extreme4 z87 how to use integrated headphone amp?

[Sohaltang]

Any clue? It says it has an built in amp but its no louder than my extreme4 z77 on my kids PC. Maybe I need to install the realtek drivers? I did not install any of the drivers for this MB when I got it. Trying to keep it clean

 

[dma0991]

Drivers are required if you want to use the motherboard's basic features.

 

[Sohaltang]

Drivers are required if you want to use the motherboard's basic features.

Installed Realtek absolutely zero difference. Not sure how to get the purity sound amp work. Maybe it is working and I just don't notice.

 

[Ketchup]

Are you using a front connector or the headphone jack on the back of the board?

 

[Sohaltang]

Are you using a front connector or the headphone jack on the back of the board?

Front. Should I try the back?

 

[Ketchup]

I would.

 

[Sohaltang]

I would.

If you look at the pics here it say "front audio" by the amp.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z87 Extreme4/

 

[artvscommerce]

Do the headphones seem any louder at full volume compared to other motherboards or sounds cards that you've used?

 

[Rvenger]

I remember my Z87 Extreme 4 had terrible audio despite the "Purity Sound". I had to put my Xonar DG in it. But the Z87 extreme 6 I had was excellent.

 

[Sohaltang]

Do the headphones seem any louder at full volume compared to other motherboards or sounds cards that you've used?

My kid has a z77 extreme4 in the next room. I cant tell the difference. From looking at specs it might be only a 5 DB difference, 110 vs 115. Maybe if I had some super high end headphones that required 600 ohm or something it would be noticeable. It sounds good, just thought it would be noticeably louder.


Purity Sound™ brings you:
♦ 115dB SNR
♦ Excellent Bass
♦ Less Sound Distortion
♦ More Details
♦ Supports up to 600ohm headphones

Traditional Audio Solution:
♦ 110dB SNR
♦ Poor Bass
♦ More Sound Distortion
♦ Less Details
♦ Does not support high impedance headphones

 

[Sohaltang]

FWIW these are my phones. I returned my audio technica's after getting these. Low end I know

http://www.head-fi.org/products/monoprice-mhp-839/reviews/5568

 

[smoke2]

I had an Asrock Z77 Extreme 4M and was dissapointed how was it quiet with ALC898.
I owned ALC889 board and it was really louder.
It looks that all newer Realtek chipsets are quiet.
I think that the front amp is only good that can play at the same loudness on 600ohm headphones also, probably nothing to do with bigger loudness.

I don't know about Z87 Extreme 6.
Rvenger could compare the loudness with his Z87 Extreme 4...

 

[Wall Street]

Keep in mind that the amp isn't meant to make the sound louder but rather more clear. Is it still to quiet at max volume? The EU has been pushing makers of headphones and audio equipment to limit the max volume that can be achieved at 100% volume in an attempt to preserve people's hearing.

The main benefit of the Purity sound is additional bass on very low impedance headphone (which yours aren't), lack of distortion at high volumes on high impedance headphones (which yours aren't again) and better sound-to-noise ratio (although going from 110 dB to 115 dB is silly when the maximum theoretical dynamic range of a CD is 96 dB)