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Entry-level hi-fi audio setup for PC music and gaming

  • hueglist
  • 4 days ago
  • 4 min read

Updated: 3 days ago


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This is my basic setup for someone that wants to get away from gaming headsets or earbuds for gaming/listening to music on your pc. The most important thing you need is a pair of good quality headphones, I'll link a couple options below. If you are in a quiet environment you can get open back and if you are in a setting with background noise you'll want to get closed back headphones. You can run a basic setup of plugging them directly into your pc or laptop or my recommendation get the one of the DAC/AMPs listed below. This will give you more power and cleaner sound. If you plan to game you can add one of the microphones listed below to make it more like a gaming headset. Message us with any questions.



DAC/AMP


The SMSL M300SE is a compact, high-performance DAC and headphone amplifier featuring dual CS43131 chips for exceptional audio clarity with 0.00013% distortion. It supports MQA decoding, PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, and DSD256, with versatile inputs including USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth 5.0. The balanced XLR and dual headphone outputs (6.35mm and 4.4mm) make it ideal for desktop HiFi setups. Its sleek design and remote control enhance user convenience, though the headphone amp may struggle with high-impedance headphones.


The Schiit Fulla E is a compact, budget-friendly DAC/amp designed for gaming and music, featuring a built-in microphone input for headsets. It delivers clean, neutral sound with a 24-bit/192kHz DAC and sufficient power for most headphones. Its single USB-C input simplifies connectivity, making it ideal for PC or laptop use. The sturdy aluminum chassis ensures durability, but it lacks advanced features like balanced outputs.



Headphones


The Philips SHP9500 open-back headphones are renowned for their spacious soundstage and neutral sound, ideal for critical listening and gaming. With 50mm neodymium drivers and a comfortable, lightweight design, they offer excellent value for budget audiophiles. Their low impedance (32 ohms) makes them easy to drive with most devices. However, the open-back design leaks sound, making them unsuitable for noisy environments. If you want to turn this one into a gaming headset add the v-moda boompro link at the bottom.


The Sennheiser HD 600 is a legendary open-back headphone known for its neutral, detailed sound and wide soundstage, perfect for audiophile-grade music listening. Its 300-ohm impedance requires a powerful amplifier for optimal performance. The lightweight design and replaceable parts ensure long-term comfort and durability. The open-back construction limits their use in public due to sound leakage.


The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x closed-back headphones are a studio favorite, delivering punchy bass and clear mids for monitoring, mixing, and casual listening. Their 38-ohm impedance ensures compatibility with most devices, and the foldable design enhances portability. The closed-back isolation suits noisy environments, though long-term wear may cause ear fatigue. Detachable cables add versatility and ease of repair.


The beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro is a premium closed-back studio headphone with Tesla drivers, offering precise, dynamic sound for professional mixing and mastering. Its 250-ohm impedance demands a powerful amplifier, but the robust build and replaceable parts ensure longevity. The closed design provides excellent isolation, ideal for studio work. Memory foam earpads enhance comfort during extended sessions. If you want to turn this one into a gaming headset add the v-moda boompro link at the bottom.



Cables


The Monoprice Premium S/PDIF Digital Optical Audio Cable is a reliable, budget-friendly solution for transmitting high-quality digital audio. Its durable construction and gold-plated connectors ensure a stable, interference-free connection for DACs, amps, or home theater systems. The cable supports multi-channel audio formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. It’s an essential accessory for optimizing digital audio setups.



Microphones The first 2 will work with any setup the v-moda needs a 3.5 stereo jack.


The Antlion Audio ModMic Wireless is a detachable boom microphone that transforms headphones into gaming headsets with clear voice capture and low latency. Its dual mic modes (uni-directional and omni-directional) offer versatility for gaming or streaming. The USB receiver and long battery life enhance convenience, but the wireless design adds slight complexity compared to wired alternatives. It’s compatible with most headphones via a magnetic mount.


The Antlion Audio ModMic USB 2 is a noise-canceling, attachable boom microphone designed for crisp voice communication in gaming or professional settings. Its uni-directional capsule minimizes background noise, and the USB connection ensures plug-and-play simplicity. The magnetic mount allows easy attachment to any headphones. It’s a cost-effective solution for adding high-quality mic functionality without a dedicated headset.


The V-MODA BoomPro is an inline boom microphone that attaches to compatible headphones via a 3.5mm jack, upgrading them for gaming or calls. Its noise-canceling mic delivers clear voice quality, and the integrated volume/mute controls add convenience. The flexible design suits various headphone models, but compatibility is limited to headphones with detachable 3.5mm cables. It’s a simple, affordable way to enhance audio setups.








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