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boulevard
0
Aug 27, 2019
So I'm in a confused state as of now, and kinda need some advice, I just got my own pair of 6XX's, and after plugging them in and setting everything up, I have to say that well, they're pretty underwhelming. When looking at all the reviews and videos complimenting how "great" these headphones are compared to others, I just don't see much of a difference compared to my old pair of headphones (Audio-Technica ATH-M50X). After doing further research, I've come to the assumption that I'm not powering them enough. I have them plugged into a Schiit Magni 3 with no DAC, and I'm using a random RCA converter i found to plug the AMP into the headphone jack on my PC. Overall, the quality DOES sound better then the ATH-M50X, but only barely. I was wondering if anyone could answer some of my questions as to what I need to get the full quality from these (addition of a DAC, new cables, new AMP, etc.).
Hendoe
32
Aug 27, 2019
boulevardThats upsetting to hear since I plan on getting myself a pair of these soon...I can't say for sure but I'd suggest starting with a new amp. I know these headphones are particularly hard to drive. Getting a DAC will help clear out the electrical noises, but would equally help your audio techs. And new cables will only slightly improve sound
boulevardWelcome to this ridiculous hobby, @boulevard . Alright, let's do this step by step:
  1. Tell me what's your source: vinyl? TV? computer? 8-track?
  2. Outline your audio path. No paragraphs are necessary. Example: (music files) + (computer hard-drive) >>>>> (computer program playing the files [example: Windows Media Player, iTunes]) >>>>> (digital to audio converter [DAC... need something to convert the digital code to analog signal, exiting the left/right {red/white} RCA plugs]) >>>>> headphone amplifier (i.e., Magni 3) >>>> (headphone).
  3. Re: paragraph 2. "...using a random RCA converter..." Common error. You need either a stand-alone DAC, or use your computer's built-in DAC (nested either on your sound card or integrated into the mainboard).
  4. Let's make darn sure your headphones & Magni are working in the first place. Do you have a TV or stereo nearby? Turn your TV around and look for an AUDIO OUT... Red-and-white-coloured jacks. Ideally, use LINE out so the TV outputs raw, unamplified, analog audio signal. Grab a left/right cable (nothing fancy), plug it into the AUDIO out. Plug the other end to your MAGNI headphone amplifier -- AUDIO IN. Turn on the TV and select a show. Reduce the TV's volune to zero. Plug in your heaphones into your MAGNI. Descibe the audio from your headphones to us. Good/bad/ugly?
  5. Take a look at this vendor's guide. I have a lot of their stuff; however, I'm NOT trying to sell you their gear, eh. Their guides are solid and written for normal Joes/Janes.
  6. Don't toss out your Magni headphone-amp quite yet. Cool?
HendoeWelcome to this silly, silly hobby @Hendoe . I would suggest holding onto the Magni headphone-amplifier (don't toss it quite yet). Linus Tech Tips (a media provider from Vancouver, British Columbia [Canada]) has a You Tube episode about setting up a DAC and AMP... why... how... and whatnot.
boulevard
0
Aug 27, 2019
ScubaManLakeHuronIf I understand good enough, i'll be able to answer these questions correctly lol,
  1. Source is computer.
  2. Starting from the headphones:
6XX Plugged into Schiit Magni 3 --> Magni 3 being powered by cable given through outlet. --> RCA Cables I found tucked away in an audio card box (that I don't use, not mine) are plugged in from the Magni 3 to the computer's front jack. (RCA to headphone jack cable whatever it's called) --> [No external DAC being used] --> Computer playing music from soundcloud and/or YouTube. 3. Since I don't have a DAC nor do I have any custom audio card, I use the one integrated into motherboard - Realtek High Definition Audio (which I guess is still an audio card but you know what I mean) 4. Unfortunately, I don't have a 2-Male to 2-Male RCA Cable, my RCA cable that I'm using atm is a 2-Male (plugged into the Magni IN), to a headphone aux in which I plug into my computer. So I just used a 3.5mm to 2-Male RCA Adapter (which I was using for my computer).
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(The one I'm using is NOT an amazon product, again, it's the one I found in an audio card box stashed away). It was pretty good, sound was alright and sounded like it needed to be, didn't notice anything special but I'm assuming I'm not supposed to with a TV. Really appreciate the help, sorry for any complete rookie mistakes I'm making lmfao, I'm really unfamiliar with sound quality and what not. I'm just a causal gamer who's kinda disappointed with headphones that are supposedly very very good, thanks again. (Please tell me if I followed any instructions wrong, wouldn't be surprised if I did.) Edit 1: I also want to mention that after doing a couple of tests including my TV and using the headphones with and without the AMP, from my ears, I didn't notice much of a difference besides loudness. With the AMP, it had more volume stabilizing then without it, but in terms of quality in one specific song, I didn't notice much difference. Edit 2: After asking around reddit, I've decided that I'm not gonna spend any extra money on other products and what not lol, just gonna keep it as it is. It's not the lack of power or anything, but I think it's the fact that I overhyped it and set such a large expectation onto it, that it overall disappointed me when I wasn't listening to a headphone created by the gods. Was able to get an EQ and tinker with some settings to get it around where I like, appreciate the help and advice you were able to give me, sorry for the inconvenience, thanks again <3.
(Edited)
boulevardThe hype can get BAD. Especially with amps that use vacuum tubes. Suggestion:
  1. try another AUDIO OUT on your computer. Use that 3.5cm-male-to-RCA-red/white cable.
  2. Look at the back of your computer. It’s a PC, right. Look at the audio ports. Plug the 3.5cm jack into the LINE out (or the port one uses to plug in self-powered speakers). Colour coded plug ins (search on google for it or wikipedia).
  3. Plug in the RCA jacks into your magni.
  4. software tweaks! Right click on the sound (looks like a trumpet) icon in your computer’s system menu.
  5. Chose playback devices. Tweak settings for maximum effect!
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