Sennheiser Game One - Do I need an external amp or sound card?

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Zelros

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Oct 21, 2014
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Soo here it goes! Yesterday I just bought a Sennheiser Game One, which I heard also has identical driver with the hd 558, I play a lot of games(csgo, overwatch and single player action games) that is why I chose the Game One since it has a great mic which I need for comms and since I'll be using it on my PC all the time. So first time I tried it, I find it impressive, but not as "mind-blowing" as what others might say. I feel like something is lacking from the sound, but I know that the headset itself is not defective( no static or buzzing, directional sound is properly distributed and not lacking volume).

Friends recommended me to buy an external amp (Fiio e17k or schiit magni 2) and I've read other forums that I need a sound card (but I think internal sound card wont work since i only have a mAtx mobo h97m?) and some say you dont need either one since it won't have any difference. So right now I am confused since I don't know if it is because It is first time for me to try out higher-tier of headset or headphones, or if I just really need an amp or sound card.

I previously own a siberia v2 for 3-4 years and from my observation, I only felt a small to medium difference from sound quality which made me depressed about it. From sound quality im not considering the bass since I know it's an open-back headphones. I just feel like something is really lacking from unlocking its potential. Any answer would be welcome :)

Btw, refund is not an option since it is difficult to do so in our country :)
 
Solution
ssddx
the hd5xx series does not need a strong amp to drive them. they will work with most input sources.

however, that does not mean that a better amp or soundcard is worthless. if your onboard dac/amp is poor then upgrading them could certainly be audible. it depends on your ears. also, even though it does not need an amp the hd5xx series responds well to one and it will affect the audio if moving from a weaker amp to a more powerful one.

if you want virtual surround as an option, a soundcard like the creative z would be an upgrade. if you think your onboard dac is fine you could always just get an amp like the magni or fiio a3. if you think your onboard dac also needs an upgrade then getting a dac+amp setup may be what you want. the...
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ssddx

ssddx

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May 27, 2009
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the hd5xx series does not need a strong amp to drive them. they will work with most input sources.

however, that does not mean that a better amp or soundcard is worthless. if your onboard dac/amp is poor then upgrading them could certainly be audible. it depends on your ears. also, even though it does not need an amp the hd5xx series responds well to one and it will affect the audio if moving from a weaker amp to a more powerful one.

if you want virtual surround as an option, a soundcard like the creative z would be an upgrade. if you think your onboard dac is fine you could always just get an amp like the magni or fiio a3. if you think your onboard dac also needs an upgrade then getting a dac+amp setup may be what you want. the schiit magni/modi stack, fiio e10k or e17k, audioengine a1 or o2/odac setup might be up your ally.

how much you hear the difference between various headphones, dac and amp also has to do with how sensitive your ears are. there are people who think minor differences are night and day while others who can not hear the difference between $20 headphones and $80 headphones. audio is a tricky thing.
 
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Zelros

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Thank you for your reply and suggestion! Well that's good to hear at least. Probably going to get either the e10k or the e17k since I don't have a decent DAC/AMP nor a decent sound card. I can't also put a sound card on it since the last slot for a pcie on the motherboard is being blocked by my graphics card. Could it also be possible that the sound quality has not unlocked it's potential since I haven't burned in my headset and is it recommended to burn in? Thanks again!


 
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ssddx

ssddx

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May 27, 2009
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i dont recall hearing that they need burn in though everyone seems to have a take on if a certain headphone needs it or not.

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some of it might also be the 'signature' of the headphone. keep in mind you can alter this a bit with equalizers, amps, etc to a little degree.

keep in mind that the hd5xx series is very "laid back". while this means that you can listen to them for hours without getting fatigued it also might make them a little less energetic and slow sounding as well. being close to neutral also would make them sound a bit flat compared to something with a v-shaped response.

so, in general they might sound a bit 'boring' when comparing them to some other cans.

neither option is really better than the other. v-shaped cans can sound a bit fake or exaggerated on highs/mids while bright energetic cans might be sibilant or be fatiguing to listen to. everyone has their own idea of what sounds "good" to them.
 
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Zelros

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Thanks! Your answers actually helped me think of an idea on what I could do to my headset. :) Going to save up for a dac/amp(e10k or e17k).
Will be asking for other people's opinions but I'd most probably lean to your suggestion! Thanks again
 
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