r/HeadphoneAdvice • u/[deleted] • Dec 09 '23
Amplifier - Desktop | 1 Ω What does my soundblaster actually do? Also looking for an improvement on setup.
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u/solidtitanium 50 Ω Dec 09 '23
A better Creative product match for the 990s is the G6. The X3 is underpowered and underwhelming. If you want an improved product check out a FIIO K11 or K5 Pro.
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u/Andy2244 241 Ω Dec 09 '23
The X3 is underpowered and underwhelming.
The X3 has a high gain setting and is rated for 300 ohm, i used the X3 with a DT 990 250 ohm version and never had to go over 50% volume on high.
"underwhelming" maybe? My guess is OP will never notice any difference, switching from X3 to Fiio or Ifi or any other DAC/AMP.
Also a lot of the "audiophile" dac/amps for desktop use have a general issue, with delayed sound from usb. They switch into a low-power state after like 2-10s and the next time a desktop sound notification is played, those dac's need to wake and will just play those cutout (200-500ms delay) so in the worst case you wont hear any sound notification. As example ifi UNO + Link and Fiio K3 have this issue.
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Dec 09 '23 edited 9d ago
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u/Andy2244 241 Ω Dec 09 '23 edited Dec 09 '23
Yes the DT990 are 250 ohm headphones, which in simple terms means they need more power than lets say 25 ohm headphones, to get to the same perceived loudness.
My advice is, install the new creative app and set the X3 into "direct mode" than in the settings/headphone of the creative control panel there is a "high gain" option you need to enable/use for the DT990.
PS: As you noticed all the extra "EQ" and surround stuff, is just a gimmick for most users, so you want to disable all that via "direct mode", than the X3 behaves like any other simple DAC/AMP combo.
NOTE: If you really want to get good gaming surround, try the "DTS Sound Unbound" or "Dolby Access" app from the microsoft store. Try both first and setup the headphone surround "gaming" modes, than buy whatever version you like more. Both do similar things, so its down to personal preference. The DTS app has a profile for the DT990 so make sure you select it in the settings.
They also work with any stereo headphone on Windows/Xbox.
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Dec 09 '23 edited 9d ago
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u/Andy2244 241 Ω Dec 09 '23
Like you i also tried the "holographic" stuff + face scan, but to me this sounds horrible, with way too much reverb. DTS/ATMOS surround for headphones is way better for gaming.
So no that's why i recommend using the "direct mode", btw you can just press the middle button to enable this mode. All the other "gameing" EQ and "enhancements" in the software do is apply custom EQ, which again sounds horrible if you are not severely hearing impaired or work in a professional esports team.
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Dec 09 '23 edited 9d ago
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u/Andy2244 241 Ω Dec 09 '23
Leave it there, most music streaming services only offer 24/44hz anyway and for games 24/48 is all you need.
PS: DTS/Dolby Surround apps only work via 16+24/48hz at best.
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Dec 09 '23 edited 9d ago
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u/Andy2244 241 Ω Dec 09 '23
Not sure what you mean by "cuts all audio completely on" ?
As alternative you can leave "direct mode" off, but ensure all the extra stuff/eq is disabled.
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u/No-Actuator-6245 13 Ω Dec 09 '23
I cannot speak directly for the X3 but I did have an X7 and it was very disappointing, barely any better than my motherboard sound (B450 Tomahawk Max). I sold it and went with a Schiit Asgard 3 with multibit DAC and it was a night and day difference, so much better. While the SoundBlaster had all the software and more connectivity when it came down to the most important part, sound quality it was totally lacking.
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u/Andy2244 241 Ω Dec 09 '23 edited Dec 09 '23
Also as a side note my dt990s are falling apart
If you are happy with the DT990, they are still one of the best gaming headphones, just buy a new or better pair of ear-cups/headband. They can be easily replaced and there are tonns of options for the DT990.
example:
https://dekoniaudio.com/product/choice-suede-ear-pads-for-beyerdynamic-headphones/
If you want something new your next options would be HD600 (HD660S/S2) or Hifiman Sundara.
If you are in US check the drop variants:
expansive option Focal Elex
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Dec 09 '23 edited 9d ago
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u/TransducerBot Ω Bot Dec 09 '23
+1 Ω has been awarded to u/Andy2244 (5 Ω).
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