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-   -   Looking to improve my PC audio system (http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/audio/41995-looking-improve-my-pc-audio-system.html)

colter13 March 26, 2011 09:38 AM
Looking to improve my PC audio system
 
Right now I am using:
-Dell speakers with sub-woofer
-On-board sound on a good-quality board
-Sony MDR-XD100 headphones

I want to achieve the better audio quality for music. What would be the best thing to upgrade first for a price range of around 100$? And I want to either upgrade my speakers or headphones, not both, depending on which will give me the best quality.

YukonTrooper March 26, 2011 11:31 AM
At that price range, a headphone upgrade would be the most noticeable improvement.

colter13 March 26, 2011 12:11 PM
NCIX.com - Buy Steelseries 7H Headset HI-FI Headphones 18-28000HZ 32OHM 10FT Cable W/ Mic -BLACK - Steelseries - 61050 - in Canada

This is a bit more than I planned on spending but it appears to provide good sound quality. I am aware that it is a headset, but I do need one. Would this be good?

YukonTrooper March 26, 2011 02:45 PM
I would suggest a proper pair of quality stereo headphones and then buy a separate cheap headset, remove the microphone from it and mod it onto the headphones using some double-sided velcro. Your money will go much further this way.

Example:

YouTube - Auidophile Headset Mod

LarkStarr March 26, 2011 02:57 PM
the XD100s are outstanding headphone for the cash, but if you spend more cash, you'll definitely notice an improvement.

colter13 March 26, 2011 06:22 PM
I found a great deal on the Audiotechnica ATH A700 headphones seen in the video, which fit my price range. Seems like an obvious choice to me. Any reasons to reconsider? And thanks for the replies.

Stock March 26, 2011 07:30 PM
The AD700's aren't bad for most music genres, but if you listen to rap or hip hop you'll lose out on "oomph" (bass).

The best all-around headphones I've ever used are Beyer DT 880 and DT 990. A lot of people like the 880's more, but I dunno...music just sounds more fun on my DT 990. Try to find a store where you can test run some headphones with your mp3 player!

Jackquelegs March 27, 2011 01:02 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stock (Post 499955)
The AD700's aren't bad for most music genres, but if you listen to rap or hip hop you'll lose out on "oomph" (bass).

The best all-around headphones I've ever used are Beyer DT 880 and DT 990. A lot of people like the 880's more, but I dunno...music just sounds more fun on my DT 990. Try to find a store where you can test run some headphones with your mp3 player!
For a little over 100$, grab a pair of ATH M50 or Fischer audio FA-011. Great headphones

Pax March 28, 2011 08:24 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stock (Post 499955)
The AD700's aren't bad for most music genres, but if you listen to rap or hip hop you'll lose out on "oomph" (bass).

The best all-around headphones I've ever used are Beyer DT 880 and DT 990. A lot of people like the 880's more, but I dunno...music just sounds more fun on my DT 990. Try to find a store where you can test run some headphones with your mp3 player!
Just keep in mind the 880's are semi-open and the 990's are fully open. Pick up the 770s for a closed set. Pay attention to which ohm rating you get with these. It ranges from 32obm - 600ohm. If you're running it from your comps onboard or a midrange soundcard, I'd get the 80 ohm ones.

The ATH M50's aren't bad either. I picked up my DT770s for comfort first and good quality audio second.

Jackquelegs March 31, 2011 11:34 AM
Recommended Fischer Audio FA-004. Mine just arrived, and it's fantastic

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1372434/P3313513.jpg


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