newer headset

xris · 30 Nov 2010 at 15:44

Hello.
I am planning on buying a new set of headphones for my Xonar DG.
Although I would like to buy the NS100, they are not shipped in my country (Greece).

So my second option is this:
JVC HA-RX900.
Unless I manage to find somewhere the Superlux HD668B.
What do you think?
Is there anything else in this budget?

Marsman · 30 Nov 2010 at 22:02

The JVC RX700's are liked by quite a lot of people, but I don't know if the RX900's are better still. Never heard of the Superlux's TBH. However, there are some favourable comments on Head-fi. One guy had Trust headphones previously, but you can't go on someone's recommendation really until they have used something better than Trust. However, one guy has some HD600's, and he seemed to be impressed with the Superlux's considering their price. Hard to know how they compare to the Goldring's though.

TBH, I don't think you could go far wrong with any of them, going on the comments I've seen at least.

Uriel · 30 Nov 2010 at 22:08

At £25, it's almost worth trying the HD668B just to see if I can find something other than Goldrings to recommend on a regular basis

. Reviews and Head-Fi user impressions have been positive.

http://www.guitar.co.uk/recording/headphones/3193-superlux_hd668b_headphones

No idea if they'll ship to Greece or not. xris - you could ask them if they'll send to Greece, using this form: http://www.guitar.co.uk/feedback

robnut · 30 Nov 2010 at 22:23

I had the Superlux HD668b and found the sound very good. The clamping force was a bit much, standard pads are rubbish so i bought the akg ones that improved things. the plastic headband dug into my head and caused annoyance so couldnt wear for more than an hour without soreness.

For the money tho, amazing, maybe my head is just too big.

fozzybear · 3 Dec 2010 at 11:45

Got my Xonar DG this morning. Not really had chance to fully test it yet.

The first thing I've noticed is that none of the presets like 'jazz' etc seem to have any effect. Neither does DH. Might have to reinstall the drivers and see if that helps.

Participant · 3 Dec 2010 at 12:30

fozzybear said:
Got my Xonar DG this morning. Not really had chance to fully test it yet.

The first thing I've noticed is that none of the presets like 'jazz' etc seem to have any effect. Neither does DH. Might have to reinstall the drivers and see if that helps.

FYI they almost all made an unmistakable difference on mine, especially DH and especially through headphones.

Shamrock · 3 Dec 2010 at 14:09

fozzybear said:
Got my Xonar DG this morning. Not really had chance to fully test it yet.

The first thing I've noticed is that none of the presets like 'jazz' etc seem to have any effect. Neither does DH. Might have to reinstall the drivers and see if that helps.

I don't know about the DG, but on my Essence STX, none of the presets or DH work unless you set it to more than 2 channels.

fozzybear · 3 Dec 2010 at 14:31

Shamrock said:
I don't know about the DG, but on my Essence STX, none of the presets or DH work unless you set it to more than 2 channels.

Thanks, that seems to be the case. Never noticed it happening with my previous DX though. :confused:

Uriel · 3 Dec 2010 at 14:35

fozzybear said:
Thanks, that seems to be the case. Never noticed it happening with my previous DX though.

That wasn't the case when I had a D2 either.

Marsman · 3 Dec 2010 at 14:37

Amazing! It sounds like Asus fixed the upmixing issue when using 2 channel. 2 years people have complained about that.

Auraomega · 3 Dec 2010 at 14:59

Finally! I've been using the UNi drivers for this reason exclusively, I'm not sure I'll switch back though, but it's good to know the programmers are finally earning their keep

Uriel · 3 Dec 2010 at 15:14

But I want the upmixing issue when using 2 channel! Or at least I would if I still used a Xonar.

That's how it's supposed to work dammit! It thought it was a feature not an issue.

Can't keep all the people happy all the time can you?

fozzybear · 3 Dec 2010 at 15:37

I must say I'm very impressed with the DG so far. I can honestly say I haven't noticed any/much difference between the DG and the DX. If anything, I'm preferring the DG.

Probably the best £26 I've ever spent on PC hardware!