Looking for some advice on a setup before jumping in

Gaming Audio Competitive
1

Hey everyone !

I am new to this whole thing, and I’m looking for some help to make a decision before purchasing gear.

I’m currently using a Razer Kraken Pro Neon, which is quite worn down, and I’ve been wanting to switch to something new. I’ve wanted to try this more audiophile gaming stuff for a long time, and having a lot of free time finally made me look over it ! This whole weekend, I’ve been watching videos around headphones and headsets, discovered Z Reviews (which I instantly liked because of his way to talk about this stuff - and waifus), and finally discovered this forum, so I spent a bit of time looking over threads.

So here I am.
Looking for some advice since I’m a bit lost now.

I’ve come to one almost definitive conclusion : I want to get some DT770 Pros. I’m probably aiming for the 250 Ohms version since it seems to be the more liked version. I fell in love with their design, they seem to be comfy from what I’ve read, and it looks like they are great for my play style (a bit of competitive gaming, and a bit of “I just want to be immersed in this game”, and finally a bit of music). My only gripe is with the non detachable cable … but I can manage.

But I’m still not 100% sure if I should go for a 250 Ohms or 80 or 32. I feel like the 32 Ohms version would be good as well, to avoid the struggle around the DAC/AMP situation. My current motherboard is an H87M-PLUS, and I’d also like to use those headphones with my Nintendo Switch at least in docked mode, and ideally my Mac as well as my PS4 (I’m probably asking for too much …).

Now … The whole DAC/AMP situation. Those headphones seem to be better with at least an AMP if I go for the 80/250 Ohms version. But before spending a lot of money on my first DAC/AMP, I want to make the right choice, ideally while filling my use cases.

My eyes are caught on either the Schiit Fulla or Hel for three reasons :

  • The line in / aux for my Nintendo Switch ; and it’s a great occasion to finally be able to have both PC and Switch audio from a same source, rather than having only one at a time
  • I sometimes use a microphone (well, a lot more because of this whole telework situation), so I’m planning on getting a ModMic (seems like the best solution with a pair of DT770) hence why I’d like a mic input
  • I like the design of this DAC/AMP (yeah, I like stuff that looks good as well)

I also have another use case that I’d love to be able to fullfill. I sometimes play with my PS4 when an exclusive that I like gets released. But I don’t think the DS4 controller will be able to power the DT770. And I’d love to be able to, but I can find anything about the Schiit Fulla or Hel working with the PS4 (the ideal would have been to have an optical input on those products as well …).

So … Is this setup too ideal ? Or is it totally feasible and is this a great way to do it ? I feel like the PS4 issue is unsolvable tho : has anyone tried to use a 250 Ohm pair on the DS4 controller ? Would going for the 32 Ohms version be a better solution compared to the 250 Ohms version ?

For reference, I live in France, so I don’t have as much choice as the US from what I’ve seen. I’m ready to leave a budget of up to around 400€ for this setup since I’m sure it will be worth it. Right now, if this setup looks right, we’re looking at :

  • 110€ for the DT770
  • 199$ + around 50$ shipping = ~230€ for the Schiit Hel (through the US website)
  • 65€ for a ModMic Uni
    Which is starting to be a bit much for me, at least for a first time.

Thanks to everyone who’ll take the time to read this loooong text, I’ll admit it’s a bit of a headache right now, and I needed to put it down for me to reflect on this as well. I hope what I said was clear, it’s still a bit of a fuss for me as well, and I may be asking for the moon !
I’m looking forward to your recommandations !

2

The DT770 is a solid choice. I have the 250 ohm version, and I like them for gaming. I use mine with a DAC and Amp, but my PC can drive them loud enough, same with my phone. That being said, I imagine the DS4 will have a more difficult time. If you’re getting the Hel, you can always run the DS4 into the amp (I’ve done in the past). If you don’t want to deal with something like that, the 80ohm may be a safer bet.

3

Thought a recent phone still might not be able to drive a 250 Ohms pair, but glad to read they can ! Happy to see that I could use those headphones occasionally with my phone as well.

I’m curious : how would I plug the DS4 into the Hel ? That sounds like a very great option for me.
Do you think the DS4 by itself would be able to drive the 80 Ohms version ?

Anyways, thanks for the reassuring words !

4

You would run a 3.5 to 3.5 auxiliary cable from the DS4 into the HEL. I kind of doubt the mic would work at that point, but I’m not sure. I would guess that a DS4 could power the 80ohm version, at least to regular listening levels, but I couldn’t guarantee it.

5

For some reason, I didn’t think about that ! Looks promising, since I don’t need the mic on PS4.

Since I’m still a bit recalcitrant to spending money on a DAC/AMP, do you think the 250 Ohms version is a huge upgrade over the 80 Ohms for a novice ?

I’m thinking about proceeding in steps, first going for this new headphones + mic combo, and then upgrading to a DAC/AMP later. But if the 250 Ohms really makes a difference, I may go all in haha

6

My experience with Beyerdynamic (they make great headphones) tells me the 80 ohm will still be a great headphone. I doubt that you will be unhappy with it. Have you looked for any reviews / comparisons between the different models? I bet someone out there has really dig into them. Maybe on head-fi?

7

I’ll look over for more detailed comparisons between the different DT770s. Thanks !

8

Have you seen this product?

Looks like you can run audio to it straight from PC / Switch / PS4. I read a first impressions of it that was pretty positive. It doesn’t look like it is available right now, but it might be a good option.

Personally, I run a Topping D30 (soon to be E30) from USB with my computer, and then optical for my Switch / PS4 from my TV. I don’t have a mic setup for any of that besides a USB mic on my PC though.

2 Likes
9

I do agree, i mean i know alot off people shit on the 32 and 80 versions here but i still enjoy my 32ohm 770 over other stuff

10

I have the DT770 250Ω version and I would be hesitant to use them without a DAC/AMP - I love gaming on them but I run it through PS4 -> optical -> SMSL M3 -> Beyers. They definitely require a little juice; I haven’t run them through the dual shock controller but I would be very surprised if they were even audible lol

11

That does look like a great option as well. It’s available on Amazon France so I’ll check out some reviews :slight_smile: