ThunderFX

[Parkway Drive]

I currently use my pair of 558 with the ThunderFX that came with my MVF. Just wondering if anyone knows or can comment if it is actually any good.

How would this compare to say the o2/ODAC or E10?

 

I personally enjoy my current setup and loving the upgrade to a pair of headphones and never looking back at headsets. Just looking at possibilities and opinions.

Not sure how many of you have tried the ThunderFX but maybe share an opinion or even something you've heard.

 

Cheers

Parky

[ShearMe]

Probably meh, but also probably not worth getting something else. Can you/willing to open it up and see which opamps it uses? I'll do some research when I get home, but ASUS likes to keep that kind of information a secret.

[Parkway Drive]

Probably meh, but also probably not worth getting something else. Can you/willing to open it up and see which opamps it uses? I'll do some research when I get home, but ASUS likes to keep that kind of information a secret.

 

Yeh, teaching a class at the moment but when I get home I'll see if I can open it up and take some shots. Everything I've read on it were very general as well.

Can the quality of the AMP/DAC make a significant difference in audio quality, even a meh model like the TFX?

[MayflowerElectronics]

Yeh, teaching a class at the moment but when I get home I'll see if I can open it up and take some shots. Everything I've read on it were very general as well.

Can the quality of the AMP/DAC make a significant difference in audio quality, even a meh model like the TFX?

Yes it can. The opamp has no correlation to if the sound will be good or not, so it doesn't really matter.

[Parkway Drive]

Yes it can. The opamp has no correlation to if the sound will be good or not, so it doesn't really matter.

 

OK so it can make a difference? but it doesn't?

Sorry guys, just confused. So what is the function of the opamp within a AMP/DAC? Is it just to amply the signal or does it change it in some other way?

 

*if you really cant be bothered answering then dw, currently researching as well. I understand the frustration of trying to explain something basic to an audio newbie like myself

[MayflowerElectronics]

If it's designed correctly you shouldn't hear a difference between opamps. Amps/dacs should be 100% neutral.

[Parkway Drive]

If it's designed correctly you shouldn't hear a difference between opamps. Amps/dacs should be 100% neutral.

 

OK sweet, and I'm assuming that the TFX is pretty Meh since it probably doesn't compare to well to say the o2/odac or E10, but maybe not enough if I was looking at purchasing a new AMP/DAC, correct?

[MayflowerElectronics]

OK sweet, and I'm assuming that the TFX is pretty Meh since it probably doesn't compare to well to say the o2/odac or E10, but maybe not enough if I was looking at purchasing a new AMP/DAC, correct?

Don't know what that is, I'm assuming it's a sound card, if so then no.

[Parkway Drive]

Don't know what that is, I'm assuming it's a sound card, if so then no.

 

The ThunderFX is an AMP/DAC to my understanding. Specs say it can drive up to 300 Ohm but whether or not it's of good quality for sound is my quest.

I don't really have a problem with it, just more wanting to educate myself a bit more.

 

[ShearMe]

The only hardware issue with gaming grade stuff, is the Opamps they use tend to have a rather high output impedance. There's a bit about why that's bad in the FAQ.

[Parkway Drive]

Ok Thanks guys for the insight and taking your time to answer.

Cheers. I'll maybe try opening my ThunderFX and have a look at the internals.

 

Thanks

[ShearMe]

It's rather refreshing to not be typing, "No, look for separate headphones and mic..."

[Parkway Drive]

It's rather refreshing to not be typing, "No, look for separate headphones and mic..."

 

I'm right there with ya mate. Audio is the one area I am lacking a bit. I previously mentioned in past threads that my brother is a DJ and I've noticed that we've been talking more about audio equipment and I really want to have a better relationship with him so expanding my knowledge on the area has been great help. It's great to have a good discussion without bringing in affiliate title or complaints about which or what is better. Thanks again

[ShearMe]

But I've got some nice cable riser rocks to sell you...

[EmoRarity]

In your case since you already have something there is no point in spending money on something else, not really worth the investment for the "increase" in quality that you would get with any given solution. 

[Parkway Drive]

Yeh, quite happy with what I have at the moment. It was a big jump in quality moving from onboard audio with a headset to the AMP/DAC with the 558. Even moving from the SupremeFX on the MVF to the DAC I actually could notice a slight increase in less distortion of the signal. It may be a bit of a picky thing but my musically trained ears could pick it up. I'm guessing it would have been disruption inside the case and probably confirm that getting a soundcard would have had the same affect since the card would still be located inside the case.As little of a difference from using onboard/soundcard compared to an external AMP/DAC would be, I'd probably stick to AMP/DAC instead of soundcards from this point on as well.

 

I think I'll save the money and maybe look at upgrading somewhere down the line but for the time being they're doing just fine.

 

------------------------------

 

I know this is off topic of the original thread but if I were to upgrade from my 558 to a better pair of headphones down the line, are there any options where I would see a noticable increase in audio quality for under $400?

I was looking at DT990 since they do sound interesting to test out but probably not that much of an improvement. And I did want to try the AD700X as @MayflowerElectronics has said he prefered the "fun" sound more than the Sens, but that was more just to try. But these options kinda sound like in the same realm of the 558 and wondering if there's a "step up" in the under $400 price point.

 

If all else fails and the 558 are probably not gonna be too overshadowed in the under $400 mark then I'll be saving that money towards a Peavey 6505 amp head to replace my Marshall MG
Thanks guys
@MayflowerElectronics @ShearMe @EmoRarity

[MayflowerElectronics]

If you plan in upgrading don't buy another sennheiser unless you go up the hd800. Between the lineup it isn't worth upgrading up a tier.

You will probably gravitate towards a neutral headphone so you don't really want my recommendations but the AD700x is my favorite nuetral headphone.

[Parkway Drive]

If you plan in upgrading don't buy another sennheiser unless you go up the hd800. Between the lineup it isn't worth upgrading up a tier.

You will probably gravitate towards a neutral headphone so you don't really want my recommendations but the AD700x is my favorite nuetral headphone.

 

I do believe I may have a bias to a more "analytic" headphone which is why I think I actually do like the signature of the Sens, but it would be fun to try the AD700X. You know, just to experience them first hand and I keep an open mind. I'd hate to be one of those people who shuts them off to saying one product is better than another, just different people with different tastes. 

[EmoRarity]

This maybe be the first and last time that I mention the HD700's as a viable end game. Since that can is overly analytically, you may enjoy it. But I take it your end game is farther down the line. 

[MayflowerElectronics]

This maybe be the first and last time that I mention the HD700's as a viable end game. Since that can is overly analytically, you may enjoy it. But I take it your end game is farther down the line.

I want to say that the HD700's have the same drivers as the HD6x0 series? Don't take my word for that though.

[Parkway Drive]

The cheapest HD700 are $769 AUD. Quite steep, but you did mention end game.

Hmmm more pondering needed   :huh:

[EmoRarity]

I want to say that the HD700's have the same drivers as the HD6x0 series? Don't take my word for that though.

Last I checked it was the same as the HD800's. That silly and sibilant ring driver.

[MayflowerElectronics]

Last I checked it was the same as the HD800's. That silly and sibilant ring driver.

Ah yeah I knew it didn't have it's own driver. I don't follow to closely to the sennheiser line up.

[EmoRarity]

Ah yeah I knew it didn't have it's own driver. I don't follow to closely to the sennheiser line up.

I've just taken apart %50 of their current mainstream line up. 

[ShearMe]

I'd suggest you get an AKG K702 next. I love my Sennheisers, but there's something sweet about dat treble.

I'm also refurbishing two pairs of Pioneer SE-700's which have a similar favor to treble, if you're interested. I know we aint supposed to advertise on the forums, but it's not like that damn BST section is up yet.