The best possible audio setup.

[Djwhitfield]

Hello there!

Thanks very much in advance for reading!

 

I been using the Xonar D2X and the Logitech Z5500 setup for about 5 years now I think and I have had fun with it.

However when I purchased the Z5500 I was a little underwelmed and it was a total pain to set up. I had no idea at the time what was best. Optical Digital or Analogue.

I had no idea how to set up the Z5500 control station, 6 Ch Direct or Dolby Digital for gaming. I had games not playing out all 6 speakers ect. So many problems.

The Xonar D2X fixed some of these issues but it was still a pain figuring out what was best. Still after all the setting up it wasn't as brilliant as I expected.

 

I live upstairs in a terrace house so having the volume too loud makes the bass go thru the house so I can't have it too loud. Hoping to resolve this when I move out.

But I can't really disturb the neighbours with it. In order to get the most out the system I realize that you have to turn the volume up fairly high to start hearing all the sounds from all directions. But its too loud to keep at constantly otherwise I'm worried I will start disturbing people.

 

I use the speakers for music, movies and gaming. I want a solution that just works with everything in 5.1 straight out the box. I have the Xonar and the Z5500 set up right now so it pretty much is 5.1 in every game, movie and all my music. But like I said I have to turn it loud to get all the sounds coming though.

 

So I'm looking for a new solution. Cost is and issue, but I always look for the best within reason. For example if a £500 set of speakers performs only slightly less better than a £700 set of speakers I will go for the £500 set. I'm looking for the best possible audio experiance for speakers, headphones, soundcard and more equipment if required. I want speakers that sound great regradless of low volumes. I heard people talk about the Sennheiser HD 600 including Linus saying that even on low volumes the sound experiance is amazing and open. I watched this guys video on it and he talks about them like they are gods amount headphones.

 

 

I'm look for a set of speakers that can perform very similarly. If I have to purchase other equipment to achieve this quality then I will. Like connecting up a Hi-fi system or something.

 

Summary;

 

Pair of Headphones that rivel all others.

Pair of Speakers that rivel all others.

The equipment required to make them rivel all others.

 

Thanks very much for your help!

 

- Dave

[ShearMe]

I don't think what you're wanting exists.

 

Headphones can perform great at low volumes because they're literally right next to your ear. Volume dissipates with distance, so speakers naturally need to be turned up more than the noise of your environment.

[spwath]

Just a tip, i wouldent listen to people like linus for audio (sorry linus)

find more audio centered people.

[Picky]

Philips Fidelio X2 is a great headphone. Same price as the HD600 but with more bass, wider soundstage, and lower impedance. Easier to drive. I have both beside me and selling the HD600 since the sound is so similar but the X2's are more versatile. Movies, gaming, music. Before you buy an amp/dac. Try them out with your current DX2. Should be good enough.

[ShearMe]

Philips Fidelio X2 is a great headphone. Same price as the HD600 but with more bass, wider soundstage, and lower impedance. Easier to drive. I have both beside me and selling the HD600 since the sound is so similar but the X2's are more versatile. Movies, gaming, music. Before you buy an amp/dac. Try them out with your current DX2. Should be good enough.

 

Good job reading the first post - OP is looking for speakers.

[SSL]

You're best off just sticking with headphones for now. Listening to speakers at a low enough volume not to disturb others is not very enjoyable, even near-field. the HD600 is one good headphone among many. Hopefully it's obvious that you are not going to need to listen to your headphones at abnormally low volume. Even with open backs they should not disturb anyone outside the immediate area.

 

As already suggested, the Philips Fidelio X2 is another great headphone.

[Picky]

Good job reading the first post - OP is looking for speakers.

Are you using brail? Nice job looking at the OP with Sennheiser HD600's at the end.