- Thread Starter
- #21
How do I connect the DAC to the pc over the bad sounding motherboard output? It's a Z690. Is there any DAC I can use directly over PCIe, or is this just a bad idea?
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Looking for recommendations for my headphone stack
- Thread starter mispela
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- dac reccomendation stack
Use USB output to the DAC. I use a Z690 too and run USB to a JDS Labs Atom Dac+ with a Schiit Heresy and it is dead silent for hiss.
- Thread Starter
- #23
Thanks for the advice, I guess I'm going to buy one for testing purposes. Is the Heresy a notable upgrade to the magni?
Basically no real world difference.
Schiit Magni 3+ and Heresy Headphone Amp Reviews
This is a review, detailed measurements and comparison of Schiit Magni 3+ and Heresy Headphone Amplifiers. It was kindly sent to me by the company. They both cost US $99 plus shipping from Schiit. The Magni 3+ is a discrete amplifier implementation whereas the Heresy uses integrated circuits...
www.audiosciencereview.com
- Thread Starter
- #25
BTW, the Atom DAC+ is discontinued and only the Atom DAC 2 is available to purchase.
You can start with Oratory1990's PEQ settings and then tweak the bands to your preference as he suggests...
Dropbox
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@mispela if you are buying a JDS Labs DAC then look into one of these too. Nice tiny short RCA cable.
jdslabs.com
Stack RCA Cables _ Shop JDS LABS
These are the RCA Interconnects you've been looking for! Ultra short length, premium gold-plated connectors, and custom cabling which holds its shape.
jdslabs.com
Then buy the new model.
- Thread Starter
- #29
Well, let me look on another website. I'm not paying $36.29 shipping for these cables to europe. That's crazy.@mispela if you are buying a JDS Labs DAC then look into one of these too. Nice tiny short RCA cable.
Stack RCA Cables _ Shop JDS LABS
These are the RCA Interconnects you've been looking for! Ultra short length, premium gold-plated connectors, and custom cabling which holds its shape.
- Thread Starter
- #30
Oh, thanks, I think I have overseen this.You can start with Oratory1990's PEQ settings and then tweak the bands to your preference as he suggests...
View attachment 427562
Dropbox
Yeah that's expensive.
ZolaIII
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As long as you keep SB Z output max -2 dB (1.76~1.82 V in Windows 67~68) it will perform better than AE-5 on the other hand it's self impedance of 22 Ohms it's not great for headphones as it will alter the response of more dependant ones.
Start using the EQ! And start making your own semi costume ones with Auto-EQ, it's easy just read a bit about it.
Regarding DAC you want as low as possible self impedance (1 Ohms or less) and rest is pretty much to your liking, needs and wishes and depend of what you intend to drive with it. So jump to the index and search for what satisfies you.
Start using the EQ! And start making your own semi costume ones with Auto-EQ, it's easy just read a bit about it.
DVDdoug
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There is apparently some relationship between frequency response and soundstage perception so you might just have to choose whatever sounds best overall. Presumably, there are EQ adjustments that would increase the soundstage.
The recording/production will play a role too. That's probably the most important thing. "Headphone" or binaural recordings should be more realistic with headphones.
There are some headphone amps with "crossfeed" which blends left & right. This should make the soundstage more realistic, since when you listen to speakers (or a live performance) the soundwaves blend in the air and reach both ears. But I assume it also narrows the soundstage.
There was Dolby Headphone and now Atmos for Headphones but I don't know if they are supposed to work with regular stereo sources (probably). I tried Dolby Headphone once with a surround track because people were claiming to get surround sound. (Dolby doesn't make that claim). It did "something" to the sound but I wasn't getting the illusion of the rear channels coming from behind.
FYI - Most people don't get a realistic soundstage illusion with headphones. The most common perception is sound coming from inside the head! Headphone Soundstage Survey
- Thread Starter
- #34
I played a little around with these 4 bands but nothing sound better as with all 10 bands disabled.You can start with Oratory1990's PEQ settings and then tweak the bands to your preference as he suggests...
View attachment 427562
Dropbox
- Thread Starter
- #35
For me personally, there is nearly no audible differed between 67 and 100%. I think i have used this website before. I don't know, but I really like the stock tuning. I have tested like 20-30 EQ presets, all sound worse to me. Is there any source to read/watch everything important about a DAC based on facts? I have nearly no idea about DACs.As long as you keep SB Z output max -2 dB (1.76~1.82 V in Windows 67~68) it will perform better than AE-5 on the other hand it's self impedance of 22 Ohms it's not great for headphones as it will alter the response of more dependant ones.
Start using the EQ! And start making your own semi costume ones with Auto-EQ, it's easy just read a bit about it.
Regarding DAC you want as low as possible self impedance (1 Ohms or less) and rest is pretty much to your liking, needs and wishes and depend of what you intend to drive with it. So jump to the index and search for what satisfies you.
- Thread Starter
- #36
Do you have a good playlist with binaural recordings? Have you tested Atmos as well, was there any notable difference? Interesting, I had many headphones before, and It just changed totally with the HD 800s now the sound comes from every direction but only if the recording support it.
ASR is a sooper resource for DACs. In the end though you will find that for a dongle DAC ~$30 and up is good enough and for a fixed version DAC ~$80 and up is good enough unless you want features like PEQ, variable loudness and memory settings. All of which you seem to not want. I simplified your selection process and recommended a JDS Labs DAC because they are good quality, simple and well designed. They have a good warranty too.
ZolaIII
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It clips when put to full output and that's the reason for bad measurements from Amir. I told you bake your own and you have more than enough controls there to do so just read about how to do it and play with it, you will get there. Try output as minimum phase FIR and using convolver with it.
I don't know what you want from DAC (feel, look, I/O, standalone DSP capabilities...).
If its desktop and as line out preamp to use with headphone amp you already have (which is more than fine) check Tooping D50 III if you can find one and price is OK.
Topping D50 III Balanced DAC with EQ Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping D50 III balanced stereo DAC with support for parametric equalization. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $229. Sorry for the quality of the picture/display. It is quite dim compared to my photography light and when I tried to...
www.audiosciencereview.com
You want good interconnect short RCA cable?
Try to find those:
Remember it's about having fun doing it and learning about it so have some and enjoy.
- Thread Starter
- #39
With import and tax, the Atom DAC 2 costed here around 213USD. That's 2.5 times 80USD. A good warranty is always nice, but not if I have to ship it to another continent.
Then select another DAC. There are many in your price range that are good. The recent SMSL PS200 DAC reviewed here at ASR has outstanding test results and costs less than $100 USD. Keep in mind that if you need warranty service it will go through Asia usually.
SMSL PS200 Budget DAC Review
This is a review and measurements of the SMSL PS200 stereo budget DAC. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $89.99. The unit comes in a lightweight plastic package which allows my rather stiff RCA test cables to yank on it. A simple toggle switch changes inputs. There is an indicator...
www.audiosciencereview.com
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