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Optical S/PDIF -- Dac/amp question

bobbagels
By bobbagels
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hello hello I was going to pick up  this combo

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011UB9CQ?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I1GI0QTBYESAVE&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LP3AMC2?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I1JPGY8QU54Z7R&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

 

I have been reading further here.

My Mother Board is a rampage V extreme. it has optical out.

So my question is should I get a dac/amp that also has optical input?

I mean, I dont know what is better, optica; vs USB ?

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https://linustechtips.com/topic/403391-optical-spdif-dacamp-question/
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You should get the SMSL SD793-II because it is better. One of the ways that it is better is by having optical input.

 

To elaborate on why optical is better, it doesn't transmit electromagnetic interference which allows for a cleaner audio signal, at least in theory.

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Sorry I havent been back, been busy at work.

 

Alright, that makes sense. here is the line up, I would like someone to check me out on this before I place the order.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2QLPJM?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I2C1DIQC4P5I5M&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011UB9CQ?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I1GI0QTBYESAVE&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VA464S?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=IAO30BLHN8LVA&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

 

I would like to ask something else before I order,

Is there a Dac/Amp that has both USB and Optical input? Even if its a full desktop model, that would be ok.

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Sorry I havent been back, been busy at work.

 

Alright, that makes sense. here is the line up, I would like someone to check me out on this before I place the order.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2QLPJM?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I2C1DIQC4P5I5M&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011UB9CQ?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I1GI0QTBYESAVE&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VA464S?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=IAO30BLHN8LVA&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

 

I would like to ask something else before I order,

Is there a Dac/Amp that has both USB and Optical input? Even if its a full desktop model, that would be ok.

 

You'll need to add an optical cable as I believe the SMSL doesn't ship with one, for some reason.

 

I don't know of any unit in the price range that has both optical and USB. Optical is better in any case.

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I have been looking around and found a few items.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Modi-Uber-Digital-Analog-Converter/dp/B00TUGOAH4

which I think has optical in ?

and 

http://www.amazon.com/Schiit-SCH-0702-Magni-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00SCBKPW2/ref=pd_sim_267_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=09EB1VMKHEF8S7CHMFWS

 

I think these are made to be paired?

Would this also be an option?

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I have been looking around and found a few items.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Modi-Uber-Digital-Analog-Converter/dp/B00TUGOAH4

which I think has optical in ?

and 

http://www.amazon.com/Schiit-SCH-0702-Magni-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00SCBKPW2/ref=pd_sim_267_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=09EB1VMKHEF8S7CHMFWS

 

I think these are made to be paired?

Would this also be an option?

Yes it has optical

Yes paired

Yes if you want to spend 300$.

 

But look at this:

http://www.amazon.com/Topping-Headphone-Amplifier-operate-ADI1852JRS/dp/B006GJ2SK4/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1436575725&sr=8-17&keywords=usb+optical+dac

n0ah1897, on 05 Mar 2014 - 2:08 PM, said:  "Computers are like girls. It's whats in the inside that matters.  I don't know about you, but I like my girls like I like my cases. Just as beautiful on the inside as the outside."

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that looks like a rather good deal, @SSL, what's your opinion on this?

Hey! New SIgnature! 

 

I'm supposedly a person on the Internet, but you'll never know if I'm human or not ;)

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that looks like a rather good deal, @SSL, what's your opinion on this?

 

mmm I haven't heard the greatest things about Toppings quality, particularly their headphone amps. Personally, I don't see the point of paying twice as much for basically the same performance. At $140, the op might as well cough up the extra $60 for a schiit stack.

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You should get the SMSL SD793-II because it is better. One of the ways that it is better is by having optical input.

 

To elaborate on why optical is better, it doesn't transmit electromagnetic interference which allows for a cleaner audio signal, at least in theory.

I just ordered one from a local store and I can vouch for it. However... I do want to ask, how do you plug them to the PC?

Having tried them at the store, I almost want to get rid of my O2 ODAC+amp or just keep them there since I do now know how much impedence the SMSL SD793-II can support just incase I get headphones that may end up being hard to drive and need an O2. But yeah, its cleaner than clothes fresh out of laundry-mats. 

My Grading System on headphones: SS= 98-100, S= 95-97, A+= 91-94, A= 86-90, A-= 81-85, B+= 76-80, B= 71-75, B-= 66-70, C+= 61-65, C= 56-60, C-= 51-55, D+= 46-50, D= 41-45, D-= 36-40, F+= 31-35, F= 26-30, F-= 21-25, Tier 1 crap= 16-20, Tier 2 crap= 11-15, Tier 3 crap= 6-10, Dahell tier= 1-5, No hope= 0                 Nevertheless, "Enjoy what you enjoy without starting some silly culture war" - Lachlanlikesathing. If you Recommend the M50/X in a thead, I would probably send you a dick pic.

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I just ordered one from a local store and I can vouch for it. However... I do want to ask, how do you plug them to the PC?

Having tried them at the store, I almost want to get rid of my O2 ODAC+amp or just keep them there since I do now know how much impedence the SMSL SD793-II can support just incase I get headphones that may end up being hard to drive and need an O2. But yeah, its cleaner than clothes fresh out of laundry-mats. 

 

You need an optical cable, which you connect to the optical port on your motherboard. If you don't have one, you're SOL.

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hello hello, sorry , I got busy at work,

 

I think I am going to stay with the original plan and SSL's original suggestion,

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2QLPJM?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I2C1DIQC4P5I5M&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

 

reason bieng is a few things.

The Shit's are nice and I'm sure the stack ,(especially the Uber, looks nice) is a great audio solution. As mentioned also, roughly, $300.00 

As I am reading about them I see they require drivers to operate correctly. 

The other thing is, I'm not an audiophile guy.

I just want nice clean sound in games & music for a change. Im tired of using gaming headphones that aint worth a shit. (in my opinion)

And theres the other thing, I seem to always over think things.

 

For my usage I am sure the SMSL SD793-II is gonna be fine. 

 

Just for the hell of it, and as I stated before I think too much sometimes, I have read so many reviewes on these headphones and amps it can make my head hurt.

But from what i read,

The FiiO company and their products are rock solid.

Same goes for the Shit company. 

Both get really good reviews and recommendations on almost all their products from what I see.

SMSL also gets good reviews, with some negative mixed in. However the good reviews outweigh the bad ones by 90% .

Topping has some good reviews. Alot of negative reviews. I would say its 50-40 weighing in on the negative side (static, jitter, whatever)

 

So I will place the order acourding to my #4 post up there. 

And I will let you guys know how I make out. 

Thank you for your help. (i am sure I will need more) B)

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You need an optical cable, which you connect to the optical port on your motherboard. If you don't have one, you're SOL.

You could get a soundcard with optical if you don't have it on board

n0ah1897, on 05 Mar 2014 - 2:08 PM, said:  "Computers are like girls. It's whats in the inside that matters.  I don't know about you, but I like my girls like I like my cases. Just as beautiful on the inside as the outside."

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I have a rampage V extreme (5930K) mother board which has optical out.

Shouldnt that work?

Yeah

n0ah1897, on 05 Mar 2014 - 2:08 PM, said:  "Computers are like girls. It's whats in the inside that matters.  I don't know about you, but I like my girls like I like my cases. Just as beautiful on the inside as the outside."

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You need an optical cable, which you connect to the optical port on your motherboard. If you don't have one, you're SOL.

So... just an optical cable, right? No need for things to plug on the others except the optical cable and power? And yeah, has anyone tried the amp with something like an HD700/800, DT880/990 600 ohm version, HE-400's, or the HE-6? If it does run those headphones alright, I'm getting rid of my ODAC.

Welp, I feel that I have the same questions and concerns as OP now.

My Grading System on headphones: SS= 98-100, S= 95-97, A+= 91-94, A= 86-90, A-= 81-85, B+= 76-80, B= 71-75, B-= 66-70, C+= 61-65, C= 56-60, C-= 51-55, D+= 46-50, D= 41-45, D-= 36-40, F+= 31-35, F= 26-30, F-= 21-25, Tier 1 crap= 16-20, Tier 2 crap= 11-15, Tier 3 crap= 6-10, Dahell tier= 1-5, No hope= 0                 Nevertheless, "Enjoy what you enjoy without starting some silly culture war" - Lachlanlikesathing. If you Recommend the M50/X in a thead, I would probably send you a dick pic.

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So... just an optical cable, right? No need for things to plug on the others except the optical cable and power? And yeah, has anyone tried the amp with something like an HD700/800, DT880/990 600 ohm version, HE-400's, or the HE-6? If it does run those headphones alright, I'm getting rid of my ODAC.

Welp, I feel that I have the same questions and concerns as OP now.

Well, I will at least be able to tell you if it can drive my Denons, which are pretty inefficient, as far as I'm aware, since I ordered one last night. 

The Shit's are nice and I'm sure the stack ,(especially the Uber, looks nice) is a great audio solution. As mentioned also, roughly, $300.00 

As I am reading about them I see they require drivers to operate correctly. 

The driver thing is only on the Windows side, and only for sample rates above 92khz. This is a Windows limitation, and one that is consistent with any DAC that's capable of anything over 92khz. The Schiit gear will run just fine without drivers at up to 92khz. :) (As I said above though, I bought the SMSL last night, so we'll see how it goes!)

Hey! New SIgnature! 

 

I'm supposedly a person on the Internet, but you'll never know if I'm human or not ;)

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Hey, before I order I want to ask 1 last question. 

(I figured I would keep everything in 1 thread.)

 

On my Mic choice ,Blue yeti

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VA464S?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=IAO30BLHN8LVA&psc=1&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

I chose this because it can be set to cardioid pattern and has great reviews. I'm going to use it mainly for gaming and a few other things. I think this is an easier option for me than a Mod Mic.

But I also see the Audio technia 2020 which also looks nice

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020USB-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001AS6OYC/ref=sr_1_10?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1436668025&sr=1-10

reason I am over thinking again  :huh:  is because the yeti looks big, in size. for some reason. 

Anyway, any opinions on the Mic choice I made?

 

 

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Either one is a good choice! The blue is not actually all that big (Linus has done a video or two on it, so you can look there for size reference.) both are good options, and you wouldn't go wrong with either one!

Hey! New SIgnature! 

 

I'm supposedly a person on the Internet, but you'll never know if I'm human or not ;)

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Hello hello,

Welp the headphones came in, nothing else yet,. DT 990 Pro -250 Ohm

Right now I just have them plugged into the front of the case, they sound good actually. Cant wait for the amp to get in and hook it up using the optical port.

 

I would like to ask 2 questions if I may.

In the sound properties I have them set to Stereo. is that correct?

 

Also in the advanced/format section I can choose a number of formats.

the lowest bieng,

16 bit 44100 Hz (cd quality)

and the highest,

24 Bit 192000Hz (studio quality)

 

Not sure what to do there, if anything.

 

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Hello hello,

Welp the headphones came in, nothing else yet,. DT 990 Pro -250 Ohm

Right now I just have them plugged into the front of the case, they sound good actually. Cant wait for the amp to get in and hook it up using the optical port.

 

I would like to ask 2 questions if I may.

In the sound properties I have them set to Stereo. is that correct?

 

Also in the advanced/format section I can choose a number of formats.

the lowest bieng,

16 bit 44100 Hz (cd quality)

and the highest,

24 Bit 192000Hz (studio quality)

 

Not sure what to do there, if anything.

 

Set it to stereo and the highest setting. The latter is only really important if you want to use windows volume control.

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Hello hello,

Welp the headphones came in, nothing else yet,. DT 990 Pro -250 Ohm

Right now I just have them plugged into the front of the case, they sound good actually. Cant wait for the amp to get in and hook it up using the optical port.

 

I would like to ask 2 questions if I may.

In the sound properties I have them set to Stereo. is that correct?

 

Also in the advanced/format section I can choose a number of formats.

the lowest bieng,

16 bit 44100 Hz (cd quality)

and the highest,

24 Bit 192000Hz (studio quality)

 

Not sure what to do there, if anything.

You probably won't be able to hear a difference between any of them and you DEFINITELY won't hear a difference between 92 and 192. I usually keep my computer at 92khz, or 192. 92khz is the upper end of optical, so that's why I leave it there. Stereo is correct, as your headphones only have two drivers :) Which amp/DAC did you buy again? Oh, also, the advanced thing, that only makes a difference if you're source files are at that bitrate. If you use all burned CDs, then there is no reason to change from 44.1khz, because that's what CDs are actually encoded as. Really though, there isn't much difference between any of those, it's a bigger deal if you'll actually be producing music.

Hey! New SIgnature! 

 

I'm supposedly a person on the Internet, but you'll never know if I'm human or not ;)

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I got the

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2QLPJM?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I2C1DIQC4P5I5M&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

Like I said the amp isnt in yet so I am not setting optical up yet. (supposed to be tomorrow)

 

And no I am not producing music. Im just gaming and listening to music.

I was playing around with those settings, you are right. I dont hear much difference at all when switching through them.

But I set it to the highest as suggested.

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I got the

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2QLPJM?colid=1PVYCUULA270B&coliid=I2C1DIQC4P5I5M&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

Like I said the amp isnt in yet so I am not setting optical up yet. (supposed to be tomorrow)

 

And no I am not producing music. Im just gaming and listening to music.

I was playing around with those settings, you are right. I dont hear much difference at all when switching through them.

But I set it to the highest as suggested.

Cool! I got that amp in the mail today! It's great! :)

Hey! New SIgnature! 

 

I'm supposedly a person on the Internet, but you'll never know if I'm human or not ;)

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Well, I will at least be able to tell you if it can drive my Denons, which are pretty inefficient, as far as I'm aware, since I ordered one last night. 

 

I didn't know the D7000 was rather hard to drive.

My Grading System on headphones: SS= 98-100, S= 95-97, A+= 91-94, A= 86-90, A-= 81-85, B+= 76-80, B= 71-75, B-= 66-70, C+= 61-65, C= 56-60, C-= 51-55, D+= 46-50, D= 41-45, D-= 36-40, F+= 31-35, F= 26-30, F-= 21-25, Tier 1 crap= 16-20, Tier 2 crap= 11-15, Tier 3 crap= 6-10, Dahell tier= 1-5, No hope= 0                 Nevertheless, "Enjoy what you enjoy without starting some silly culture war" - Lachlanlikesathing. If you Recommend the M50/X in a thead, I would probably send you a dick pic.

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