Yeah from what I see in the manual it’s just a preamp output for powered monitors. Shame I thought this would solve my problem, hopefully it’s a good DAC though, I like when the volume knob is on top of the unit.
I believe a person who prioritizes sound quality on the headphones over mic quality. And persons who wants to simplify their desks. Instead of an Amp, a DAC and a mic interface, they took everything on a beautiful as Hel simple solution.
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So I recently got to hear the hel, and I have to say it’s pretty good imo, but for the price it might be a little expensive. It’s got a good amp that can reasonably drive most headphones, but I don’t think it was as accurate as the jds labs atom or had the oomph of the liquid spark. It still has the schiit house sound but to a lesser extent. But I wouldn’t really complain that much imo as it is still pretty good for an all in one of this size. The dac is good and I don’t really have anything to nitpick that much. The mic input while I thought it was an upgrade from a mobo input, is good but I think you could do better with a proper interface. Overall I think I can see the appeal of the amp, but personally I would rather pick up a jds labs atom or liquid spark and a focusrite scarlett for like 10 bucks more and have a better setup for both headphones and mic. You could also substitute the scarlett for a behringer um2 which imo would still provide a similar experience (but a slightly worse dac) at a lower price.
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Sorry guys, I need a little help. I have a masters degree but am struggling to figure out all of the combinations. I own a few pair of cans (k702, pc37whatever, shp9500, 58x). I’m using them primarily for PC gaming. I bought the Mayflower Arc and returned because of the terrible mic quality, then saw this and got excited. I game from my couch so a desk mounted mic is out for me. Is this my best option because of the mic in? Or should I be buying something else?
Using a VMODA Boompro.
What mic are you using? And are you looking to spend a similar amount as the hel?
Sorry- just edited the post. Using a Boompro but only works with the shp9500 (all the new cans are an attempt at upgrading, but man, I love these shps). Trying to figure out the right next step so budget is a little confusing to me still too. Paying more than $200 for the DAC/amp didn’t seem to make sense with these low tier headphones, but I tried a bunch of high end headphones and just didn’t think they were worth it compared to the shps. Primary goal is competitive fps and hip hop.
So the hel would get the job done for sure, and if you wanted an all in one it would be worthwhile, but instead if you didn’t feel that you needed this expensive of a dac amp, the schiit fulla 3 is 100 bucks and also includes a mic input (although this may be of similar quality as the arc mic quality). My personal pick is to pick up a behringer um2 and a jds labs atom amp. You would use the um2 as a mic interface and also your dac for the atom. You would want to pick up this adapter as well
I think this setup would give you the best mic quality for the price and also better headphone quality
Awesome. THANK YOU. Any particular reason for the Atom over the Liquid Spark? The latter seems to have more power (also the reason I didn’t go for the Fulla, seems weak if I upgrade later).
Not really imo, both are great and it depends on preference lol. If you like a more clean sound the atom is for you. If you like a bit warmer or or smooth sound the liquid spark is for you
I’m not the largest fan of it, but that is a good deal for sure
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