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Shadoku
3
Feb 15, 2019
How are these for Gaming? I pretty much need a new pair of headphones (moving away from gaming headsets) due to my Asus headset slowly dying on me and cutting in and out. I will be using them for gaming and also listening to Music. Have been looking at comments about amp's so i have kind of an idea of what amp to get but i also heard the Fiio K3 is a good one for this. Any thoughts on if this would be a good combo or if i should choose a different set of headphones for my use?
Fairingrey
102
Feb 15, 2019
ShadokuThey're one of the most recommended headphones for gaming, you can corroborate this with the numerous reviews online for this headphone. Although if you need an integrated mic, I'd recommend the PC37X instead (which is also offered here on massdrop) since external inline mics like the ModMic can get messy and don't stick well to mesh cups, in my experience. But if you're using a desktop condenser mic or the like then go for it. You need an amp for this headphone, for sure. I recommend the JDS Labs Atom amp, it'll last for years to come. If you get this and the Atom, you've pretty much got a solid audio setup for gaming, music, and everything else in between.
(Edited)
Shadoku
3
Feb 15, 2019
FairingreyThank you very much for the response and info on this @Fairingrey . I have in my plans to buy either a Blue Yeti mic or an Audio Technica so just need a pair of headphones like this. I will definitely be buying an amp and will look into the JDS Labs one, as i have been seeing that mentioned on a lot of topics. Would you recommend i buy it directly from their website or do you have a different recommendation?
Fairingrey
102
Feb 16, 2019
ShadokuBuy the Atom directly from their website, but do it soon since demand is pretty high for it right now :)
Shadoku
3
Feb 16, 2019
FairingreyThanks so much!
Shadoku
3
Feb 19, 2019
Shadoku@Fairingrey I have one last question. I am about ready to order my stuff but I just want to make sure because I am new to this. If I buy the Atom Amp, do I just hook up my headphones directly to that then from the Atom to my pc? Or do I need something like a DAC? Just asking because I looked it up and people keep saying I need a DAC as well... and If I do, wouldn't it just be better to buy a amp+DAC all in one?
Fairingrey
102
Feb 19, 2019
ShadokuYeah, you have the right idea. If you get just these headphones and the Atom, you hook up the Atom to your computer via 3.5" connector on the motherboard line out to the Atom's 3.5" input or RCA input (though you shouldn't have to use this -- you can always leave it open later on to use as a preamp instead). The Atom doesn't come with a 3.5" male to male interconnect cable so you'll have to purchase your own, but luckily JDS Labs also carries their own -- pick the length you like. Then you plug in your headphones to the amp itself. Honestly, it's up to you to decide whether you need a DAC or not because it really depends on your source. If the onboard audio on your computer or laptop is pretty good (you don't hear low buzzing or static background noise when there's nothing playing), then just save the money for other stuff because in terms of difference it goes Headphones → Amp → DAC from most impact to least impact. This article covers if you need a DAC in better detail. There are more resources online, but remember to be careful since there's a lot of snake oil out there. I recommend audiosciencereview.com for measurements and reviews, since other forums are susceptible to biases and pseudoscience on products that may barely make a difference.
(Edited)
Shadoku
3
Feb 19, 2019
FairingreyMy onboard audio is from the Asus Maximus IX Code, I do at times hear some static but I think its because my headphones are about to die. I have had them for about 2 years and I had to switch from the USB cable on it to the 3.5mm because the connection on the headphones were giving out. Now im having the same with the 3.5mm so that's why I am looking to buy a new pair altogether.
Shadoku
3
Feb 19, 2019
ShadokuJust looked up my motherboard and it says this on the main site ‧ ES9023P High Definition DAC Impedance sense for front and rear ‧120dB SNR stereo playback output ‧113dB SNR recording input
(Edited)
Fairingrey
102
Feb 19, 2019
ShadokuI'd just get the headphones and amp for now then. You can always get a DAC later on, but ASUS mid to high-end motherboards usually have pretty damn good onboard audio.
Shadoku
3
Feb 21, 2019
FairingreyThanks, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it. Ordered my Atom Amp (waited too long now its back order till march 5th lol) and i should get my Headphones on Friday! Thanks a lot for the help
Shadoku
3
Feb 24, 2019
Shadoku@Fairingrey I received my headphones and they sound amazing. A Step up for sure from my previous Asus ones. Still waiting for the Amp to ship but for now I am just trying to figure out the sample bit rate to set for the max potential of the headphones.. Any ideas/tips on that? I have available 16 bit, 24 bit and 32 bit up to 192k Hz on each channel
Fairingrey
102
Feb 26, 2019
ShadokuHaha, about that... Here, this is highly recommended reading. If you have time, of course. tl;dr Just go with 44.1khz/16-bit sampling. Going up will make zero audible difference (and arguably worse depending on your processor). Sorry it took me a while to respond to this. I have class on Saturdays (grad student) and generally feel pretty miserable after the whole ordeal.
Shadoku
3
Feb 26, 2019
FairingreyI will go with 16bit 44k, thanks for the input. I did notice that the higher I went it did sound a bit muted. And no problem at all! Class is more important lol. Appreciate the help. Keep at it lol
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