love the vid, ive got the hyper x cloud II wired headset and running it through a soundblaster X3... but can never decide if its better if the cloud II are lower volume (through provided amp dac) or louder through my X3... as i play scum and sometimes my X3 can make the game sound overwhelming
I run the DT 900 Pro X out of the iFi Zen DAC V2 and absolutely love it for gaming and music. Nothing compares to the very first time you hear your favorite song with TrueBass turned on. It makes you "feel" the music without distorting it. In games, I have no problem picking up footsteps and their exact direction. I have had this setup for a year and a half and I feel like I could use it for the rest of my life.
@@musamajid1726 i mainly use my Moondrop Katos now for gaming. They're definitely not as good as the 900 Pro X but it is a lot more comfortable and doesn't give me a dent. Looking for better IEMs but may check out the 1990.
I also just got the dt 900 pro x , and im really stuck between either getting the ifi zen dac v2 (mostly becuse the bass boost, and primarly for gaming use) OR going for the, magni-unity DAC/AMP, As nice as these headphones are i'm very used to quite high bass from my old ones. any advice for either amp/dac is welcome!
Beautifully clear and easy to understand. I had watched some previous hardware reviewers try to describe it but nobody put it as simply for beginners as you. Thank you Techne!
Recently also bought ifi audio zen dac v2 +IpowerX+HD650S I have the same feelings as you~ In the past, I only focused on gaming headsets and DACs Now I have used products like IFI~ It really is a completely different world~ Incredibly beautiful!! There is no need for any EQ adjustment at all~ It is very pleasant to use on my FF XIV and R6.
Short answer no you dont need one, unless you use very high ohm headphones. Do you want one? Maybe, if you are running the motherboards internal soundcard. Even separate soundcard is a big upgrade. The biggest benefit of the dacs imo is that they remove all or most of the electrical interference from the audio. And sure they do change the sound a bit, but you can do a lot with just a software Eq also.
Motherboard audio is actually pretty good now days. The real problem is with the microphone input and amplification. Often it's fairly noisy because the electronics aren't isolated and many power supplies aren't particularly clean. I use a Soundblaster AE-5 and a Rolls microphone amp going into the sound card's line in. Mic input quality is so important if you do any kind of online gaming or voice recording. We've got great electret and MEMS microphones out there now on headsets and desktops, but the mic inputs are often not keeping pace.
I use the GC7 with Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Gen 2s and its really great, i hear things i never heard before in games like Tarkov, massive upgrade from my A40 with Mixamp, would recommend the upgrade to anyone willing to spend the cash!
Drift do you think it’s the headphones or the amp that is the difference? Can you compare the new headphones without the amp. I’m specifically and exclusively interested in the difference in what you hear in Tarkov. I upgraded from wireless closed ear turtle beach stealth 700s to open ear wired sennheiser HD 560s but I’m not running an amp/dac currently. I’m wondering if adding that would also make a noticeable difference in Tarkov.
@@Chris.Cliver hi! I definitely think its the combination of the both, as i’ve not tried them without the amp i could not say for sure, all i can say for certain is the combo i use has amazing clarity and crispness compared to the A40 TRs with Mixamp Pro, i find myself hearing people in Tarkov way before they hear me, its that good i sometimes second guess myself actually hearing something! Also with the amp you have good EQ customization which you can also use to enhance many things such as gunshots, footsteps etc
Hey i know it's been 2 years since your comment but I'm currently thinking of getting that exact setup. I currently am using the astro a40s gen 3with the mix amp. How has the mmx 300 been for you and also the gc7? is the gc7 similar to the astro mixamp?
@@nate5211Hi! i have long since got new equipment, but the MMX300 is probably still the best gaming headset money can buy imo, the GC7 is also very good and plenty of features if you require them, i would definitely still use them:)
Love my mmx300. I. Using it with the astro mixamp but I'm looking to upgrade to a dac amp. Think it's worth the purchase or should I stick with the astro mixamp?
i was really happy with the k702. it doesn't have a huge amount of bass but everything else about it is brilliant and i found them to be perfect for positional audio for games. they broke and i changed to some phillips fidelio x2hr. more bass but the k702 is definately better in every other way.
Thanks for picking up my setup :) iFi CAN/DAC is an amazing combo for the price. I've tried things twice as expensive and they did not sound that great. It's a neat, not so pricey setup that works wonders.
I’m using a Gamedac with my PC38x paired with a Helm DB12 aaamp. I know there are better set ups, but this works well for me because I have an Xbox one from what I’ve heard the usb audio can be finicky. So far this set up works flawlessly and allows me to chat and hear my party without having to have an external mic, I also love the fact that I can control my chat mix/game audio with a screen right in front of me, that was the biggest selling point for me
I have Sennheiser HD 660S + iFi audio NEO iDSD + Beyerdynamic FOX for gaming and TIDAL. Never going back to gaming headset again. I know it's more expensive but the sound in music and games is so clear and precise.
It gaves me feelings looking a fox mic with tygr300r and knowing that hd560s run better for games than hd660s(still funnier in music) in my experience.
@@pc_decisions8764 fox mic is more than enough even for big names on youtube, I use fox mostly for voice chat in discord when I play games with my team. The Sennheiser HD 560S are slightly better for neutral listening than the Sennheiser HD 660 S. The HD 560S have a better-balanced bass and treble range, a more natural soundstage, and a more comfortable fit. However, the HD 660 S are better-built, deliver a slightly more neutral mid-range, and provide superior stereo imaging performance.
Not sure why you'd want one. The embedded DAC in your headphone dongle, is more than sufficient. Semi-conductor industry hasn't been twiddling their thumbs for the last 50 years! And unless you're sticking with puzzle games, you're gonna want the shortest latency possible, even if it negatively impacts fidelity. In competitive play, 10ms is a very long time. And as far as my understanding of the human brain goes, we rely heavily on our ears for timing.
I can't emphasize enough how important is good audio for competitive gaming, I'm a pro FPS player, and most of the time, I just turn around and click the enemies head just because I know exactly where they are, because of the good audio system, thanks to the techne ofc who reviewed almost every single device that I have
Just buy the Qudelix 5K. Great small portable dac amp. With great eq software. It's super that they work on the usb a port from your ps5. Set your eq with a smartphone and your good to go. They have bluetooth so you can stream to the dac and enjoy high quality sound on the go or at home 💪🏼
Totally relate to what you're saying. I have the ifi audio Zen DAC V2 stacked with the Zen Can Amp with the 4.4mm balanced interconnect and have the Audeze LCD-GX wired to the Zen Can via the stock 3.5mm cable. Works perfectly on my PS5 and MacBook Air (for Apple Music and Netflix) and I totally agree, the audio quality is like nothing I have ever heard before. I use to own the HD800S but found them too revealing, quite sterile and lacking in bass and the LCD-X which were awesome but too uncomfortable to wear for long gaming sessions at >600g. I think I've reached end game with my current set up - at least for top end gaming audio.
Thanks for making this video, I bought the LCD-GX which got me started with this audiophile hobby. Makes me want to literally buy every amp/dac just to test them all 🤣 because all reviews be like these are good!. Your explanation gives a simplified way to understand the differences
No. What you need as an ASUS HDAV 1.3 Deluxe card with the 6-channel daughter board. You feed the 8 analog channels into a 7.1 surround NAD amplifier. You tap off the front two channels to a NAD 2600 Power Amp. You tap off the center channel to another NAD 2600 and you bi-wire and bi-amp the center speaker. Send the sub channel out to the powered subwoofer. You let the 7.1 amp handle the surround channels and the rear channels. Then you've got the most kickass sound it is possible to achieve on a PC. Period.
I'm looking into getting the Sennheiser HD560S and pairing it with my Schiit Hel 2 gaming dac/amp for fps games. I've heard good things about those headphones in terms of its great audio cues and neutral sound in general. Great video my guy.
I’d recommend the Drop X Sennheiser 6xx’s . That’s what I use with my Hel 2 for PS5 and it also works awesome with Xbox! For the true setup I recommend pairing it all with a Woojer Vest Edge to really feel that bass!
I use the HiFiMAN Sundara+Schiit Hel-2. The combo sounds cleaner than any pair of gaming headsets I own. I wouldn't dare to go higher-end until I buy my own home. I don't live in a open back headphone friendly environment. So investing in higher-end would be a waste. One day though....
Honestly i have - had headphone to 1.500 price , like Elear, LCD 2, Clear, etch etch and i Use only 2 , Sundara and HD 660s both of them are like 95% of what others can do and honestly on some aspects are better, For example Nothing can win the Smooth , Warm , vocals, timbre , imaging on HD 660s under 1.500 euro and nothing can win , Separation , speed , tonality , resolution, low end texture that Sundara . So no don buy anything else its just a minor win on something and lose on something else. My opinion is if u are on US get the HD6XX or HD 650 in Europe to have something different than SUndara , something warmer smoother .
I bought an ifi zen dac V2 fo my gaming set up after watching this video. Im now thinking to pair it with the mobius. Thanks man, your videos are great to watch, there is so much details! keep up the good work.
You can use the optical out of a sound blasterx g6 into any dac of your choice and take advantage of the dsp from the g6 and get the sound quality from the higher end dac/amp that you’re using.
If you're using optical just use the one built into most motherboards, the signal is exactly the same. Use the G6 as a dac and run it into an amp would make a lot more sense, or just get rid of it.
Open world Games i use Sundara , Single player games i use HD 660s ...Both of them on iFi Micro Black . Way better than any Game headset i have ever hear .
Thanks for a great video covering the amp & Dacs, I found it really helpful. I just purchased the GC7 to connect to my NVIDIA shield for watching movies on a night time and it sounds pretty decent with the standard surround simulation (not the sxfi crap), and I love that I can adjust the treble and base to my liking on the fly. I’m curious about the ifi zen dac/amp and but I want to have that wide open feel that the virtual 7.1 gives with the GC7. But to do with with something like the ifi zen. I would then need to buy a high end headphone with a big sound stage and imaging. So it looks like I’m stuck with my GC7 & Sennheiser PC38x combo.
you nailed it :-] it seems that the Motu audio interfaces may be "the best of both worlds" regarding measurements Perso I like to experiment and I'm very happy these days with the E1DA Powerdac V2.1, outstanding for the price.
Anyone who is just gaming and doing normal things needs only ifi zen dac. If you are audiophile and listen high quality lossless music you can still use zen dac, its not bad but you will get more with like marantz hd-dac1 or above. And sure it depends also what headphones you use.
thanks , this video really did break it down to the introduction of making up your mind. Currently in searching for a huge audio upgrade experience. I believe i found my answer . thanks again.
Schiit Hel or mayflower arc if you need a mic input, schiit modi\magni stack if you don't. JDS makes some good stuff too, like the Atom series if you want $200 or less. Once you get over $200 there's a ton of options and most are pretty good, you'd have to do some research to find the one for you.
what a mind opening clear video! u helped me out so much by understanding the difrence between an AMP and DAC. thank you so much, u earned a new sub :)
With the MSI z690 Wifi Gaming Edge with the AL4080 USB DAC using standalone circuitry test found to be better than most AMP/DACs including Creative G6. Using front mic port the 32bit 384hz with audio boost 5 pumps. now external DAC really not needed. Unreal but true
Need it? Nah. Really want it? Yeah. If for no other reason than you've got a lot more power pushing those cans and that means a lot more dynamics and overall better SQ.
Hey buddy Im lookin to upgrade my audio setup for playstation5 (maybe in the future pc, so thinking alteady about to buy something for pc as well). Im almost only playing fps and open world. Would you recomment the ifi amp and dac with the beyerdynamicdt 1990 for the playstation? Will that work ? And do i need both? I mean amp and dac?… I actually ordered the maxwells, but i think i prefer the open back and want something really good…
Love the information and have the arctis pro already with dac and getting some iem. Can just plug them into the dac so is it worth getting a separate dac ?
Just picked up the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GC7 for 45% off. Been on my radar for awhile now. Also purchased 80ohm Beyer Dynamics DT 990 pros. Ive been using sonar and have had nothing but audio issues with the software. The directional software had been an absolute nightmare, at least in my experience. Tarkov is my main game and I always have had issues with my iems, pinpointing footsteps. Hopefully I made the right choice!
@c10udi92 decided to go with the seinheiser hd560s instead. The treble was ear piercing on the 990 pros. But kept the gc7 just due to the price at the time and its solid if you combine it with Voicemeeter Banana
Hopefully somebody here can answer my question.. Can you use any one of these amps on your Xbox series x?? USB plug and play? If so can you do it with the combo?
to all those who are wondering whether you actually NEED a DAC/AMP combo? the answer is NO, you do not need it, the difference in sound quality we're talking about here is like a 1-2% change, yeah its not even an improvement. I mean the company literally calls its products 'Fulla Schiit' like a big FU to the consumers...
I love how practical and simple your videos are! Would you say this investment is worth it versus say the Razer Blackshark V2 Wireless headset? It seems like a steep price to pay for an incremental increase in quality and the hassle of wires. Thanks!
@@TheTechne Thanks for the reply! Your videos are so down to earth and refreshing in a crowded and complex tech review world. Love the "how does it actually perform in real life" approach. Just subscribed! Keep it up brother. :)
Great video , I have bought exactly this set up ifi zen can / dac / Audeze lcd gx . I’m Just need to know how connected them 😅. It would be great if you mentioned in the video .
This is very informational and im in the process of upgrading my setup....i do plan on getting a stack of some sort but how would i incorporate it with my elgato xlr or would it be no need?
Hey Techne. I wonder if I can get your opinion on something as I do respect it. I watch a lot of your reviews. I recently bought a set of Beyerdynamic 2nd gen mmx300 gaming headphones. I know that they are a stereo headphone. But Beyerdynamic states that the experience is much better with the Immerse Gaming software. My question is... would virtual surround or spatial audio still work with an amp or dac or possibly both connected? Not sure if you will even see this but if you do have an opinion I would love to hear it. Thanks.
With DAC you need to connect to optical output i guess? I use xbox from my couch and my cats EAT cords so I cant run a 8 foot cord from my TV/Xbox I’m afraid. With an amp can you connect it to the xbox controller using 3,5 mm and power it from a wall outlet?
Its hard to convey to someone that hasn't experienced high end systems even with descriptive words what is going on. Its hard for the vast majority to spend more on the audio than their console. PC with its other advantages and larger expense it probably would easier to digest.
Or, you can use a Focusrite interface, get pro hardware, save a lot of money, and listen on good reference cans like an ATH-m50 or their Sony or Senny counterparts. Pro gear that we use in studio is far more affordable and accessible that most people realize.
Hey man, very interested in your solution. So lets say I would get Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen, would that help me power up DT 770 PRO 80 ohms ? I mean would it act like an amp a send stronger signal to my DTs ?
@@davidrihacek3095 Well, I run an Focusrite 18i8 and for my setup I run mons out to an ART headphone amp for multiple ATH-M50x cans. I don't have the DTs, but I plugged in my old 250 ohm Koss Pro4AA cans into one of the headphone outs to check, and I get good signal.
Hey guys I am quickly falling into the audiophile rabbithole! I have a quick question I would GREATLY appreciate ANY solid advice on. So, I'm totally new to DACs/AMPs; I just bought the Sennheiser PC38x headset and I find them too quiet. Would an amp like this boost the sound significantly? I love the sound imaging/soundstage I just need MORE VOLUME!!
I use my Qudelix 5k with my PC38X on Harman Objective EQ (does support PEQ)... it bluetooth and smol, so i can take phone calls without disconnecting my dac or headset and i can do gaming on aptx adaptive( less than 30ms latency) for gaming on phone... a SS tier feature-packed dac amp for 110 usd compared to stella zorloo, Fulla 4 or THX Onyx, even if ended paying 300usd for my combo, if you dont need the headset just get a tygr300r or hd560s
@@cadalackTony rather than clearer...you gain more life in the headphones and the first you notice is the bass. It happened to me with my hd6xx where bass improves noticeble better and dinamic range goes even better (footsteps, gunshots, explosions, etc.)
@@cadalackTony personally I would go for tygr300r and fosi because fosi is a better combo and tygr is more fun headphone, hd560s is true reference so its really precise and clear but feels a bit like headphones for mastering
I bought the audeze lcd-gx and Ifi stack because of your reviews. Thank you. Only problem is, I can’t find any info on how to properly set them up… I have the 4.4mm connector connecting the can and dac but other than that, fixed or variable switch on the back? Do I use the balanced or unbalanced cable to my headset, I have another stand alone mic that I use. Also which input setting to use?
You can't connect mics to ifi stack, you'll have to plug them in your source if it's usb. Fixed - when connecting the ifi DAC to ifi AMP, Variable if you want to use ifi DAC as both dac and amp. Balanced vs unbalanced doesn't really matter, balanced just gives you a bit more power.
@TheTechne can you please answer me, is the sound blasterx g6 good enough for headphones like the 250 ohm dt 770 pro x or is another amp necessary? Thanks a lot
Stinkin' amazing video. I would definitely be interested to see you review more dedicated headsets as to take advantage of tech like this. Especially since you have started reviewing more mics that would allow for a lot of people to skip the need for a mic on the headset.
when using a dac like in this video is it better have dolby atmos/dts on or everythin off? just wondered on ur setup that gets u the best sound for gaming music etc as a whole? thank you
Digital audio converter digital audio converter digital audio converter digital audio converter..I love how he says he's sick of hearing dac. yet he explains the exact definition of a dac. to clean up the sound make it smooth as butter with the headphones speakers etc. I'd never just get an amp and the jumble and jargon of just an amp..sorry too hard to follow u..I'd recommend some adderal my friend take care
Hi, I need help. I usually direct plug in my headphone to PC and use Sound Blaster Cinema 3 software while playing FPS games. It has surround effect and right positional. But when I switch my iFi Zen DAC/Amp + Zen CAN Amp (Stack), Sound Blaster Cinema 3 software auto-disable. There is no surround effect and the positional feels very weird which only has left and right positional. So how to get surround effect and right positional while using external DAC AMP? (except those dac amps come with surround sound like sound blaster x3) Or is it there is no way as getting an external DAC would mean no surround sound for movies and gaming, just stereo 2-channel sound?
Hi! This video is very intresting. Anyway Did you also tried The Byerdynamic DT 990 Pro on the Shiit Hel 2? i just need to know if the Shiit Hel 2 is good enough like the Ifi Zen! Thank you very much!
I cant find a proper dac/amp for my oneodio monitor 80 and vmoda boompro. very few have a separate mic input, and those that have are way expensive for me
I have the Turtle Beach elite pro 2 Xbox with superamp and use it for my PC mostly but I dropped the Amp and it's broken now and I was wondering if I should get a new Amp and if it's worth getting a new one again so I can have the Amp experience again and with that one it does have that streaming setup feature and I was gonna start streaming. I did also buy the Roccat Torch mic so I can get a good streaming mic and the Roccat Syn Air so I can have a wireless headset experience so with that I was wondering if I don't need that streaming feature anymore with those two products and it will just work fine with them. But if I was to stream like a story campaign game instead of a multiplayer game would the Amp give me personally a good experience with the sound so I can enjoy it while streaming or will the Syn Pro Air give me the same experience with the sound or even a better experience or maybe using Syn with the Amp. Is that type of Amp worth getting again with this new setup, I haven't yet setup my torch or Syn yet because I'm finishing up my desk I made myself from Lowes using a flat door haha I just need to finish painting it caz I did build it myself and wanted to give it some personality. I appreciate your time if you did read this and would love your feedback. I love how real you are on these review videos and I always come to your videos to make my final decision on buying something I want. Keep up the great work fam! 😄
Just ordered the audeze lcd-gx. What do you recommend for Xbox, I’m planning on using an Astro mix amp for now but would like your recommendation for something better. I know not many work on Xbox.
I discovered your chanel recently and I love your content, I can see that you are passionated by it. I do have a question, does the z390 aorus master onboard sound is ok or should i get a dac/amp to drive the beyerdynamic dt 1990 pro?
There is no MB currently made that will properly run DT 1990's. Will sound come out? Sure. But it'll sound like garbage compared to what it could be doing. It's like taking a prius to race against F1's... Does not compute!
great video, in am audio noob and ive been building PCs for over 20 years, i have never focused on sound, at all. I am looking into a iFi Zen DAC and maybe upgrade with an amp later.
How can you compare the ifi stack to the astro a40 and steel series wired pro game dac? is it worth upgrading to the ifi? my goal is to upgrade from the headsets i mentioned to the HD660s or Audeze lcd -gx
Hey @The Techne Thanks for this video! I am just upgrading to the Sennheiser HD800S which apparently is one of the best immersive landscape headphones for gaming out there. Now which AMP/Dac setup is the best to get most out of these cans? I am a bit confused by all the gear out there and need some advice please!
I use ifi zen dac for pubg mobile pair with Shp9500 & MDR 1AM2. the gun sound and foot step are so real. Sometimes I scare myself because of accidentally trigger the AKM. 😂
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Do you use an amp/dac for gaming? If so what one?
9:30 I do that with my qudelix 5k, and I answers calls with my headset or bring my playlist from my phone (on LDAC or APTX adaptive).
I'm running the sound blaster g6 with a Drop pc38x
love the vid, ive got the hyper x cloud II wired headset and running it through a soundblaster X3... but can never decide if its better if the cloud II are lower volume (through provided amp dac) or louder through my X3... as i play scum and sometimes my X3 can make the game sound overwhelming
@@Norvile ahhhh i wanted those but realised was open back and only for sale in usa :(
Personally never really used one before, I guess maybe I really thought it was worth spending loads of money on.
I run the DT 900 Pro X out of the iFi Zen DAC V2 and absolutely love it for gaming and music. Nothing compares to the very first time you hear your favorite song with TrueBass turned on. It makes you "feel" the music without distorting it. In games, I have no problem picking up footsteps and their exact direction. I have had this setup for a year and a half and I feel like I could use it for the rest of my life.
time to upgrade to 1990 pr my friend, stack with zen can
@@musamajid1726 i mainly use my Moondrop Katos now for gaming. They're definitely not as good as the 900 Pro X but it is a lot more comfortable and doesn't give me a dent. Looking for better IEMs but may check out the 1990.
I also just got the dt 900 pro x , and im really stuck between either getting the ifi zen dac v2 (mostly becuse the bass boost, and primarly for gaming use)
OR going for the, magni-unity DAC/AMP, As nice as these headphones are i'm very used to quite high bass from my old ones. any advice for either amp/dac is welcome!
Beautifully clear and easy to understand. I had watched some previous hardware reviewers try to describe it but nobody put it as simply for beginners as you. Thank you Techne!
thank you
Recently also bought ifi audio zen dac v2 +IpowerX+HD650S
I have the same feelings as you~ In the past, I only focused on gaming headsets and DACs
Now I have used products like IFI~ It really is a completely different world~
Incredibly beautiful!!
There is no need for any EQ adjustment at all~ It is very pleasant to use on my FF XIV and R6.
I'm planning to get the same setup with the same headphones. Really excited.
There is no HD 650s ... there is HD 560s or HD660s or HD 650
@@Tripokaridos22 I made a mistake. I did ask 560s. Sorry...
What you recommend for gaming ( hearing footsteps clearly ) and some music
Short answer no you dont need one, unless you use very high ohm headphones.
Do you want one? Maybe, if you are running the motherboards internal soundcard.
Even separate soundcard is a big upgrade.
The biggest benefit of the dacs imo is that they remove all or most of the electrical interference from the audio. And sure they do change the sound a bit, but you can do a lot with just a software Eq also.
eq sucks ass lmao.
Is there a universal software to edit EQ. Just bought a PC38x and it feels very meh.
@@SofaKingA equalizer apo with peace ui works wirh pretty much anything
6:00 Thank you so much for the explanation, I've been trying to find out what were the differences between them. A++ comparison!
Motherboard audio is actually pretty good now days. The real problem is with the microphone input and amplification. Often it's fairly noisy because the electronics aren't isolated and many power supplies aren't particularly clean.
I use a Soundblaster AE-5 and a Rolls microphone amp going into the sound card's line in. Mic input quality is so important if you do any kind of online gaming or voice recording. We've got great electret and MEMS microphones out there now on headsets and desktops, but the mic inputs are often not keeping pace.
I use the GC7 with Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Gen 2s and its really great, i hear things i never heard before in games like Tarkov, massive upgrade from my A40 with Mixamp, would recommend the upgrade to anyone willing to spend the cash!
Drift do you think it’s the headphones or the amp that is the difference? Can you compare the new headphones without the amp. I’m specifically and exclusively interested in the difference in what you hear in Tarkov. I upgraded from wireless closed ear turtle beach stealth 700s to open ear wired sennheiser HD 560s but I’m not running an amp/dac currently. I’m wondering if adding that would also make a noticeable difference in Tarkov.
@@Chris.Cliver hi! I definitely think its the combination of the both, as i’ve not tried them without the amp i could not say for sure, all i can say for certain is the combo i use has amazing clarity and crispness compared to the A40 TRs with Mixamp Pro, i find myself hearing people in Tarkov way before they hear me, its that good i sometimes second guess myself actually hearing something! Also with the amp you have good EQ customization which you can also use to enhance many things such as gunshots, footsteps etc
Hey i know it's been 2 years since your comment but I'm currently thinking of getting that exact setup. I currently am using the astro a40s gen 3with the mix amp. How has the mmx 300 been for you and also the gc7? is the gc7 similar to the astro mixamp?
@@nate5211Hi! i have long since got new equipment, but the MMX300 is probably still the best gaming headset money can buy imo, the GC7 is also very good and plenty of features if you require them, i would definitely still use them:)
Love my mmx300. I. Using it with the astro mixamp but I'm looking to upgrade to a dac amp. Think it's worth the purchase or should I stick with the astro mixamp?
This is perfect timing as I’m getting an AKG K702 and a Schiit stack tomorrow
Thats pretty shiity
i was really happy with the k702. it doesn't have a huge amount of bass but everything else about it is brilliant and i found them to be perfect for positional audio for games. they broke and i changed to some phillips fidelio x2hr. more bass but the k702 is definately better in every other way.
Thanks for picking up my setup :) iFi CAN/DAC is an amazing combo for the price. I've tried things twice as expensive and they did not sound that great. It's a neat, not so pricey setup that works wonders.
I’m using a Gamedac with my PC38x paired with a Helm DB12 aaamp. I know there are better set ups, but this works well for me because I have an Xbox one from what I’ve heard the usb audio can be finicky. So far this set up works flawlessly and allows me to chat and hear my party without having to have an external mic, I also love the fact that I can control my chat mix/game audio with a screen right in front of me, that was the biggest selling point for me
I have Sennheiser HD 660S + iFi audio NEO iDSD + Beyerdynamic FOX for gaming and TIDAL. Never going back to gaming headset again. I know it's more expensive but the sound in music and games is so clear and precise.
It gaves me feelings looking a fox mic with tygr300r and knowing that hd560s run better for games than hd660s(still funnier in music) in my experience.
@@pc_decisions8764 fox mic is more than enough even for big names on youtube, I use fox mostly for voice chat in discord when I play games with my team. The Sennheiser HD 560S are slightly better for neutral listening than the Sennheiser HD 660 S. The HD 560S have a better-balanced bass and treble range, a more natural soundstage, and a more comfortable fit. However, the HD 660 S are better-built, deliver a slightly more neutral mid-range, and provide superior stereo imaging performance.
Not sure why you'd want one. The embedded DAC in your headphone dongle, is more than sufficient. Semi-conductor industry hasn't been twiddling their thumbs for the last 50 years! And unless you're sticking with puzzle games, you're gonna want the shortest latency possible, even if it negatively impacts fidelity. In competitive play, 10ms is a very long time. And as far as my understanding of the human brain goes, we rely heavily on our ears for timing.
Very interesting man. So DAC is a no what about an amp?
I can't emphasize enough how important is good audio for competitive gaming, I'm a pro FPS player, and most of the time, I just turn around and click the enemies head just because I know exactly where they are, because of the good audio system, thanks to the techne ofc who reviewed almost every single device that I have
specs?
@@beebread._.m8 I'm using Beyerdynamic dt880 32ohm with a Creative sound blaster GC7
@@xxsirxfuryxx6122 do you use surround sound in fps games or do you use just the stereo of the headphones. What's best for locating enemies?
@@Obito_RLsurround sound is the enemy if you’re playing competitive imo.
Just buy the Qudelix 5K. Great small portable dac amp. With great eq software. It's super that they work on the usb a port from your ps5. Set your eq with a smartphone and your good to go. They have bluetooth so you can stream to the dac and enjoy high quality sound on the go or at home 💪🏼
Totally relate to what you're saying. I have the ifi audio Zen DAC V2 stacked with the Zen Can Amp with the 4.4mm balanced interconnect and have the Audeze LCD-GX wired to the Zen Can via the stock 3.5mm cable. Works perfectly on my PS5 and MacBook Air (for Apple Music and Netflix) and I totally agree, the audio quality is like nothing I have ever heard before. I use to own the HD800S but found them too revealing, quite sterile and lacking in bass and the LCD-X which were awesome but too uncomfortable to wear for long gaming sessions at >600g. I think I've reached end game with my current set up - at least for top end gaming audio.
Thanks for making this video, I bought the LCD-GX which got me started with this audiophile hobby. Makes me want to literally buy every amp/dac just to test them all 🤣 because all reviews be like these are good!. Your explanation gives a simplified way to understand the differences
No. What you need as an ASUS HDAV 1.3 Deluxe card with the 6-channel daughter board.
You feed the 8 analog channels into a 7.1 surround NAD amplifier.
You tap off the front two channels to a NAD 2600 Power Amp.
You tap off the center channel to another NAD 2600 and you bi-wire and bi-amp the center speaker.
Send the sub channel out to the powered subwoofer.
You let the 7.1 amp handle the surround channels and the rear channels.
Then you've got the most kickass sound it is possible to achieve on a PC. Period.
how do we connect the amp and dac to the xbox series x please help me ''''
I'm looking into getting the Sennheiser HD560S and pairing it with my Schiit Hel 2 gaming dac/amp for fps games. I've heard good things about those headphones in terms of its great audio cues and neutral sound in general. Great video my guy.
I’d recommend the Drop X Sennheiser 6xx’s . That’s what I use with my Hel 2 for PS5 and it also works awesome with Xbox! For the true setup I recommend pairing it all with a Woojer Vest Edge to really feel that bass!
560s ja a great choice
I have both of them , HD 560s are better for gaming and HD 650 are waaaaay better for Stereo music.
Just when I was thinking whether do I need a amp/dac for gaming headset, you just cleared my doubts. Thanks man. Best video explanation so far.
I use the Steel Series Pro wired w/gamedac. I love them. I might get the wireless pro just for when I want to move away from my desk.
but the wireless pro doesnt sound that good like the wired version with dac
@@shutdown8230 I would still use my wired for when I'm at my desk but my wireless for when I need to be mobile.
I use the HiFiMAN Sundara+Schiit Hel-2. The combo sounds cleaner than any pair of gaming headsets I own.
I wouldn't dare to go higher-end until I buy my own home. I don't live in a open back headphone friendly environment. So investing in higher-end would be a waste.
One day though....
Honestly i have - had headphone to 1.500 price , like Elear, LCD 2, Clear, etch etch and i Use only 2 , Sundara and HD 660s both of them are like 95% of what others can do and honestly on some aspects are better, For example Nothing can win the Smooth , Warm , vocals, timbre , imaging on HD 660s under 1.500 euro and nothing can win , Separation , speed , tonality , resolution, low end texture that Sundara . So no don buy anything else its just a minor win on something and lose on something else. My opinion is if u are on US get the HD6XX or HD 650 in Europe to have something different than SUndara , something warmer smoother .
The schiit Hel is pretty solid, it doesn't put out the power of a Magni 3 but it's no slouch.
you made me buy the dac amp lmao
Get me one? I'm broke
U are in for a treat!
@inkycat8 get a job, quit begging
I don't think he got you one did he@@inkycat8
Would Sony MDR'7506's benefit from a DAC/AMP setup? They are only 63ohm
Did you recently start recording in 4K? It looks extra crispy today!
Have been. But had a diff angle, not sure if that was it
Audio Technica ATH M50X vs Blackshark V2.
Which is more good for gaming and clear.
If you play fps games possibly look into the ath-ad700x
Sennheiser Hd58x
I've seen the new "Ifi Zen Dac v2" which supposedly is the dac AND amp, right? Will that be enough to power and run my dt990's?
It's just the dac. You'll need the amp as well. Yes its more than enough to push the DT990.
@@Princeton_James wrong
@@Princeton_James it inlcludes an internal amp
The first and second version of Ifi Zen Dac are both a dac and amp. I'm new to amp and dacs so I don't know if you would need the stack for dt990's.
I just got 990s recently .. Curious what you’ve learned in the past few months and if you have any recommendations. Thanks!
I bought an ifi zen dac V2 fo my gaming set up after watching this video. Im now thinking to pair it with the mobius. Thanks man, your videos are great to watch, there is so much details! keep up the good work.
I don't think it will make a difference for Mobius since those are gaming headsets that already have a dac integrated. It might actually sound worse.
You can use the optical out of a sound blasterx g6 into any dac of your choice and take advantage of the dsp from the g6 and get the sound quality from the higher end dac/amp that you’re using.
If you're using optical just use the one built into most motherboards, the signal is exactly the same. Use the G6 as a dac and run it into an amp would make a lot more sense, or just get rid of it.
Which amp/dac would you recommend for a ps5? Or should I just buy a gaming headset like a steelseries arctis nova pro instead?
Open world Games i use Sundara , Single player games i use HD 660s ...Both of them on iFi Micro Black . Way better than any Game headset i have ever hear .
Thanks for a great video covering the amp & Dacs, I found it really helpful.
I just purchased the GC7 to connect to my NVIDIA shield for watching movies on a night time and it sounds pretty decent with the standard surround simulation (not the sxfi crap), and I love that I can adjust the treble and base to my liking on the fly.
I’m curious about the ifi zen dac/amp and but I want to have that wide open feel that the virtual 7.1 gives with the GC7.
But to do with with something like the ifi zen. I would then need to buy a high end headphone with a big sound stage and imaging.
So it looks like I’m stuck with my GC7 & Sennheiser PC38x combo.
Right now I’m rocking the Hifiman Ananda with the Singxer SA-1 amp & Singxer SDA-6 dac. It’s a buttery smooth combo. 👌🏽
That's endgame right there my friend 👌👌👌👌
you nailed it :-] it seems that the Motu audio interfaces may be "the best of both worlds" regarding measurements
Perso I like to experiment and I'm very happy these days with the E1DA Powerdac V2.1, outstanding for the price.
Anyone who is just gaming and doing normal things needs only ifi zen dac. If you are audiophile and listen high quality lossless music you can still use zen dac, its not bad but you will get more with like marantz hd-dac1 or above. And sure it depends also what headphones you use.
i still don't know whether to get the dac or the amp for gaming
Really good description for us who like it described in a simple way.
My fulla 4 has been on backorder for a few weeks☹️
My Fulla 4 won’t connect anymore :(
I change my mind when i saw the delivery time and got a qudelix 5k instead. I wanted to be the btr5 but it doesn't support mic on usb mode.
thanks , this video really did break it down to the introduction of making up your mind. Currently in searching for a huge audio upgrade experience. I believe i found my answer . thanks again.
Keep it up man I always love your videos
Thanks for the comparison. For someone with the Sennheiser hd600. Which amp/dac will you recommend for a 70 gaming / 30 music
Schiit Hel or mayflower arc if you need a mic input, schiit modi\magni stack if you don't. JDS makes some good stuff too, like the Atom series if you want $200 or less. Once you get over $200 there's a ton of options and most are pretty good, you'd have to do some research to find the one for you.
what a mind opening clear video! u helped me out so much by understanding the difrence between an AMP and DAC. thank you so much, u earned a new sub :)
With the MSI z690 Wifi Gaming Edge with the AL4080 USB DAC using standalone circuitry test found to be better than most AMP/DACs including Creative G6. Using front mic port the 32bit 384hz with audio boost 5 pumps. now external DAC really not needed. Unreal but true
Need it? Nah. Really want it? Yeah. If for no other reason than you've got a lot more power pushing those cans and that means a lot more dynamics and overall better SQ.
the question i have is how do you hear yourself in audiofile headphones? if i use an xlr mic where does that go?
Hey buddy
Im lookin to upgrade my audio setup for playstation5 (maybe in the future pc, so thinking alteady about to buy something for pc as well). Im almost only playing fps and open world. Would you recomment the ifi amp and dac with the beyerdynamicdt 1990 for the playstation? Will that work ? And do i need both? I mean amp and dac?…
I actually ordered the maxwells, but i think i prefer the open back and want something really good…
Love the information and have the arctis pro already with dac and getting some iem. Can just plug them into the dac so is it worth getting a separate dac ?
Just picked up the CREATIVE Sound Blaster GC7 for 45% off.
Been on my radar for awhile now. Also purchased 80ohm Beyer Dynamics DT 990 pros.
Ive been using sonar and have had nothing but audio issues with the software.
The directional software had been an absolute nightmare, at least in my experience.
Tarkov is my main game and I always have had issues with my iems, pinpointing footsteps. Hopefully I made the right choice!
Any updated?
@c10udi92 decided to go with the seinheiser hd560s instead. The treble was ear piercing on the 990 pros. But kept the gc7 just due to the price at the time and its solid if you combine it with Voicemeeter Banana
should I get an audio mixer and a amp and connect them together or should I just get the amp or audio mixer
Excellent how you simplified that on all levels...
Hopefully somebody here can answer my question..
Can you use any one of these amps on your Xbox series x?? USB plug and play?
If so can you do it with the combo?
Astro mixamp is the only dac/amp that you can use with usb with Xbox one series x.
@@mtnmankeith9069 that's what I thought LOL.. would that be a good Amp for something like the LCD GX?
@@RetroX-uu6cq No the Astro Mixamp is pretty bad
to all those who are wondering whether you actually NEED a DAC/AMP combo? the answer is NO, you do not need it, the difference in sound quality we're talking about here is like a 1-2% change, yeah its not even an improvement. I mean the company literally calls its products 'Fulla Schiit' like a big FU to the consumers...
I love how practical and simple your videos are! Would you say this investment is worth it versus say the Razer Blackshark V2 Wireless headset? It seems like a steep price to pay for an incremental increase in quality and the hassle of wires. Thanks!
I love and still use gaming headsets daily, and I love wireless! but yes the quality diff is amazing, but that also come with a fair price increase
@@TheTechne Thanks for the reply! Your videos are so down to earth and refreshing in a crowded and complex tech review world. Love the "how does it actually perform in real life" approach. Just subscribed! Keep it up brother. :)
Great video , I have bought exactly this set up ifi zen can / dac / Audeze lcd gx . I’m
Just need to know how connected them 😅. It would be great if you mentioned in the video .
This is very informational and im in the process of upgrading my setup....i do plan on getting a stack of some sort but how would i incorporate it with my elgato xlr or would it be no need?
great video thanks for the honest opinion on amp dac for gaming I've been curious of the benefits of these. great guide.
Hey teche, for gaming I can only buy one of the ifi. Would you recommend the amp or dac ? I play only fps
amp for sure
@@TheTechne thank you!
@@TheTechne can i get ifi zen air which has both dac and amp? For dt770 pro 80 ohm.
I was gonna get an amp/dac stack, but I also needed analog-in.
Brilliant now I understand amp Dac brilliant very educational thanks 👍👍👍
Just bought the dac v2 for gaming hope they go good with my hd6xx
Hey Techne. I wonder if I can get your opinion on something as I do respect it. I watch a lot of your reviews. I recently bought a set of Beyerdynamic 2nd gen mmx300 gaming headphones. I know that they are a stereo headphone. But Beyerdynamic states that the experience is much better with the Immerse Gaming software. My question is... would virtual surround or spatial audio still work with an amp or dac or possibly both connected? Not sure if you will even see this but if you do have an opinion I would love to hear it. Thanks.
With DAC you need to connect to optical output i guess? I use xbox from my couch and my cats EAT cords so I cant run a 8 foot cord from my TV/Xbox I’m afraid. With an amp can you connect it to the xbox controller using 3,5 mm and power it from a wall outlet?
Its hard to convey to someone that hasn't experienced high end systems even with descriptive words what is going on. Its hard for the vast majority to spend more on the audio than their console. PC with its other advantages and larger expense it probably would easier to digest.
Or, you can use a Focusrite interface, get pro hardware, save a lot of money, and listen on good reference cans like an ATH-m50 or their Sony or Senny counterparts. Pro gear that we use in studio is far more affordable and accessible that most people realize.
Hey man, very interested in your solution. So lets say I would get Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen, would that help me power up DT 770 PRO 80 ohms ? I mean would it act like an amp a send stronger signal to my DTs ?
@@davidrihacek3095 Well, I run an Focusrite 18i8 and for my setup I run mons out to an ART headphone amp for multiple ATH-M50x cans. I don't have the DTs, but I plugged in my old 250 ohm Koss Pro4AA cans into one of the headphone outs to check, and I get good signal.
@@celebril is a interface better than a DAC/AMP?
@theknightofren that's what I'm wondering but I think it varies from audio interface to audio interface
Hey guys I am quickly falling into the audiophile rabbithole! I have a quick question I would GREATLY appreciate ANY solid advice on. So, I'm totally new to DACs/AMPs; I just bought the Sennheiser PC38x headset and I find them too quiet. Would an amp like this boost the sound significantly?
I love the sound imaging/soundstage I just need MORE VOLUME!!
Awps increase the dbs yes, while also creating punchier sound.
I use my Qudelix 5k with my PC38X on Harman Objective EQ (does support PEQ)... it bluetooth and smol, so i can take phone calls without disconnecting my dac or headset and i can do gaming on aptx adaptive( less than 30ms latency) for gaming on phone... a SS tier feature-packed dac amp for 110 usd compared to stella zorloo, Fulla 4 or THX Onyx, even if ended paying 300usd for my combo, if you dont need the headset just get a tygr300r or hd560s
@@cadalackTony i highly recommend an amp, even cheap ones like fosi, I use thx or jdslabs
@@cadalackTony rather than clearer...you gain more life in the headphones and the first you notice is the bass. It happened to me with my hd6xx where bass improves noticeble better and dinamic range goes even better (footsteps, gunshots, explosions, etc.)
@@cadalackTony personally I would go for tygr300r and fosi because fosi is a better combo and tygr is more fun headphone, hd560s is true reference so its really precise and clear but feels a bit like headphones for mastering
Do you think the Fulla is all you need for the PC38X?
For mobile gaming what do you recommend I'm planning on buying yanyin Canon iems
I bought the audeze lcd-gx and Ifi stack because of your reviews. Thank you.
Only problem is, I can’t find any info on how to properly set them up… I have the 4.4mm connector connecting the can and dac but other than that, fixed or variable switch on the back? Do I use the balanced or unbalanced cable to my headset, I have another stand alone mic that I use. Also which input setting to use?
You can't connect mics to ifi stack, you'll have to plug them in your source if it's usb. Fixed - when connecting the ifi DAC to ifi AMP, Variable if you want to use ifi DAC as both dac and amp. Balanced vs unbalanced doesn't really matter, balanced just gives you a bit more power.
I was confused when he had the amp on top of the dac It made me think you needed both for it to work lol ended up getting the dac.
@TheTechne can you please answer me, is the sound blasterx g6 good enough for headphones like the 250 ohm dt 770 pro x or is another amp necessary? Thanks a lot
Stinkin' amazing video. I would definitely be interested to see you review more dedicated headsets as to take advantage of tech like this. Especially since you have started reviewing more mics that would allow for a lot of people to skip the need for a mic on the headset.
when using a dac like in this video is it better have dolby atmos/dts on or everythin off? just wondered on ur setup that gets u the best sound for gaming music etc as a whole? thank you
Digital audio converter digital audio converter digital audio converter digital audio converter..I love how he says he's sick of hearing dac. yet he explains the exact definition of a dac. to clean up the sound make it smooth as butter with the headphones speakers etc. I'd never just get an amp and the jumble and jargon of just an amp..sorry too hard to follow u..I'd recommend some adderal my friend take care
Hi, I need help. I usually direct plug in my headphone to PC and use Sound Blaster Cinema 3 software while playing FPS games. It has surround effect and right positional.
But when I switch my iFi Zen DAC/Amp + Zen CAN Amp (Stack),
Sound Blaster Cinema 3 software auto-disable. There is no surround effect and the positional feels very weird which only has left and right positional.
So how to get surround effect and right positional while using external DAC AMP? (except those dac amps come with surround sound like sound blaster x3)
Or is it there is no way as getting an external DAC would mean no surround sound for movies and gaming, just stereo 2-channel sound?
Hi! This video is very intresting. Anyway Did you also tried The Byerdynamic DT 990 Pro on the Shiit Hel 2? i just need to know if the Shiit Hel 2 is good enough like the Ifi Zen! Thank you very much!
did you ever plug the gc7 in virtual sound into the nice dacks you are talking about
I do online sim racing and i currently own:
a pair of fidelio h2hr, a ifi zen dac standalone
It's pretty simple a DAC cleans up the source sound and the AMP amplifys the sound.
ok i have DT 1990 PRO , what should i buy ? DAC or AMP ?
I cant find a proper dac/amp for my oneodio monitor 80 and vmoda boompro. very few have a separate mic input, and those that have are way expensive for me
what if i like play FPS game? i want buy some external soundcard that can plug in hyperx cloud earbuds. i love to hear some detail of the footsteps
I love his cheapy and confident smile
I have the Turtle Beach elite pro 2 Xbox with superamp and use it for my PC mostly but I dropped the Amp and it's broken now and I was wondering if I should get a new Amp and if it's worth getting a new one again so I can have the Amp experience again and with that one it does have that streaming setup feature and I was gonna start streaming. I did also buy the Roccat Torch mic so I can get a good streaming mic and the Roccat Syn Air so I can have a wireless headset experience so with that I was wondering if I don't need that streaming feature anymore with those two products and it will just work fine with them. But if I was to stream like a story campaign game instead of a multiplayer game would the Amp give me personally a good experience with the sound so I can enjoy it while streaming or will the Syn Pro Air give me the same experience with the sound or even a better experience or maybe using Syn with the Amp. Is that type of Amp worth getting again with this new setup, I haven't yet setup my torch or Syn yet because I'm finishing up my desk I made myself from Lowes using a flat door haha I just need to finish painting it caz I did build it myself and wanted to give it some personality. I appreciate your time if you did read this and would love your feedback. I love how real you are on these review videos and I always come to your videos to make my final decision on buying something I want. Keep up the great work fam! 😄
Do audio interfaces soind better than dac/amp combos? As im looking at the rme ucx ii audio interface.
Just ordered the audeze lcd-gx. What do you recommend for Xbox, I’m planning on using an Astro mix amp for now but would like your recommendation for something better. I know not many work on Xbox.
I have the sound blaster gx 6 and its pretty good but the sound will fully cut off randomly freqently until I reset it. Super annoying
Thanks for bringing the ruckus, Techne!
Where are you from? Definitely the northeast. My best guess is Massachusetts.
I discovered your chanel recently and I love your content, I can see that you are passionated by it. I do have a question, does the z390 aorus master onboard sound is ok or should i get a dac/amp to drive the beyerdynamic dt 1990 pro?
There is no MB currently made that will properly run DT 1990's. Will sound come out? Sure. But it'll sound like garbage compared to what it could be doing. It's like taking a prius to race against F1's... Does not compute!
Dude I love how you explain things
great video, in am audio noob and ive been building PCs for over 20 years, i have never focused on sound, at all. I am looking into a iFi Zen DAC and maybe upgrade with an amp later.
you will love the ifi combo, it's game changing!
Another great topic Techne!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Hello, I am a bit late here, but does your Neo IDSD work on a PS5?
Im using a SBX G6 with a pair of hifiman sundara closed back right now. would the ifi stack be a noticeable upgrade?
So do u need to have the amp to use the Dac or can u just use the dac
How can you compare the ifi stack to the astro a40 and steel series wired pro game dac? is it worth upgrading to the ifi? my goal is to upgrade from the headsets i mentioned to the HD660s or Audeze lcd -gx
Hey @The Techne Thanks for this video! I am just upgrading to the Sennheiser HD800S which apparently is one of the best immersive landscape headphones for gaming out there. Now which AMP/Dac setup is the best to get most out of these cans? I am a bit confused by all the gear out there and need some advice please!
What would you recommend for the dt990 pro 250ohms, looking for an dac and amp in one. And relatively lower budget. From Au :)
I use ifi zen dac for pubg mobile pair with Shp9500 & MDR 1AM2. the gun sound and foot step are so real. Sometimes I scare myself because of accidentally trigger the AKM. 😂
Can you review the game ones from sennheiser. Also do I need a amp for them?