Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

SoNic67 t1_j9al8k9 wrote

Reply to comment by iSaithh in HD 660S sounds MUCH better on my M1 MacBook than my desktop? Standalone AMP ideal? by iSaithh

I am using for years now a Sound Blaster ZxR. It's sound is comparable with what you get from an external DAC plus entry level headphone amplifier.

0

FromWitchSide t1_j9cidlh wrote

Sound Blaster Z > G6

I actually switched to Z from G6 just recently, such an improvement. The Z and ZxR differentiate in amp with ZxR using TPA6120 instead of JRC 2114. The chips configuration of ZxR is actually similar to my FX-Audio X6.

Only Z combined with an amp made my current production HD600 enjoyable. Neither G6, X6 or cheap dongles managed that.

2

SoNic67 t1_j9d31lt wrote

The ZxR has also better DAC chips. Way better sounding IMO.

1

FromWitchSide t1_j9d88cg wrote

Indeed, my bad - its PCM1794 instead of CS4398.

Although personally usually I can't identify chips by sound differences nor tell if the difference is in the chip or implementation of it. The Z is the first time since I've stopped using X-Fi where everything sounds properly, flat/no issues with tonality. I did look for ZxR prior, but it is a hard find, and I just came across Z for $39 from a friend. I do like it to the point Ive stopped feeling like I need to upgrade/buy something further... and I do feel like I wasted time and money with all those external solutions.

1