Is soundblaster z's headphones amp too strong for my hd 598's?

revolultrablue

Distinguished
Dec 18, 2010
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18,580
I just recently bought both. They sound pretty good together but I notice that I have to keep the volume low. The amp is designed for up to 600 ohm. The 598's are only 50 ohm. Did i choose the wrong sound card for my setup?
 
Solution
They are fine, I even use them with my ath-m50 which are 32 ohm. It just means that they can support up to 600 ohms. I keep the windows volume mixer at 8, if you hate having to adjust volume by hand, get this program
http://matthew.malensek.net/projects/3RVX/

AznGOD

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Dec 31, 2013
27
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10,590
They are fine, I even use them with my ath-m50 which are 32 ohm. It just means that they can support up to 600 ohms. I keep the windows volume mixer at 8, if you hate having to adjust volume by hand, get this program
http://matthew.malensek.net/projects/3RVX/
 
Solution
the Z has a very strong amplifier so what you are experiencing is normal for people who have similar power headphones.

the xonar DX would have had similar volume levels as your onboard (since it does NOT include a powerful amp) though wouldnt really amp your signal much over onboard just have a better DAC.

its all what you're looking for honestly. if you dont like how the Z has a powerful amp, get the dx instead.

you can use the hd598 with the Z though if you keep the volume to acceptable levels.