USB headphones

[anon]

I want to buy some new headphones for my desktop computer, since the ones I've been using since '11 completely fell apart. I never paid USB audio too much attention until now. Some quick research revealed this article. So far, the (possible) pros and cons seem to be:

Pros

• cleaner digital audio signal, they don't pick up interference or static
• compatibility, get audio support on any computer with USB ports, regardless of other hardware

Cons

• they're more expensive than standard 3.5mm ones
• possible decrease in audio quality, depending on the device
• higher CPU usage (a potential problem, my processor isn't that great)
• there's a delay between plugging them and having the OS recognize them (would be okay in my case, they'll be plugged in 24/7)

The lack of interference is very interesting for me, as currently I can hear a faint "preeeeeeeeep" when nothing is being played, and smaller repeated ones when downloading or copying files.

Anyway, your thoughts?

I've already scouted for offers, and if USB is really worth it, a Logitech H390 headset is 350 pesos. Otherwise, I'll go for some Panasonic RP-HT161 headphones costing half as much. In either case, they're both known brands, which means the product should last long - I'm done with generic/brandless ones that break the same year they're bought on.

[Master Razor]

cleaner digital audio signal, they don't pick up interference or static

This can be achieved using any USB DAC. Amps the signal and doesn't pick up interference.

compatibility, get audio support on any computer with USB ports, regardless of other hardware

On the contrary, USB audio requires drivers. While some may not need it (depends) others cannot work without it.
Had a HD-201 pair of USB headphones and they did not work without the driver, which was shit and screwed up my system.

possible decrease in audio quality, depending on the device

.
This depends on the quality of the DAC. Since you'll be bypassing the internal audio card, you'll need either a good headphone-integrated card or like I said above an external DAC for them.

higher CPU usage (a potential problem, my processor isn't that great)

I don't think you'll notice any slow-downs.

The lack of interference is very interesting for me, as currently I can hear a faint "preeeeeeeeep" when nothing is being played, and smaller repeated ones when downloading or copying files.

Where is your headphones connected? Front or back of the computer?
Try switching your placement.

[Sazzy]

Don't get headphones with built in usb, they suck. Trust me. Tried and proven. The built-in dac is cheap.

Get an external dac and amp (or combo) instead. Fiio has some pretty good ones for little money: E5-6, E07 and E10 (all are combos, ordered from ok to good)
Be careful with what you buy though, as a DAC will not amp the signal as Razor said. A pure DAC will require you to get an extra amp for it.

If you have the cash, get a Schiit Stack. (which is one DAC, one amp) Best bang for the buck. Not cheap, not expensive. But oh so verrrrrry good!


Anyway, a cheap dac and amp will suck and will probably be just as bad as what you have now.
A mediocre dac and amp will get you a long way, but will also require a good pair of cans (which the logitech and panasonic aren't really). Think beyerdynamic and audio technica. Stay away from things like Bose, Pioneer, Sony, ...

I realize it's a lot of cash, but it's well worth it if you want something better. And it's still far from the ridiculous high prices, which is typical for sound gear. And this shit won't break in the first year.

In case of sound and music, if you're not willing to take that little extra step, you're not going to improve much I'm afraid.

[hellman]

Speaking of headphones m thinkin of buying JBL SB350.. Market price 35k and m gettin it 24k offer price

[anon]

Stuff

Stuff

You've convinced me... to go for the Panasonic ones. I'm willing to endure the faint preeping sound if that means I'll have saved a ton of money.

Nonetheless, thanks for the answers. I know more stuff now!

Where is your headphones connected? Front or back of the computer?

They're plugged to my JBL speakers, which in turn are plugged in the back (the cable is too short for a direct connection). The case's frontal jacks would be idea, but they're HD Audio while the motherboard's connectors are AC'97, and they're not compatible as far as I know.

[Sazzy]

Connect them to your sound card instead. That will already be better. Front jacks are usually pretty bad quality unless you have a really expensive case. Get an extension cable for a few dollars if necessary~
You might try and get a XONAR DG card to put in your pc if you have a slot open. It will be quite close to a decent DAC/AMP for little money. It's only 30 dollars and really good. Pretty confident it will also solve those weird beeps you're getting.

[Extraterrestrial]

Bought a USB headphones three years ago, they're crap; Pure CRAP with capital letters. I have no idea if they worked on the design and the technology to produce a more efficient USB headphones.
On the other hand, I bought Sony MDR-ZX100 Headphones for $15 and they worth the money. Had them for almost a year since I moved to the US and no problems so far.

[Sazzy]

The problem is that they use the cheapest dac and amp they can find to put in those usb headsets. And they have to be damn small. A decent (yet costly) headphone dac and amp set up next to each other would be as big as your keyboard.

[anon]

Connect them to your sound card instead. That will already be better.

Will do. The cable in the Panasonic ones is long enough for that.

You might try and get a XONAR DG card to put in your pc if you have a slot open. It will be quite close to a decent DAC/AMP for little money. It's only 30 dollars and really good.

$30 if your computer has PCIe slots. Otherwise, the price jumps to $200 for a PCI one

[Sazzy]

But the DG is PCI. It's the DGX that is PCIe.
Where I live, the DG is 29 euro, the DGX is 32 euro. Newegg said 30 dollars, so I sticked to that pricing.

Maybe try looking on amazon or something similar. Even the highly superior DX is only 80 dollars.

[anon]

But the DG is PCI. It's the DGX that is PCIe.

Ah, damn it, I mixed them up indeed. The DG is PCI and costs just a little more than what you said. I'll think about it, but don't want to spend too much just to get rid of beeping that can't be heard with music on anyway.

I bought the Panasonic headphones today and will add them to my desktop computer tomorrow. I'm trying them on my laptop in the meantime. The sound is good! Slightly quieter than with my earphones, but that could be due to the bass boost.

[Sazzy]

Just get a swear jar (or something that makes sense-jar) and put in one euro every time you find yourself doing it. After 30 times, you can now afford yourself a DG and it will not be mindless spending

They might be more quiet because they have a different impedance. The xonar also solves this

[anon]

Forgot to get back on this one. I tested the headphones on my desktop, and don't even hear the preeping sound most of the time!

something that makes sense-jar

A jar in which I'm supposed to place money every time I do something sensible may be largely empty most of the time