PC350s - Need for an amp?

[tangosmango]

I've been using PC350s for quite some time now and I was satisfied with the sound (no amp and onboard real tek). However, a buddy of mine told me that I need to get an amp as it drastically improves the sound quality. Recommended this one, http/www.amazon.com/Kilimanjaro2-E11K-Headphone-20Hz-20KHz-16-150Ohms/dp/B00MFMW29I/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1432429335&sr=1-3&keywords=fiio+amp

Now, I've done some research and I've got multiple answers. Some say since the impedance is 150, an amp is necessary. Some say a good soundcard is necessary. And finally, some say both an amp and soundcard are a must for this headset.

So, let me ask you, do I need an amp?

 

[ferwindjacks]

I drove my PC360s on a Xonar DGX. Worked wonders. Anything more than that is a waste, IMO. Even if the resistance is 150 you really won't do much better with those cans. Don't expect audiophile sound from a gaming headset with an awesome amp.

In short, grab a sound card for better sound/customizability.

 

[Iamsoda]

I've been using PC350s for quite some time now and I was satisfied with the sound (no amp and onboard real tek). However, a buddy of mine told me that I need to get an amp as it drastically improves the sound quality. Recommended this one, http/www.amazon.com/Kilimanjaro2-E11K-Headphone-20Hz-20KHz-16-150Ohms/dp/B00MFMW29I/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1432429335&sr=1-3&keywords=fiio+amp

Now, I've done some research and I've got multiple answers. Some say since the impedance is 150, an amp is necessary. Some say a good soundcard is necessary. And finally, some say both an amp and soundcard are a must for this headset.

So, let me ask you, do I need an amp?

I have those headphones and yes if you need an amp. That amp he suggested is way more then you need. A simple FIO 6gen will work. What MOBO do you have? I have an asus x99 deluxe with up to 600ohms built in amp.

 

[tangosmango]

I've been using PC350s for quite some time now and I was satisfied with the sound (no amp and onboard real tek). However, a buddy of mine told me that I need to get an amp as it drastically improves the sound quality. Recommended this one, http/www.amazon.com/Kilimanjaro2-E11K-Headphone-20Hz-20KHz-16-150Ohms/dp/B00MFMW29I/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1432429335&sr=1-3&keywords=fiio+amp

Now, I've done some research and I've got multiple answers. Some say since the impedance is 150, an amp is necessary. Some say a good soundcard is necessary. And finally, some say both an amp and soundcard are a must for this headset.

So, let me ask you, do I need an amp?

I have those headphones and yes if you need an amp. That amp he suggested is way more then you need. A simple FIO 6gen will work. What MOBO do you have? I have an asus x99 deluxe with up to 600ohms built in amp.

ASROCK Z87-EXTREME4 ATX LGA 1150 . I believe this supports up to 600 ohms as well

 

[ferwindjacks]

Is this the amp that you recommended him? http/www.amazon.com/FiiO-E6-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B005HJWWW8
I can't tell because there is no such thing as a FIO 6GEN anywhere online. If this is what you recommended him, please take a long hard look at what you just posted. This is a portable amp that is used for phones or other MP3 players.

To say that the Xonar DGX is "more than you need" is downright false. It's a relatively cheap soundcard (avg. $35) that gives you the option for digital surround in 2.1/5.1/7.1 configuration and most likely has a better DAC/AMP built in than your motherboard does. Bear in mind that this plugs into your motherboard and is not USB. Just want to clear that up in case anyone is confused.

 

[Iamsoda]

Uh no just no. I do know what quality sound is. I have an asus x99 deluxe with high quality capacitors, sepperate audio shielding, and up to 600ohm built in headphone. It is much higher quality then some $35 drugstore amp. http/www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/X99DELUXE/

The fio e6 is a solid amp if you need something portable that isn't $100. If you need a desktop only solution there are better options then either of these.

 

[ferwindjacks]

Funniest thing I've heard all day when you said "The fio e6 is a solid amp if you need something portable". LOL the guy is talking about a desktop, not an iPhone! And even if he does have a laptop, I'd choose something more rounded than an E6.

You fail to account for interference, iamsoda. The Xonar is a relatively safe bet in the sense that it is better than the (unfortunately common) bad onboard audio implementations. Your Realtek 1150 onboard audio is, arguably, on the same level as the DGX but you completely overlooked the fact that the Xonar DGX would give you Dolby Headphone and easy EQ mixing.

I have fantastic motherboard audio as well (Hero VI) but it had too much interference (staticy noise) at higher volumes, so I switched to a sound card. That's not to say that the sound card has no interference, because it does. However, volume levels need to be absurdly high to hear it. Also, that 'drugstore' amp is made by the same people who produced your 'high quality capacitors'.

 

[Iamsoda]

Funniest thing I've heard all day when you said "The fio e6 is a solid amp if you need something portable". LOL the guy is talking about a desktop, not an iPhone! And even if he does have a laptop, I'd choose something more rounded than an E6.

You fail to account for interference, iamsoda. The Xonar is a relatively safe bet in the sense that it is better than the (unfortunately common) bad onboard audio implementations. Your Realtek 1150 onboard audio is, arguably, on the same level as the DGX but you completely overlooked the fact that the Xonar DGX would give you Dolby Headphone and easy EQ mixing.

I have fantastic motherboard audio as well (Hero VI) but it had too much interference (staticy noise) at higher volumes, so I switched to a sound card. That's not to say that the sound card has no interference, because it does. However, volume levels need to be absurdly high to hear it. Also, that 'drugstore' amp is made by the same people who produced your 'high quality capacitors'.

http/www.trustedreviews.com/fiio-e6-review
http/www.headphone.com/products/fiio-e06-fujiyama
http/www.amazon.com/FiiO-E6-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B005HJWWW8
http/www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/819633-REG/Fiio_E6_E6_Stereo_Headphone_Amplifier.html
http/www.head-fi.org/t/566351/fiio-e6-story-of-the-tiny-amp-continues-w-review-on-1st-page

Yeah not as many stars as I would like..............

In response to my "decent" onboard audio:
http/techreport.com/review/26973/asus-x99-deluxe-motherboard-reviewed
http/www.pcper.com/reviews/Motherboards/ASUS-X99-Deluxe-Motherboard-Review
Big note if you look at your MOBO vs mine you will see you don't have that extra audio shielding around the capacitors. That is where your crappy audio is coming from lack of shielding. ALso you saying that your Xonar DGX amp is just as good or better the my onboard sound? Your lossy Dolby audio isn't as good as DTS. Less compression has less audio loss.

In response to the Xonar DGX vs Fio 6 both are plenty for what he using them for. This isn't some hifi system, it is a really nice gaming headset, with game audio. Otherwise why not just throw a high def sound blaster in there? Because it isn't needed. I can see we both have a difference of when enough is enough.