Audio cable and amp help.

[TheLaw]

Hello. I am looking at some AKG k701s and q701s. What would be a good amp or converter that can be plugged into the optical audio of the Rampage iv black edition? I don't think I need an amp because of the on-board audio but I need to make sure that I use optical so if I have to I will buy one. My speakers need the other "round" port which is why I am so focused on using optical for my headphones. Sorry if this doesn't make sense. I don't know very much about audio. If it will help I will be using all of this to play games, listen to music, and watch blu-ray movies. 

 

If I can't use the AKGs I will be using Astro A40s with a mix amp because I know they have an optical audio port.

 

Note: If anybody has a "ModMic" can you please tell me about your experience with it?

 

Update: The speakers are Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500 232W 2.1ch speakers. For those suggesting that I use a splitter or any other item please suggest the name of the item and tell me how I would plug it all in.

 

Update 2: Okay so.... not sure if I will skip out on the speakers or not but for right now I will be getting AKG Pro Audio K712PRO Studio Headphones, FIIO E17 Alpen USB DAC Headphone Amplifier, FiiO E09K High Output Desktop Headphone Amplifier and Dock for E07K or E17, AntLion ModMic Attachable Boom Microphone, Belkin Speaker and Headphone Splitter, and AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable with Lighted Ends - Braided (6 Feet/1.8 Meters). 

[Guest Kloaked]

Please don't buy Astro headsets. They're a gigantic waste of money. I've tried them and they're so not worth the retail price.

 

 

This is what you need I think.

[t0wer]

to straighten some things out.

an audio amp will only amplify an analog signal, the optical port or coax are both digital signals.

you'll need a dac to convert the digital signal from the optical/coax into an analog signal used by audio amplifiers and headphones.

 

with that being said, you could just get a splitter and connect both an amp and the speakers to the onboard.

 

from what I read, q701's are fairly hard to drive, so you'll probably want something more than onboard.

I'm thinking the minimum you'd want to power those would be something like an o2.

[TheLaw]

Please don't buy Astro headsets. They're a gigantic waste of money. I've tried them and they're so not worth the retail price.

 

 

This is what you need I think.

Haha thanks. Now if only I knew what that device did and how to plug it in...

[Guest Kloaked]

Haha thanks. Now if only I knew what that device did and how to plug it in...

 

I'm assuming for your case you'd plug it in to your PC via USB for power, then plug in your optical cable from your motherboard for audio, then plug in your headphones or whatever else to the other side.

 

You'd have to set the default audio device to the Optical channel (I forget what the name of it will be, but it'll be in your Sound settings in Control Panel).

[TheLaw]

to straighten some things out.

an audio amp will only amplify an analog signal, the optical port or coax are both digital signals.

you'll need a dac to convert the digital signal from the optical/coax into an analog signal used by audio amplifiers and headphones.

 

with that being said, you could just get a splitter and connect both an amp and the speakers to the onboard.

 

from what I read, q701's are fairly hard to drive, so you'll probably want something more than onboard.

I'm thinking the minimum you'd want to power those would be something like an o2.

Are there any small amps that have two audio inputs (the O2 only seems to have one) or can you suggest a decent splitter? 

[NannerBeans]

Are there any small amps that have two audio inputs (the O2 only seems to have one) or can you suggest a decent splitter? 

The o2 has a RCA input option if you order from Mayflower but a simple splitter for a few dollars would work just fine. I think those AKGs can run fine with Supreme fx because the onboard amp on that is pretty good. 

 

Something like this is fine. 

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Speaker-and-Headphone-Splitter/dp/B000067RC4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1399333180&sr=1-1&keywords=splitter

[Lauen]

Can't really say anything about the headphones or amp right now, but I will share my experience with the Mod Mic 2.3: It's a very good mic, especially considering the price. I hear some hissing on mine, but that's apparently down to what kind of onboard audio you got, my ALC892 isn't as "good" as the newer 1150 and such.

[TheLaw]

Can't really say anything about the headphones or amp right now, but I will share my experience with the Mod Mic 2.3: It's a very good mic, especially considering the price. I hear some hissing on mine, but that's apparently down to what kind of onboard audio you got, my ALC892 isn't as "good" as the newer 1150 and such.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.