AD900x and Fiio E10

[SlaughterThemAll]

ok - thanks to some great advice from Mayflower and others, I'm looking to buy a pair of AD900x and possibly a Fiio E10 amp to get the best sound from my PC for games and music.

 

I've not got a soundcard - I'm using onboard sound with realtek HD Audio Manager.

 

So many options and opinions out there its hard to choose, but would you guys say this is a good way to go? 

[MayflowerElectronics]

If you want to continue upgrading, you can get the o2/odac. If not, yes that setup is good.

Edit - you don't need a sound card.

[SlaughterThemAll]

I'm new to the idea of an amp with my PC.  I've always been a bit more old skool and lent towards soundcards. 

 

What are the benefits of amps over them? 

 

Why would the o2 be better?

 

Thanks

[MayflowerElectronics]

Read the FAQ of why sound cards are bad. It's the first stickied thread at the top of the audio sub forum.

The o2 will sound much better is the TLDR discrption.

[SlaughterThemAll]

Yes - sorry that should have looked at that stickied thread!  V useful info thanks

[ShearMe]

You might not need the E10, but sounds like a good choice in headphones to me.

[SlaughterThemAll]

Thanks - I'm going to get the headphones first and see how they are, then get the E10 if i feel like treating myself further :-)

 

When they arrive I'll report back in with my thoughts about them...

[SlaughterThemAll]

Ok got the ATH AD900x's now. Via Amazon and shipped from Japan.

 

First impressions: Excellent sound.  Really excellent. Clear, crisp and very detailed. Nice soundstage too. Thanks again to all those who recomended these. So glad that I refunded my Sennheiser PC 363d's.

 

And I've heard that once these headphones bed down, the sound just gets better :-)

 

Not quite as comfortable as my old Sennheiser HD 595s which i could barely feel were even on my head - the AD900x have a good looking design, but the 'clips' that hold everything in place on my head are not quite strong enough so they slip down too much over my ears.  Easy way to remedy it - elastic band holding the clips together with a bit more strength - but slightly annoying I have to do this.  not quite 'even' pressure across the ear pads either - bit more on the bottom, but nothing deal breaking.

 

Been playing a variety of music styles, which all sound flawless.  Been testing these with Metro Last Light, which also sounds great. 

 

Playing through onboard sound (realtek HD audio manager) but tempted to amp these babies up when I am feeling flush.  Maybe a good Xmas pressie from the wife? :-)

 

thanks again for all the advice I got here. 

[MayflowerElectronics]

That's why I only recommend them to people who have medium - XL sized heads. The fiio is great, but if you think you will be getting better and better headphones you can look at the o2 or O2/ODAC combo.

Glad you like the headphones! Just for warning you, once you buy a nice pair of headphones, you want to buy more

[Turkatron]

You might not need the E10, but sounds like a good choice in headphones to me.

I think if OP is willing to get the AD900X or the AD700X then he can spare the budget to get a E10 at the least. Still worth it imo but you are correct that he doesn't really need it.