Tired of wires? Check out this wired to wireless headphone guide
- Hueglist
- May 16
- 5 min read
Updated: May 20
Several years ago I wanted to get away from gaming headsets and into better #HiFi Headphones with quality sound for my pc setup. I spent tons of hours trying different setups for how to make the best sounding system for the lowest amount of money. I normally listen to music while working or game while I'm at my desk. So I wanted a better quality headphone, but I also needed the mic for certain games and voice calls. After I dialed in my audio setup, I noticed I sometimes wanted to get up from my desk but didn't want to take the headphones off each time. Enter my quest to easily go from wired, to HiFi quality wireless headphones via Bluetooth in just a few steps. Follow my guide below for tips on how to start your #customaudio journey. (note some of the gear I use is no longer available so I will reference the current models).
Step 1 - Headphones
If you already have headphones you like you can skip this step. The only caveat is that if your headphone cable is permanently attached to your headphones it makes it a little sloppy. The idea setup is that your headphones have a 3.5mm stereo jack that you can unplug. If yours do not you can either live with having to put your cord in your pocket when you get up or you can grab either of these listed below:
I own these and used them for years and still do as my backup set and for my laptop if I'm traveling. They have a detachable 3.5mm cable and work well with this setup. They are open back which could be a drawback or a plus depending on where you are listening. If you are home and it is relatively quite you'll have a much wider soundstage and IMO a better overall sound quality than closed back. But this is personal preference.
I do not own these but they are good quality and fit the bill for everything mentioned above. The difference is these are closed back, so if you are at work, are in a noisy environment or you just prefer not to hear any ambient sounds in the room, these are the best starting point for this setup.
Step 2 - Audio DAC and Headphone Amp
I recommend getting a DAC and a headphone amp or combo unit to make this process much easier. Here is how to do it:
Run an optical audio cable ( KabelDirekt TOSLINK – Optical Audio Cable ) from your pc to the DAC ( S.M.S.L SU-1 MQA DAC ). I use the SMSL M100 but it is no longer available.
Then RCA cables ( CableDirect – 3ft RCA ) from the DAC to the Amp ( Monolith 133304 Liquid Spark Headphone Amplifier ).
OR the Money saving option: You can skip buying the dac/amp separately that I suggested above. Instead you get one of these combo dac/amps ( Syba DAC Digital to Analog Headphone Amplifier ) or ( S.M.S.L DS100 DAC AMP ) The Syba is the least expensive option and the next SMSL is the next step up. You'll still need an optical cable ( KabelDirekt TOSLINK – Optical Audio Cable ) to go from the pc to the dac/amp combo.
Step 3 - Setting up the Bluetooth
This is where it gets interesting and we start to accomplish the goal of getting you from corded to wireless in just a couple easy moves. Next you'll need a bluetooth transmitter ( 1Mii B03+ 5.3 Bluetooth Transmitter ) is the current model. I have ( 1Mii B06TX Bluetooth 5.2 Transmitter ) which is the older version. Yes if your pc has bluetooth technically you wouldn't need this. However having the transmitter hooked to the amp is where the magic happens, and as an added bonus you'll get much better range with this.
Important step: Connect the bluetooth transmitter to the line out or pre out on the amp. The transmitter comes with a cable that has a 3.5mm to RCA. The 3.5mm goes in the bluetooth transmitter and the RCA goes to the amp. If you go with the Monolith amp you connect this to the ports near the P for pre out. If you got the Syba you only have 1 set of RCA ports and you plug it there.
Step 4 - Bluetooth Dongle for your Headphone
This part is fairly easy. You need a bluetooth dongle ( 1MII Bluetooth 5.3 Bluetooth Receiver Adapter ). I have an older model by this same manufacturer. You'll unplug your headphones from the amp and unplug the cord from your headphones, leave the cable on your desk or store it in a drawer. Plug the dongle into your headset and move on.
Step 5 - Bringing it all together
After everything is hooked up and you've unplugged the headphones from the amp and taken the 3.5mm cord out of your headphones you will pair the dongle to the bluetooth transmitter. What makes this setup so great is you do not have to change any settings on your pc. Because you are running it through the dac/amp the pc recognizes it as the same audio device. If you notice the sound is low just turn up the volume on the amp as that affects the output to the bluetooth transmitter.
Congratulations you are now fully set up! See below for some additions to consider depending on your use you may or may not need. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us for advice.
Optional Items
If you want to be able to talk you have 2 options. You can go with a wireless mic like the one from Antlion. I have this mic and it is great. Super easy to use and sounds perfect. It mounts with a magnet and you can pop it on and off easily: Antlion Audio ModMic Wireless Attachable Boom Microphone
The other option is a desktop mic. If you are only talking when you are sitting at your desk this can be left on all the time and easily muted with a button on the mic: HyperX SoloCast – USB Condenser Gaming Microphone
I recommend a headphone stand to help protect your headphones from damage when you are not using them like this Headphone Stand for Desk
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