Xonar question, using headphones and speakers

Born_2_Kill_83 · 15 Jan 2010 at 13:13

I have a DX Xonar that I'm currently using with some HD555's. I want to also use my Logitec 2.1 speakers, if I plug them into the sound card then my headphones into the front jack on one of the speakers will I loose any sound quality in either of them. I can obviously change between speaker and headphone sound in the control panel, I was just wondering if there would be any other effects.

Marsman · 15 Jan 2010 at 13:39

Likely you will do. Speakers will be unaffected, but the headphone port will likely not be as clear as the line out on the card or using the front case audio. It possible might depend on if the headphone port is on a wired remote, or if it is located in one of the speaker units. I have some Creative T6100, the headphone port is located in the main control speaker. There is a significant loss of quality plugging in my headphones there.

What about the front case audio header, have you tried using that? It isn't the best solution, but it works for some. Depends if it picks up interference or not.

alex24 · 15 Jan 2010 at 13:42

I just encountered this issue. I have a CA amp and tannoy speaker setup and just got some goldring ns1000s to go with. I plugged the headphones into the front port on the case, and the interference (I think it's a HDD) is terrible. I didn't think I could do much about that, so I have a high quality extension cable from the back of my PC onto my desk, cable from the amp OR cable from my headphones plugged in. I just swap what's in the extension when I change. It's not ideal, but it works.

A splitter might work too, but I didn't wan't to introduce any more joins and I needed some extra length on the headphones anyway.

Marsman · 15 Jan 2010 at 14:15

I think I am fortunate in this regard. I have 2 PC's, HTPC has a Xonar DS, the main PC has the front case connected to the motherboard. Neither of them do I get interference with the front audio. I think it's down the location of the PSU and cables in relation to the cases audio sockets. I have managed to keep the cables away from most things that could cause interference, although the Xonar in the HTPC is directly below the GFX card. Still don't get any interference though.

I find the audio sockets on the Antec 300 to be badly designed. The sockets are ever so slightly sunken, and are not flush with the plastic surround, so headphones with a fatter plug casing do not push in enough.