Do you use an amp/dac for gaming? If so what one?

Beautifully clear and easy to understand. I had watched some previous hardware reviewers try to describe it but nobody put it as simply for beginners as you. Thank you Techne!

6:00 Thank you so much for the explanation, I've been trying to find out what were the differences between them. A++ comparison!

Just when I was thinking whether do I need a amp/dac for gaming headset, you just cleared my doubts. Thanks man. Best video explanation so far.

Thanks for picking up my setup :) iFi CAN/DAC is an amazing combo for the price. I've tried things twice as expensive and they did not sound that great. It's a neat, not so pricey setup that works wonders.

I run the DT 900 Pro X out of the iFi Zen DAC V2 and absolutely love it for gaming and music. Nothing compares to the very first time you hear your favorite song with TrueBass turned on. It makes you "feel" the music without distorting it. In games, I have no problem picking up footsteps and their exact direction. I have had this setup for a year and a half and I feel like I could use it for the rest of my life.

what a mind opening clear video! u helped me out so much by understanding the difrence between an AMP and DAC. thank you so much, u earned a new sub :)

Motherboard audio is actually pretty good now days. The real problem is with the microphone input and amplification. Often it's fairly noisy because the electronics aren't isolated and many power supplies aren't particularly clean. I use a Soundblaster AE-5 and a Rolls microphone amp going into the sound card's line in. Mic input quality is so important if you do any kind of online gaming or voice recording. We've got great electret and MEMS microphones out there now on headsets and desktops, but the mic inputs are often not keeping pace.

I bought an ifi zen dac V2 fo my gaming set up after watching this video. Im now thinking to pair it with the mobius. Thanks man, your videos are great to watch, there is so much details! keep up the good work.

thanks , this video really did break it down to the introduction of making up your mind. Currently in searching for a huge audio upgrade experience. I believe i found my answer . thanks again.

Keep it up man I always love your videos

Thanks for making this video, I bought the LCD-GX which got me started with this audiophile hobby. Makes me want to literally buy every amp/dac just to test them all 🤣 because all reviews be like these are good!. Your explanation gives a simplified way to understand the differences

This is perfect timing as I’m getting an AKG K702 and a Schiit stack tomorrow

Recently also bought ifi audio zen dac v2 +IpowerX+HD650S I have the same feelings as you~ In the past, I only focused on gaming headsets and DACs Now I have used products like IFI~ It really is a completely different world~ Incredibly beautiful!! There is no need for any EQ adjustment at all~ It is very pleasant to use on my FF XIV and R6.

great video thanks for the honest opinion on amp dac for gaming I've been curious of the benefits of these. great guide.

you nailed it :-] it seems that the Motu audio interfaces may be "the best of both worlds" regarding measurements Perso I like to experiment and I'm very happy these days with the E1DA Powerdac V2.1, outstanding for the price.

Another great topic Techne!!! 🔥🔥🔥

Excellent how you simplified that on all levels...

Really good description for us who like it described in a simple way.

how do we connect the amp and dac to the xbox series x please help me ''''

Dude I love how you explain things

Short answer no you dont need one, unless you use very high ohm headphones. Do you want one? Maybe, if you are running the motherboards internal soundcard. Even separate soundcard is a big upgrade. The biggest benefit of the dacs imo is that they remove all or most of the electrical interference from the audio. And sure they do change the sound a bit, but you can do a lot with just a software Eq also.

Right now I’m rocking the Hifiman Ananda with the Singxer SA-1 amp & Singxer SDA-6 dac. It’s a buttery smooth combo. 👌🏽

I've seen the new "Ifi Zen Dac v2" which supposedly is the dac AND amp, right? Will that be enough to power and run my dt990's?

I'm looking into getting the Sennheiser HD560S and pairing it with my Schiit Hel 2 gaming dac/amp for fps games. I've heard good things about those headphones in terms of its great audio cues and neutral sound in general. Great video my guy.

Stinkin' amazing video. I would definitely be interested to see you review more dedicated headsets as to take advantage of tech like this. Especially since you have started reviewing more mics that would allow for a lot of people to skip the need for a mic on the headset.

Bro much appreciated needed to know this

Omg I literally just started to look into amps and dacs after watching your video on the SteelSeries Arctis Prime. ....

Hi! This video is very intresting. Anyway Did you also tried The Byerdynamic DT 990 Pro on the Shiit Hel 2? i just need to know if the Shiit Hel 2 is good enough like the Ifi Zen! Thank you very much!

I use the GC7 with Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Gen 2s and its really great, i hear things i never heard before in games like Tarkov, massive upgrade from my A40 with Mixamp, would recommend the upgrade to anyone willing to spend the cash!

The best video so far!

Hey 👋 Where would you place the Schiit Hel 2 in comparison to the ifi stack ? Can't decide which one to get.

when using a dac like in this video is it better have dolby atmos/dts on or everythin off? just wondered on ur setup that gets u the best sound for gaming music etc as a whole? thank you

Which amp/dac would you recommend for a ps5? Or should I just buy a gaming headset like a steelseries arctis nova pro instead?

I use the steel series artics pro, beyerdynamic MMX 300, and massdropxsennheiser HD58x for gaming on my pc desktop. Any recommendations for a dac/amp for these headsets. would the SCHiit stack be overkill for this or just fine?

Hey Techne. I wonder if I can get your opinion on something as I do respect it. I watch a lot of your reviews. I recently bought a set of Beyerdynamic 2nd gen mmx300 gaming headphones. I know that they are a stereo headphone. But Beyerdynamic states that the experience is much better with the Immerse Gaming software. My question is... would virtual surround or spatial audio still work with an amp or dac or possibly both connected? Not sure if you will even see this but if you do have an opinion I would love to hear it. Thanks.

I’m using a Gamedac with my PC38x paired with a Helm DB12 aaamp. I know there are better set ups, but this works well for me because I have an Xbox one from what I’ve heard the usb audio can be finicky. So far this set up works flawlessly and allows me to chat and hear my party without having to have an external mic, I also love the fact that I can control my chat mix/game audio with a screen right in front of me, that was the biggest selling point for me

I discovered your chanel recently and I love your content, I can see that you are passionated by it. I do have a question, does the z390 aorus master onboard sound is ok or should i get a dac/amp to drive the beyerdynamic dt 1990 pro?

Nice n detailed video.. 👍

Just ordered the audeze lcd-gx. What do you recommend for Xbox, I’m planning on using an Astro mix amp for now but would like your recommendation for something better. I know not many work on Xbox.

This is very informational and im in the process of upgrading my setup....i do plan on getting a stack of some sort but how would i incorporate it with my elgato xlr or would it be no need?

How can you compare the ifi stack to the astro a40 and steel series wired pro game dac? is it worth upgrading to the ifi? my goal is to upgrade from the headsets i mentioned to the HD660s or Audeze lcd -gx

Hi, I need help. I usually direct plug in my headphone to PC and use Sound Blaster Cinema 3 software while playing FPS games. It has surround effect and right positional. But when I switch my iFi Zen DAC/Amp + Zen CAN Amp (Stack), Sound Blaster Cinema 3 software auto-disable. There is no surround effect and the positional feels very weird which only has left and right positional. So how to get surround effect and right positional while using external DAC AMP? (except those dac amps come with surround sound like sound blaster x3) Or is it there is no way as getting an external DAC would mean no surround sound for movies and gaming, just stereo 2-channel sound?

I love how practical and simple your videos are! Would you say this investment is worth it versus say the Razer Blackshark V2 Wireless headset? It seems like a steep price to pay for an incremental increase in quality and the hassle of wires. Thanks!

Thanks for this vid!

did you ever plug the gc7 in virtual sound into the nice dacks you are talking about

Hey buddy Im lookin to upgrade my audio setup for playstation5 (maybe in the future pc, so thinking alteady about to buy something for pc as well). Im almost only playing fps and open world. Would you recomment the ifi amp and dac with the beyerdynamicdt 1990 for the playstation? Will that work ? And do i need both? I mean amp and dac?… I actually ordered the maxwells, but i think i prefer the open back and want something really good…

Thanks for the comparison. For someone with the Sennheiser hd600. Which amp/dac will you recommend for a 70 gaming / 30 music

can i ask whats better the dt990 pro or the m50x? im thinkin of gettin the ifi dac v2 thanks

Hello i currently have the sennheiser hd 599 and also audio technica ath ad 500x. What kind of set up should i use. I currently plug them right into my pc but i want that next step up of sound. I want to make them sound better so looking for suggestions on what i should get?

you made me buy the dac amp lmao

What would you recommend for the dt990 pro 250ohms, looking for an dac and amp in one. And relatively lower budget. From Au :)

I use the Steel Series Pro wired w/gamedac. I love them. I might get the wireless pro just for when I want to move away from my desk.

Im using a SBX G6 with a pair of hifiman sundara closed back right now. would the ifi stack be a noticeable upgrade?

yo , how you connect the ifi zen stack between them , the 4,4mm balanced connector or rca

So do u need to have the amp to use the Dac or can u just use the dac

Do u use GTO filter on iFi or the older warmer one ?

should I get an audio mixer and a amp and connect them together or should I just get the amp or audio mixer

Can u please explain a way for streamers. I have goxlr mini but I notice a huge difference in audio from my fiio K5 pro in my 1990 Bear Dynamics. Is it possible to have the best of both worlds use the clean audio of these great dac amp with goxlr or wavexlr.

Do audio interfaces soind better than dac/amp combos? As im looking at the rme ucx ii audio interface.

Do you recommend the Hel2 pared with a Sennheiser 660s for gaming ?

For mobile gaming what do you recommend I'm planning on buying yanyin Canon iems

the FPS reference is really good btw

Great video , I have bought exactly this set up ifi zen can / dac / Audeze lcd gx . I’m Just need to know how connected them 😅. It would be great if you mentioned in the video .

Nice T-shirt Techne!!!

Thanks for bringing the ruckus, Techne! Where are you from? Definitely the northeast. My best guess is Massachusetts.

Hello I am a competetive fps player and I want a dac/amp that has really low latency and good sound. Which one should I buy for my sennheiser 800s?

You can use the optical out of a sound blasterx g6 into any dac of your choice and take advantage of the dsp from the g6 and get the sound quality from the higher end dac/amp that you’re using.

I have the Turtle Beach elite pro 2 Xbox with superamp and use it for my PC mostly but I dropped the Amp and it's broken now and I was wondering if I should get a new Amp and if it's worth getting a new one again so I can have the Amp experience again and with that one it does have that streaming setup feature and I was gonna start streaming. I did also buy the Roccat Torch mic so I can get a good streaming mic and the Roccat Syn Air so I can have a wireless headset experience so with that I was wondering if I don't need that streaming feature anymore with those two products and it will just work fine with them. But if I was to stream like a story campaign game instead of a multiplayer game would the Amp give me personally a good experience with the sound so I can enjoy it while streaming or will the Syn Pro Air give me the same experience with the sound or even a better experience or maybe using Syn with the Amp. Is that type of Amp worth getting again with this new setup, I haven't yet setup my torch or Syn yet because I'm finishing up my desk I made myself from Lowes using a flat door haha I just need to finish painting it caz I did build it myself and wanted to give it some personality. I appreciate your time if you did read this and would love your feedback. I love how real you are on these review videos and I always come to your videos to make my final decision on buying something I want. Keep up the great work fam! 😄

what should i get for dt770 pro 250 ohm for my pc playing competitive shooters

I just bought dt 900 pro x with the zen dac v2 .. should ill buy the zen can aswell ?

Would Sony MDR'7506's benefit from a DAC/AMP setup? They are only 63ohm

I bought the audeze lcd-gx and Ifi stack because of your reviews. Thank you. Only problem is, I can’t find any info on how to properly set them up… I have the 4.4mm connector connecting the can and dac but other than that, fixed or variable switch on the back? Do I use the balanced or unbalanced cable to my headset, I have another stand alone mic that I use. Also which input setting to use?

i am getting the xenns tops iem do you know what amp or dac for gaming playing fps games

With the MSI z690 Wifi Gaming Edge with the AL4080 USB DAC using standalone circuitry test found to be better than most AMP/DACs including Creative G6. Using front mic port the 32bit 384hz with audio boost 5 pumps. now external DAC really not needed. Unreal but true

would you still stay on the lower end with VZR model 1?

I have Sennheiser HD 660S + iFi audio NEO iDSD + Beyerdynamic FOX for gaming and TIDAL. Never going back to gaming headset again. I know it's more expensive but the sound in music and games is so clear and precise.

So if I have the Astro mix amp, can I just use that in conjunction with other headsets/headphones?

I have the sound blaster gx 6 and its pretty good but the sound will fully cut off randomly freqently until I reset it. Super annoying

Hey @The Techne Thanks for this video! I am just upgrading to the Sennheiser HD800S which apparently is one of the best immersive landscape headphones for gaming out there. Now which AMP/Dac setup is the best to get most out of these cans? I am a bit confused by all the gear out there and need some advice please!

How does the sound blaster G6 compare to the ifi amp and dac

Can I run headphones with just an amp? (Is a dac necessary) for example can I just run dt990s with a schiit magni 3 or another amp like that?

the question i have is how do you hear yourself in audiofile headphones? if i use an xlr mic where does that go?

Did you recently start recording in 4K? It looks extra crispy today!

Is there a way to hook up the zen dec to a Xbox series x? I have a pair of 900 pro.

With DAC you need to connect to optical output i guess? I use xbox from my couch and my cats EAT cords so I cant run a 8 foot cord from my TV/Xbox I’m afraid. With an amp can you connect it to the xbox controller using 3,5 mm and power it from a wall outlet?

great video, in am audio noob and ive been building PCs for over 20 years, i have never focused on sound, at all. I am looking into a iFi Zen DAC and maybe upgrade with an amp later.

Hello, I am a bit late here, but does your Neo IDSD work on a PS5?

Highly reccommend the Hel 2 dacamp, makes my arctis 7p+ get the full quality sound

ok i have DT 1990 PRO , what should i buy ? DAC or AMP ?

Hey guys I am quickly falling into the audiophile rabbithole! I have a quick question I would GREATLY appreciate ANY solid advice on. So, I'm totally new to DACs/AMPs; I just bought the Sennheiser PC38x headset and I find them too quiet. Would an amp like this boost the sound significantly? I love the sound imaging/soundstage I just need MORE VOLUME!!

👍 i love your videos ..

If I was to buy the ifi can or dac first which would you recommend? I also have a scarlett 2i2 to go through.

Can you review the game ones from sennheiser. Also do I need a amp for them?

I do online sim racing and i currently own: a pair of fidelio h2hr, a ifi zen dac standalone

Does the chord mojo 2 sound better than the ifi Amp dac combo

Can you tell me how to use the ifi idsd with my xbox x please

Ty so much

I use the HiFiMAN Sundara+Schiit Hel-2. The combo sounds cleaner than any pair of gaming headsets I own. I wouldn't dare to go higher-end until I buy my own home. I don't live in a open back headphone friendly environment. So investing in higher-end would be a waste. One day though....

I'm using Logitech $20 2.1 speakers from four years ago. The audio is fine but I spent so much upgrading CPU and GPU why not audio? So this video confirms USB dac is not worth it. But how about speakers? What's the price point before hitting diminishing returns? $50 $100 $200 ? Creative 2.1 pebble looks good. Or maybe I want to stick to Logitech they have speakers from every price point.