Looking for sound upgrades

[Drip50291]

Currently I play more games than listen to music with my machine, but I do both and want both to be improved in terms of sound quality and realism. My current setup is a Gigabyte z68 (http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3910#ov) using Beats (got them for free only reason why I have original Beats) and Razor Surround virtual 7.1 (really cool playing Battlefield with bass heavy virtual surround headphones!). I saw the headphone amp Linus reviewed and now I really want to upgrade my sound. My question is what setup should I get that makes the most improvement per dollar (not looking to go balls to the wall or cheap either). I'm guessing a xonar sound card with the headphone amp linus reviewed? Would that be all I would need? Anybody suggest any other setups (external soundcard?) or any other products?

 

Thanks in advance guys!!

[EmoRarity]

Do you have a budget in mind? 

[EmoRarity]

But in the mean time, you can find Audio Technica M35's for about $70 and a FiiO E10 for $75. That combo would give out a very bass heavy experience while remaining inexpensive, quality, and durable. 

[Drip50291]

Not really anything specific for budget, I would say as long as its a worthwhile buy I'll check it out. And I like the FiiO E10 you just showed me but how bad would it pair with my Beats? I would like to keep those just for the sake of not putting headphones into this equation (But I will consider Audio Technicas or Sienhiesers if they are highley recommended for a specific setup). Would I need a sound card (nice one or just upgraded from the Realtek chip I have) with any or any highend headphone amp? And I don't want to know if I can just get buy I want it to be quality. I treat my equipment well so I'm not too worried that the Beats are plastic. Build quality is nice but isn't huge for me. Thanks man!

[Langdon]

An Amp/DAC won't help you if your headphones are good, I suggest getting a decent pair of cans first. Your onboard sound is perfectly fine if there's no static/crackles in it.

[EmoRarity]

Not really anything specific for budget, I would say as long as its a worthwhile buy I'll check it out. And I like the FiiO E10 you just showed me but how bad would it pair with my Beats? I would like to keep those just for the sake of not putting headphones into this equation (But I will consider Audio Technicas or Sienhiesers if they are highley recommended for a specific setup). Would I need a sound card (nice one or just upgraded from the Realtek chip I have) with any or any highend headphone amp? And I don't want to know if I can just get buy I want it to be quality. I treat my equipment well so I'm not too worried that the Beats are plastic. Build quality is nice but isn't huge for me. Thanks man!

Sennheiser*

You really don't need an DAC/Amp, but they are a great addition and never hurt, and because the Beats are an efficient headphone and have a such a broken frequency response you might get an odd pairing there. 

And the value is up to you, if you get it you might find that your money was well spent, or not, I can't decide what sounds good to you, only recommend what works and holds to its value.

[Drip50291]

Ok, so I gotcha on ditching the Beats, like I said I only have them bc a coworker ordered the Beats with HP laptop and didn't want the Beats that came with it. And I am following on the "onboard audio" is going to work. Love the profile pic LW!! lololol. Ok so if headphones and a new DAC/Amp is all i need for a "better than most sound experiences" I would say $200 is around what I'm looking to spend for both. I'm guessing pumping more budget into the headphones is the way to go.

[Drip50291]

But you would recommend the FiiO over what Linus reviewed or anything else? Does it just pair well with those headphones/higher end headphones? And also I would still use Razor Surround with this setup. Does anyone see that as a problem?

[MayflowerElectronics]

Like we said, don't waste your money on an amp/dac before buying better headphones.

 

What you're doing is equivalent to putting race tires on a Prius, it doesn't make any sense.

[Drip50291]

LOL, alrighty will do! I'll make sure to add NOS to my Prius' 50cc engine as well

[ShearMe]

Linus unboxed the E10 also, btw.

Sony's MDR-XB700 is bass heavy and basically has pillows on each ear. V-Moda's Crossfade LP is another good choice and is very rugged for portable use.

There's plenty of other great headphones that aren't as focused on bass, of course.

[Drip50291]

I do like bass for extra realism in Battlefield for explosions and such. Thanks Closet Bass Head!! I do have a digital sony surround sound system for listening to music and I use FLAC files and foobar for that. So listening to music with these headphones isn't my main priority but a nice set of headphones is going to be a nice set of headphones to me. Anything over $200 will be the same to me pretty much, only guessing though.

[EmoRarity]

If you are gentle and don't mind the odd pads, WS77's are a solid option, I liked how they preformed in game and off bad sources. Only problems are that the build is underwhelming (But solid enough) and the pads rotate around on the can. (Mine are in prefect condition and haven't died yet, are for sale if you are interested for a discount) (I know that you aren't meant to hawk you shit on the forum, just giving suggestions and options.)

[Drip50291]

Yeah those look sexy, great suggestions guys! Right aroud a nice price too. No offence but I'd deffinitly buy new just for a warrenty and the fact that it might last a little longer.

[Drip50291]

How do you guys like the M50s? My buddies got a pair that I gotta check out.

[MayflowerElectronics]

How do you guys like the M50s? My buddies got a pair that I gotta check out.

If you can get them for roughly $100, go for it. If not, keep looking.

[ShearMe]

I wouldn't buy M50's for more than $140, including shipping and tax.