ROG Kithara + Sound Blaster G8 = Distortion at High Volume

[mufaaf]

Hey folks.

I want to understand this issue I have been having, because I am going crazy.

I have the Sound Blaster G8. USB1 is connected to the PC for audio and power, USB2 is connected to the PS5, and the Line-in is connected to the TV's 3.5mm port (LG C9). I am using the Kithara with it, an open-back planar headphone from Asus and HiFiMan.

I have set the G8 to High Gain because in Low Gain, the Kithara just doesn't get enough volume.

In Windows, for music, with the Windows volume set at 80, and the G8's volume knob set to around 2o' clock, there is absolutely no distortion. I am testing using 'Pray for Me' by The Weekend and Kendric Lamar, as the distortion happens right at the start. However, if I push the Windows volume to 100%, there is distortion. I thought the G8 is powerful enough to drive these headphones cleanly at all volumes?

But that's fine because at 80% Windows volume, the music is more than loud enough. I have to crank it to 100% in Windows for games because they have dynamic range and sound lower than music. Here, it's mostly fine, but there are some audio cues, particularly in the bass/sub-bass frequency that when triggered, the sound distorts. It's hard to find a particular example in games because they are so random and hard to "replay" them for testing.

But for example, with the Line-In port. With the G8's knob at the same 2o' clock, and the TV volume set to 60%, which is what I would want for the most cinematic sound, the audio is fine except for when it engages those particular frequency. At around 1hr 13 mins, Chris Hemsworth drifts his car from parking and slams the exhaust. The sound of the exhaust immediately distorts. If I reduce the TV's volume to 50%, then the distortion goes away, but it also brings the volume down. I reduced the Line-in monitor overall volume in the Creative App to 70% but that was of no help.

I have also tried EQ'ing with a pre-amp involved but that brings the overall volume down and if I crank the TV volume up to compensate, it distorts.

The PS5 on USB2 also has a similar problem but again, games are hard to pinpoint and happens randomly, and much less frequently.

I have tried different USB cables, and even powered the G8 separately via proper plug, but the issue remains.

I feel like I am doing something wrong here or not understanding something, and the G8 is not to be blamed. Is there a fix for this or some thing? I would appreciate your help!

 

[RandomEar]

I checked both, the G8 and the Kithara specs. They seem to be missing the most basic infos like output power and input sensitivity. Without that, the most likely assumption is that the you are either overloading the G8 inputs (less likely), or that the G8 amplifier section is clipping because it can't deliver the necessary current (more likely). So simple solution: Get a better headphone amp which can drive the Kithara to the volume you desire or ditch the Kithara and get a headphone/headset which is easier to drive.

 

[mufaaf]

I checked both, the G8 and the Kithara specs. They seem to be missing the most basic infos like output power and input sensitivity. Without that, the most likely assumption is that the you are either overloading the G8 inputs (less likely), or that the G8 amplifier section is clipping because it can't deliver the necessary current (more likely). So simple solution: Get a better headphone amp which can drive the Kithara to the volume you desire or ditch the Kithara and get a headphone/headset which is easier to drive.

Hmm, yeah seems like the G8 is not a good pair for the Kithara which demands more voltage/current despite the 16ohm impedence.

I was thinking of the Fiio K11, would that be a good option?

There is also the Fosi K5 Pro which is much more cheaper. How about that?

 

[RandomEar]

The K11 (not the R2R) seems to be powerful and clean, however there is an issue with the Cirrus Logic DAC in it. It'll probably sound fine, but I would avoid it because you can get devices without the issue for the same amount of money. Don't know much about the K5 Pro.

There's a lot of options in the review index. You can search for "headphone" + "recommended" in the electronics section. The JDS Atom Amp 2 comes to mind, or the Fosi ZH3. I own an SMSL SH-9 with relay ladder volume control (perfect channel matching), but that unit is a bit older and doesn't include a DAC.

 

[mufaaf]

The K11 (not the R2R) seems to be powerful and clean, however there is an issue with the Cirrus Logic DAC in it. It'll probably sound fine, but I would avoid it because you can get devices without the issue for the same amount of money. Don't know much about the K5 Pro.

There's a lot of options in the review index. You can search for "headphone" + "recommended" in the electronics section. The JDS Atom Amp 2 comes to mind, or the Fosi ZH3. I own an SMSL SH-9 with relay ladder volume control (perfect channel matching), but that unit is a bit older and doesn't include a DAC.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will have a look.

The Atom Amp 2 looks nice but sadly not available on local Amazon, so I will have to ship directly which might cost me a bomb. But I will check.

 

[Redacted]

Have you set the PC up so you are by-passing its mixer (check audio objects stuff) and sending audio data direct to USB?
Maybe buy more mainstream headphones that are not fussy about power.
Also why not use ARC/eARC out of the TV if the SB unit supports it?

 

[mufaaf]

Have you set the PC up so you are by-passing its mixer (check audio objects stuff) and sending audio data direct to USB?
Maybe buy more mainstream headphones that are not fussy about power.
Also why not use ARC/eARC out of the TV if the SB unit supports it?

You mean Direct Mode on the G8? That bypasses everything and yes, it still happens.

I dont want to buy another headset because I quite like the Kithara and these are my first planars.

I have tried it and it didn't work as well, audio was too low. I doubt it would make a difference.

 

[Redacted]

No, the PC setup, not the G8.
When choose an output device (USB in this case), you can probably see the G8 in a list and you want to set exclusive mode to it.