(pulled across from threadjack)
I have a PC with a Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic piping audio (mostly music, some movies and occasional games) into a 4-yr old pair of Sennheiser HD212's. I listen to FLAC audio and 256k/320k MP3's. I've begun noticing a soft hiss in the last while during quiet sections. The 'phones have also been taking some strain on bass-heavier stuff. I listen to anything from classical to Satchmo to Jungle and House.
So I'm tempted to upgrade to something like ATH-M40x or Sennie HD518's and a headphone amp/DAC along the lines of JDSLabs Cmoy, Fiio E12 or E10K. What I'm after, is a setup that will minimize the hissing and clean up the bass a little, combined with no prior experience of these. I'm limited to about R3,500 total and would prefer a space-saver if I do go for a headphone amp/DAC.
Any suggestions most welcome
I have a PC with a Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic piping audio (mostly music, some movies and occasional games) into a 4-yr old pair of Sennheiser HD212's. I listen to FLAC audio and 256k/320k MP3's. I've begun noticing a soft hiss in the last while during quiet sections. The 'phones have also been taking some strain on bass-heavier stuff. I listen to anything from classical to Satchmo to Jungle and House.
So I'm tempted to upgrade to something like ATH-M40x or Sennie HD518's and a headphone amp/DAC along the lines of JDSLabs Cmoy, Fiio E12 or E10K. What I'm after, is a setup that will minimize the hissing and clean up the bass a little, combined with no prior experience of these. I'm limited to about R3,500 total and would prefer a space-saver if I do go for a headphone amp/DAC.
Any suggestions most welcome