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Kiyoshi_I
25
Sep 21, 2017
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So I am torn, my current set up is a pair of 598C and an audigy sound card and I am waiting on the 6xx to be delivered. Would a better match for the 6xx be with the O2+SDAC or the SMSL M6, both are about the same price but I have not seen a direct comparison between the two. Also how much of a difference would I notice between the AMP/DACs and the audibly fx sound card between the headphones, the 598C have a 23 ohm resistance and the 6xx have a 300 ohm resistance an the soundcard is listed to be able to drive up to 600 ohm headphones.
PraxisCat
219
Sep 21, 2017
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Kiyoshi_II would ignore the other poster, btw, they're either a troll or they actually believe cables have serious sound differences, and believes that more money means better product and has some weird hard-on against NwAudioGuy.
I can't answer how much better a dedicated external amp/dac will be than the sound card, since your computer likely has a unique electromagnetic profile when running. That being said, the soundcard is really just an internal amp/dac, so it's probably not going to be a huge leap, tbh. The O2+SDAC is almost guaranteed to probably be technically cleaner than the SMSL M6, but if you're eager to get new equipment, the wait is probably not worth it.
I can't answer how much better a dedicated external amp/dac will be than the sound card, since your computer likely has a unique electromagnetic profile when running. That being said, the soundcard is really just an internal amp/dac, so it's probably not going to be a huge leap, tbh. The O2+SDAC is almost guaranteed to probably be technically cleaner than the SMSL M6, but if you're eager to get new equipment, the wait is probably not worth it.
Kiyoshi_I
25
Sep 21, 2017
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PraxisCatFantastic, thank you! Since I bought the 6xx I had read practically everywhere that I needed an external AMP/DAC, I knew that my onboard wouldn't be able to power them but wasn't sure if the audio quality difference between the O2/SDAC, M6, and Audigy would warrant a $150 purchase. Chances are I will eventually get a dedicated AMP/DAC though.
Kiyoshi_I
25
Sep 21, 2017
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GUTBGo back to your hole, I didn't ask if they were good I asked which would be better.
PraxisCat
219
Sep 21, 2017
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Kiyoshi_IIt really depends on your PC. Your power supply is going to be noisier (since it's not direct from the wall, but either through the PCI or power supply), and there's going to be EM waves bouncing around which could degrade your analog signal. I also have no idea how good the amp is. My gut is that it's probably not flat and bass boosts, but I'll be honest and say I don't know.
The difference is really about how much the difference in audio matters to you. Are you making music? Doing film production? Making Youtube videos or Lets Plays? Are you listening to music intensely and doing active listening? Then it might be worth it. When I worked in audio production and post-production, we used some extremely expensive equipment, but reliability and reproduceability is what mattered to us. If you put an ODAC and the DAC we used and hooked them up to some prosumer equipment, like some KEF eggs, the chance I'd be able to tell the difference between the two is probably only slightly better than random. Amps matter more, but people who are deeply invested in the hobby tend to inflate their importance. FWIW, most audio professionals I worked with cared far far more about the input, output, and workflow stages than the Amp or Dac. Amp was rarely discussed, DAC virtually never.
The difference is really about how much the difference in audio matters to you. Are you making music? Doing film production? Making Youtube videos or Lets Plays? Are you listening to music intensely and doing active listening? Then it might be worth it. When I worked in audio production and post-production, we used some extremely expensive equipment, but reliability and reproduceability is what mattered to us. If you put an ODAC and the DAC we used and hooked them up to some prosumer equipment, like some KEF eggs, the chance I'd be able to tell the difference between the two is probably only slightly better than random. Amps matter more, but people who are deeply invested in the hobby tend to inflate their importance. FWIW, most audio professionals I worked with cared far far more about the input, output, and workflow stages than the Amp or Dac. Amp was rarely discussed, DAC virtually never.
Kiyoshi_I
25
Sep 21, 2017
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PraxisCatAt the moment only listening to music; however I do plan to get into streaming/YouTube work later on once my ISP loostens their stranglehold on upload rates. I bought the Audigy due to horrid interference with my onboard sound, which did correct the issue.
PraxisCat
219
Sep 21, 2017
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Kiyoshi_IIf you're planning on doing youtube work, then you'll probably be listening to the same audio multiple times as you change levels and do tweaks during post. Streaming might also increase internal EM issues. If that's the case then an external amp+dac is probably a good call.
I'd also invest in some beater headphones to do A/B testing. A really bass boosted headphone (which a lot of consumers have) could help you figure out what your audience hears. If you get really serious about audio stuff, then you'll want to move out of headphones and move to studio monitors, but that's a whooole different story :)
I'd also invest in some beater headphones to do A/B testing. A really bass boosted headphone (which a lot of consumers have) could help you figure out what your audience hears. If you get really serious about audio stuff, then you'll want to move out of headphones and move to studio monitors, but that's a whooole different story :)
TheTaggerung
138
Sep 21, 2017
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PraxisCatNo one said anything about cables, and the "troll/hater" may just be trying to save the OP a lot of cash. The mid-fi cash grab is real, where people can't afford high-end but just want something new every so often. Sound is subjective but there is a breaking point in cost where quality is no longer the question, but sound preference. Since this is just OP's first external dac/amp purchase, can't really go wrong with the 02+SDAC. Just take note not to delve further until a sizable upgrade can be had. The 598C to 6XX is already a warning sign.
PraxisCat
219
Sep 21, 2017
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TheTaggerungI'd look at GUTB's previous posts and let you be the judge of whether or not he's a troll. I would agree that there's not going to be a huge difference between the 598c and 6XX's in some sort of ~objective audio quality~. If OP is really a fan of Sennheiser analytic sound though, I'd say it's an upgrade, and my general stance is that 2 headphones (1 open, 1 closed) is something that's good to rely on.
Also don't dispute that there's a midfi trap. But I also doubt that's what GUTB, with their vicious enjoyment of calling people "have nothing students" and talking about "class warfare" is talking about.
Also don't dispute that there's a midfi trap. But I also doubt that's what GUTB, with their vicious enjoyment of calling people "have nothing students" and talking about "class warfare" is talking about.
Kiyoshi_I
25
Sep 21, 2017
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TheTaggerungThe 598Cs were a stopgap, the set of headphones I had been using had to have its cable repaired and I needed a set of headphones. I got the 598Cs for under $100 and they are great to travel with. I had been looking at getting the 650s for quite some time and was unbelievably exited when I saw the original 6xx drop but did not have the fluid cash to purchase them.
TheTaggerung
138
Sep 21, 2017
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Kiyoshi_IYou probably also didn't have the time or patience to repeatedly refresh the page to snag a pair the second the drop went live, as they were sold out within minutes. Thanks for specifying. I assumed you needed the isolation of closed cans at your computer and was skeptical of the 6XX decision as any sort of ambiance will more or less compromise the redeeming qualities of open cans. I can only really use mine on the shitter with a towel under the door.
Kiyoshi_I
25
Sep 21, 2017
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TheTaggerungI did take part in the latest 6xx drop (not on this account), my office is queit enough to not need closed backs, but I did want a pair for travel.
GUTB
238
Sep 21, 2017
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PraxisCatIn this hobby, there's a lot of people who want to be a part of the "culture" without actually worrying very much about succeeding in the hobby (attaining hi-fi audio pleasure). The O2/SDAC/ODAC are very far away from hi-fi, even if they are a step above the lowest mass-consumer grade Chinese shovelware on the market.
After having a taste of "better" audio, are you fascinated enough to go further? If so, you can go much, much further -- FAR beyond this product can give you. In my opinion, something as low end as this would be unacceptable to an audiophile. The 6XX is a matter of contention -- while most would claim this is a mid-fi product, I say it is fatally flawed by it's lack of euphonics, ie, listening fun factor based on my experience with the HD600. I would strongly suggest a hi-fi product like the TH-900, Edition X, LCD-3, etc. The downside to hi-fi is that it costs a lot of money, but really not THAT much in the world of headphones, you are just talking about the cost of a quality 4K HDR home theater setup all told.
After having a taste of "better" audio, are you fascinated enough to go further? If so, you can go much, much further -- FAR beyond this product can give you. In my opinion, something as low end as this would be unacceptable to an audiophile. The 6XX is a matter of contention -- while most would claim this is a mid-fi product, I say it is fatally flawed by it's lack of euphonics, ie, listening fun factor based on my experience with the HD600. I would strongly suggest a hi-fi product like the TH-900, Edition X, LCD-3, etc. The downside to hi-fi is that it costs a lot of money, but really not THAT much in the world of headphones, you are just talking about the cost of a quality 4K HDR home theater setup all told.
Chucksta
11
Sep 22, 2017
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GUTBYou sound like some elitist from Head-Fi (not that all from Head-Fi are, but you are one of them.)
thedupuisner
61
Sep 22, 2017
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GUTB"Hey don't buy that Mazda Miata... that's not a true drivers car. Get a McLaren 570S Spider and don't be such a sucker!" Are you so disconnected with reality that you think the people looking to spend $200 and people looking to spend $1200 on headphones are the same people?! Your input in this thread is nothing but noise, ironically.
Speartongue
7
Sep 28, 2017
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thedupuisner"I mean, you're just talking about the price of a house for most people, all told" -GUTB, 2017
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