Best Headphone Audio Setup for Gaming / Movie Surround Sound?

FangOfAsgard

Honorable
Oct 17, 2013
15
0
10,510
Ok So I am looking into audio solutions for my Mini-Itx Gaming Rig. I'm not looking to spend more than 350-400 dollars but i have taken a long look into it. It seems like nothing comes close to Open Ear headphones and their soundstage Audio Technica's ATH-700x 900x and ADG1's seeming to be the choice to go with If you are looking for surround sound. There are also good reviews for the Sennheiser 363d but no one will say if they have surround sound comparable to the ADG1's.

Most audiophiles say to don't spend extra money for a attached mic and to go with the headphone type that is basically the same but purchase a modmic or a zalman clip on mic. Others say to go with a desk mic. I personally have been looking at the 900x with either a mod mic or blue microphone.

My current PC motherboard is a Maximus VI Impact it has a built in Soundcard but I don't know if i need a USB DAC or something similar to get the full surround sound experience im looking for.

I also thought i could try to buy the 900x's with the USB card from the sennheiser's but there doesn't seem to be a way to purchase it seperate from the headphones

The main idea is for a full sense of immerision when oculus eventually comes out. Thoughts ?
 
Solution
That is a hard part. There is no upper limit in the prize. I personally like arcam dac:s
http://www.arcam.co.uk/products,rSeries,USB-DACs,irDAC.htm
or Cambridge audio
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/hifi-and-home-cinema/dacmagic-100

But they are not actually very cheap. (The name cost some in these, so it is possible to find as good in cheaper...)

You may try one of these also:
http://www.whathifi.com/news/best-dacs-to-buy-in-2014
or these
http://www.audiostream.com/category/dac-reviews

These are more to audio/hifi solutions. Then there are some gaming dacs by Creative, but I am not familiar with those.
I would chose some 250-350$ dac and see if any of those are in sale somewhere. All in all the quality of parts and shielding...

hannibal

Distinguished
For gaming USB headphones with mic is the easiest way. For audio quality, go for external dac with normal Hifi-headphones like Sennheiser or Audio Tecnica if you like the sound of those better and separate mic. I think any noise changeling mic would be just fine.
 

FangOfAsgard

Honorable
Oct 17, 2013
15
0
10,510


Is their a particular DAC I should be shooting for?
 

hannibal

Distinguished
That is a hard part. There is no upper limit in the prize. I personally like arcam dac:s
http://www.arcam.co.uk/products,rSeries,USB-DACs,irDAC.htm
or Cambridge audio
http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/products/hifi-and-home-cinema/dacmagic-100

But they are not actually very cheap. (The name cost some in these, so it is possible to find as good in cheaper...)

You may try one of these also:
http://www.whathifi.com/news/best-dacs-to-buy-in-2014
or these
http://www.audiostream.com/category/dac-reviews

These are more to audio/hifi solutions. Then there are some gaming dacs by Creative, but I am not familiar with those.
I would chose some 250-350$ dac and see if any of those are in sale somewhere. All in all the quality of parts and shielding are most important thing in dac.
Also you should look for a dac with headphone amplification. I have it separately, but dac and headphone amph in one pack may be best for you.
 
Solution