Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion Vs Sound Blaster Zx

[DurpGaming]

Hey A need to get a new sound card it its between the Recon3D Fatal1ty Champion and the Sound Blaster Zx.

Just wanted another opinion on them.

 

[Cheesebaron]

Any reason as to why you chose those sound cards? Have you looked into alternatives such as Asus Xonar STX or ST? They have better Signal to Noise ratio, better recording quality, ASIO and Dolby.

[DurpGaming]

Any reason as to why you chose those sound cards? Have you looked into alternatives such as Asus Xonar STX or ST? They have better Signal to Noise ratio, better recording quality, ASIO and Dolby.

I Do Have a price budget of about $160

[Cheesebaron]

The Zx would be a fine choice, however what are you going to use them for?

[DurpGaming]

I would be using this for gaming

[Cheesebaron]

Which headphones or headset are you going to use it with?

[DurpGaming]

Which headphones or headset are you going to use it with?

I have a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50 I love them but cant get full the full experience without a sound card 

[JayD]

For your price range, the Sound Blaster Zx would be better. You could even get away with the Z unless you need the external audio module that comes with the Zx.

[Cheesebaron]

You would get a much better experience getting a DAC/AMP or a sound card with a built in amp section. Just upgrading your sound card won't give you that much.

[DurpGaming]

You would get a much better experience getting a DAC/AMP or a sound card with a built in amp section. Just upgrading your sound card won't give you that much.

What would you suggest? 

[Cheesebaron]

Something like a HRT Microstreamer, AudioEngine D1 or O2 and upgrade with an ODac later

[DurpGaming]

Something like a HRT Microstreamer, AudioEngine D1 or O2 and upgrade with an ODac later

Thank you for the suggestions i will look at them

[Lyons]

M50's don't really benefit from a powerful amp. I can't think of anything better than an Audioengine D1 for your use.

[h264]

I have a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50 I love them but cant get full the full experience without a sound card 

 

How EXACTLY do you know your not getting the "full experience"?  Trust me, an empty wallet is not an "experience".

[DurpGaming]

How EXACTLY do you know your not getting the "full experience"?  Trust me, an empty wallet is not an "experience".

I have used this headset on my friends pc with a better sound car then i do and they sounded better

[h264]

I have used this headset on my friends pc with a better sound car then i do and they sounded better

 

Is this card the one you mentioned in your opening post?

 

Many things can make things seem better to the listener, for instance:

 

-looking at the product that's very expensive or fancy looking can make you think something sounds better.  See posts in the member reviews of fancy tube amps.

-If the music is louder, it always sounds better.  The music industry has obligued by pushing music masters right up to -0db

-High output impedances can make some headphones sound better even if the damping factor is low, depending on how the driver is designed and the tastes of the listener.  The AKG K701/2 is an excellent example of a headphone that breaks the mold when driven on tube amps with a high output impedance.

 

However, if you like the "pairing" and don't ever intend to get a new headset, ever, you won't be dissapointed with a card you already know you like.