Worth getting X-Fi for Sennheiser HD595s?

[Smartazz]

I'm currently using some cheap sony headphones and the onboard sound on an Asus M2N-E. I must say that the sound quality is horrendous and I think it's time for an upgrade. First off, the HD595's should be good for both music and gaming right? Second, if I go ahead and buy the HD595's should I spend some money on an X-Fi card, if so, what card should I get? Thanks.

 

[CurseTheSky]

There's no sense in getting expensive headphones or speakers and using crappy onboard sound. There is some (though little) sense in getting a good sound card and using crappy headphones or speakers. Usually the latter produces noticeably better sound, depending on just how bad the headphones or speakers really are. I use Logitech X-530 speakers and a pair of $30 Sony headphones (neither of which are the best) with my X-Fi Fatal1ty, and it sounds pretty good.

That being said, if you can afford it, get both.

 

[Oyeve]

Are you going to be plugging the headphones directly to the sound card? If so, I would suggest getting a headphone amp as you won't benefit from getting a great set of cans only to not be able to hear it's full potential.

 

[Smartazz]

Originally posted by: Oyeve
Are you going to be plugging the headphones directly to the sound card? If so, I would suggest getting a headphone amp as you won't benefit from getting a great set of cans only to not be able to hear it's full potential.

Would it make more sense to plug it into the sound card directly, or into the main console for the Z-5500's?
edit: Could the Xmod replace an X-Fi sound card?

 

[imported_RedStar]

wait until you see the x-fi music on sale for 50$ cdn.. then it is a no brainer.

I got mine for that price 2 months ago. Heh, the downside is that it still sits in its box as i decide/wait on a motherboard for my new system.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Smartazz

Originally posted by: Oyeve
Are you going to be plugging the headphones directly to the sound card? If so, I would suggest getting a headphone amp as you won't benefit from getting a great set of cans only to not be able to hear it's full potential.

Would it make more sense to plug it into the sound card directly, or into the main console for the Z-5500's?
edit: Could the Xmod replace an X-Fi sound card?

Don't get the xmod, go for the real card.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Smartazz

Originally posted by: Oyeve
Are you going to be plugging the headphones directly to the sound card? If so, I would suggest getting a headphone amp as you won't benefit from getting a great set of cans only to not be able to hear it's full potential.

Would it make more sense to plug it into the sound card directly, or into the main console for the Z-5500's?
edit: Could the Xmod replace an X-Fi sound card?

Don't get the xmod, go for the real card.

I wholeheartely agree! That is just a waste of $$$.

 

[PianoMan]

Sennheiser :thumbsup:

x-Fi with Sennheiser :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Originally posted by: Oyeve
I would suggest getting a headphone amp as you won't benefit from getting a great set of cans only to not be able to hear it's full potential.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

You'll love the sound!

PM

 

[Ichigo]

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky
There's no sense in getting expensive headphones or speakers and using crappy onboard sound. There is some (though little) sense in getting a good sound card and using crappy headphones or speakers. Usually the latter produces noticeably better sound, depending on just how bad the headphones or speakers really are. I use Logitech X-530 speakers and a pair of $30 Sony headphones (neither of which are the best) with my X-Fi Fatal1ty, and it sounds pretty good.

That being said, if you can afford it, get both.

I'd rather have real speakers and onboard than a real soundcard with your speakers/headphones. $200 soundcard with $50 speakers? What the heck?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Ichigo

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky
There's no sense in getting expensive headphones or speakers and using crappy onboard sound. There is some (though little) sense in getting a good sound card and using crappy headphones or speakers. Usually the latter produces noticeably better sound, depending on just how bad the headphones or speakers really are. I use Logitech X-530 speakers and a pair of $30 Sony headphones (neither of which are the best) with my X-Fi Fatal1ty, and it sounds pretty good.

That being said, if you can afford it, get both.

I'd rather have real speakers and onboard than a real soundcard with your speakers/headphones. $200 soundcard with $50 speakers? What the heck?

I don't get it either

 

[TBSN]

First of all, the sound will not improve very much, if at all, if you get nicer headphones and keep the sh1tty on-board audio. I'd say definately get an X-Fi, and if you have the money, get the Sen. HD595, it's supposed to be great. There are other headphones that can be had for less that will sound really good, but nothing is going to get much better if you stay with onboard audio.

So get X-Fi and the best headphones you can get with what's left over.

 

[Molinjir]

I know this doesn't answer the original question, but instead of the Senns, get the Beyerdynamic DT880 from B&H Photo for 150$. The list was 350$ a couple years ago on these, and they are far superior to the HD595 in almost everyway. The downside is: power-sucker.

 

[TBSN]

that's one advantage of the HD595: they are pretty efficient and can be powered by pretty much anything (not to the best potential, necessarily). The Beyerdynamic DT880 are great, but really NEED and amp at 250ohms...

 

[Ricemarine]

Originally posted by: TBSN
that's one advantage of the HD595: they are pretty efficient and can be powered by pretty much anything (not to the best potential, necessarily). The Beyerdynamic DT880 are great, but really NEED and amp at 250ohms...

Little Dot Micro+ ftw?

 

[Auric]

Originally posted by: Smartazz

Would it make more sense to plug it into the sound card directly, or into the main console for the Z-5500's?

Welp, for convenience it overwhelmingly makes sense to use a single external amplifer (the console) for everything. However, given the plan to spend up to $180 on headphones and $50 on an X-Fi, the Logitech thing may decidedly end up being der weak link. Is it hissy? If not then yer good to go but if so then you may want to consider replacing it -'cause if the headphones require amplification to reach their potential and yer hell bent on 'em then better to put any additional budget for an amplifier into the a PC setup, unless you want a headphone/amp combo to be portable.