Setup: I bought THX 789 for the massive output of idk 6W/32ohms, but whenever I try to use my Sundara/Modhouse Argon/HD600/Arya V2/...whatever, I cannot reach decent listening levels in terms of db without getting this scratching/hissing noise in the background ... I think it's distortion. (DAC I use: Geshelli labs - J2, set to max volume) Settings: With an XLR output, gain setting level at 2/3 and the volume knob set to 2-4 o'clock, hearing distortion from a 250-350$ THX amp shouldn't be a thing, should it? With somewhat hard to drive headphones, I'm not reaching 70db, but I can already hear this godforsaken noise on all tracks without a constant stream of sound. If you dare to up the volume past 4 o'clock, or past 12 on gain setting 3/3, this noise becomes so loud, it might as well be an additional instrument Music: The tracks I usually listen to involve so few instruments, that you don't have a constant stream of sound. (e.g. Creep - Lena Hall) I'd love to get some feedback!...
Jun 5, 2024
http://us.creative.com/p/sound-blaster
I just added both models to my cart to check for hidden discounts and, unless you're using a code you haven't divulged, they're still the same price. Even with the cost of shipping factored in, MD charges $80 less in each case.
If you're not in the U.S., then which Creative Labs site are you using? Please post the URL. It would be helpful to see exactly what you're talking about.
I don't know where you live, but doesn't it seem likely that other MD members in your area might be interested in the $337 deal? They might benefit from a link.
Why do you think that?
Being a "gaming brand" is meaningless in this context. You can look at the exact parts that Creative is using in the X7 and they're the same op-amps that you'll see in "audiophile" brands and "Chi-fi" brands and all kinds of stuff in every market segment.
IMO a Schiitstack only makes more sense if you don't need or want a mic input or a speaker amp. Like if you're not using it for gaming at all, it's a pure music system and you don't own speakers. In which case you'd probably never be considering the X7 anyway, because you wouldn't need most of its features and you could save a good amount of money. But to recommend a Schiitstack PLUS other stuff like a sound card, etc., just to achieve feature parity? You'll end up paying just about the same price but for more of a hassle. Not worth it, just buy the X7.
Calculated power rating: Max power output at 32 ohms: 1,328 mW Max power output at 50 ohms: 850 mW Max power output at 300 ohms: 142 mW Max power output at 600 ohms: 71 mW
From a very exhaustive review thread on Head-Fi. It's very, very powerful. The Magni 2 is basically inconsequentially more powerful at higher impedances: less than a 3dB difference in output.
Modi 2U can't amp speakers. That's just a DAC. The Magni 2U does have pre-amp outs that you can run to a speaker amp, but you need a speaker amp, too. And it's additional wiring, an additional power plug, etc.