The 7 BEST Headphone Amps, DACs, & Soundcards for Gaming

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Hey there friend, and Welcome aboard!!

Before we get into The Best Headphone Amps & Soundcards for Gaming, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..

I’m Here to Help!!

In this article, we’ll keep it simple and review some of the best Amp/DAC combos available for gaming—at least the ones I’ve found to be excellent.

Toward the end, I’ll relay some of my personal experiences, take a trip down memory lane, and list out some of the games I’ve played.

The article will cover the options first, then the Criteria needed to decide. This is very important so stick around like scotch tape and let’s dive in!

Note: These can all work well on PC or console. If you need a mic option, those DACs are ranked higher and appear later in the ranking. Click here to skip to them.

#7

Chord Mojo

Price: Check Amazon! | Official Review: Here!

The Mojo with some of his pals.

Despite my shift in philosophy away from DACs (as an important sound factor) and more toward source file quality and headphones, the first time listening with a Mojo and Dan Clark’s Aeon (must-read) was unforgettable; certainly one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had in audio.

Excellent for music and gaming, the Mojo makes the list because of its dual 3.5mm headphone outputs and optical input; easily allowing you to connect the device to a console without worrying about taking up too much space.

Its dual 3.5mm jacks allow you to share music with a friend or output the sound to separate active speakers like FiiO’s SP3.

The Mojo is small, portable, and highly convenient as an Amp/DAC combo; containing small globe balls for its volume adjustment.

While it runs fairly hot, it’s fun to use and provides an excellent digital-to-analog conversion.

All of that said, I wouldn’t spend $650 on Mojo 2 (way overpriced), but if you can get an OG Mojo for around $200 I’d say that’s a great deal.

#6

JDS ATOM 2

Price: Check JDS! | Official Review: Here!

There’s no scenario in which you can go wrong buying one of these, but do be advised it’s just an Amplifier and will need a separate DAC to pair using RCA cables or an RCA to mini (3.5mm). Just go with JDS’ own ATOM DAC as they were meant for each other. True love, etc., etc. 

The ATOM DAC 2’s optical input means you can easily use it with your console, and the RCA outputs allow you to connect to separate active speakers like FiiO’s SP3, the Presonus Eris e3.5, etc.

ATOM makes every shortlist because of its low output impedance, high power output, and great price.

For around $200, you’ve got an excellent Amp + DAC stack from a reputable and highly respected company; one with an actual Ethos and commitment to transparency (both literally and figuratively).

Their products provide an incredibly clean, neutral backdrop for music and gaming, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.

#5

iFi Zen V2

Price: Check Amazon! | Check B&H! | V1 Official Review: Here! | V2 Review: Here! | V3 Review: Here!

The Zen Family (so far, top to bottom): Zen 3, Zen 2, Zen 1

When the iFi Zen first came out, I saw it as a new benchmark standard for what an Amp/DAC combo could achieve for the price.

Since then, it’s skyrocketed from $130 to roughly $200, and in the interest of full transparency, I don’t recommend it anymore in most other instances.

That said, within the scope of this article – i.e. for gaming, it’s still a good option because the Zen V2 saw plug-and-play console compatibility for only a few dollars more like Clint Eastwood.

If you’ll recall, the V2 retailed at around $160 and represented a fantastic upgrade since you could plug it right into your console via USB – without the need for an optical cable.

Right now it’s around $200, and though I’m kind of pissed about it, it’s still super convenient, can be used balanced with a separate Amplifier like the MT-604, and has RCA outputs for use with active speakers.

So, with that said, consider it but perhaps consider after some of the next options on the list.

If you were wondering about the Zen DAC 3, just don’t wonder about it. It’s a black sheep. Forget it even exists.

Features

In addition to its RCA outputs and balanced 4.4mm jack, all Zens come equipped with a power match (gain) button and iFi’s own TrueBass.

Moreover, you can run balanced 4.4mm cables with your headphones along with the standard 1/4″ connection.

With a roughly 1Ω Output Impedance, the Zen is Tidal MQA compatible and can play files up to 32-bit/384kHz + DSD.

#4

FiiO K5 Pro

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Apos Audio! | Check B&H! | Official Review: Here!

If you’re familiar with this blog, you’ll know the OG K5 Pro has been a mainstay recommendation for many years.

While the K7 or K7 BT are both arguably better purchases due to the balanced headphone output and Bluetooth compatibility, most gamers looking for a great DAC probably won’t need those things.

• Required Reading: FiiO’s K Series DACs, Ranked

So if you want to save some money like Geico, get the K5 Pro. If you do think you’ll want those things later on down the road, I love the K7 a lot and use one almost every day when I’m not demoing other gear.

The K Family of DACs are incredibly useful for an array of different scenarios, all containing RCA inputs, RCA outputs, a coaxial input, an optical input, and the standard USB Type-B jack.

Because of this, you can connect them to darn near anything: separate speakers or monitors, a console, a TV, a receiver, a turntable, your PC, you name it.

Moreover, all come equipped with plenty of power + gain boost options (typically +6 and +12), a low output impedance, DSD, and high PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz.  

If you need clarification or assistance with anything, read the articles linked but also contact me and I’d be happy to help.

#3

Creative SoundBlasterX G6

Price: Check Amazon! | Check B&H! | Official Review: Here!

Gamer’s heaven.

Getting into the real max meat of this list means outlining options specifically made for snot-nosed baby bros who need mic capability so they can whine and cry about latency issues when they’re playing their PRECIOUS Call of Duty. *deep breath*

I’m talking to myself here too so just CHILL THE CRAP OUT and keep reading.

For that, my longtime top recommendation was the G6, and it’s still a good purchase though #2 and #1 on this list have since eclipsed it.

Still, the G6 provides a reliable microphone jack, 3.5mm jack, combo optical/3.5mm input and outputs on the back, SBX Mode, Scout Mode, and heaps of power for basically any headphone.

The G6 also edges something like a K5 Pro/K7 because it’s infinitely more convenient. Just plug and play via USB and away you go.

FiiO K series DACs, though amazing in their own right, can be a pain because they require a power brick and are somewhat cumbersome to move around.

For Xbox homies using a G6, you will have to use the line/optical in on the back, but it’s still not a big deal as the unit is bus-powered and doesn’t require a brick.

The G6 is super easy to move around, whether I’m gaming in the living room or listening to music at my desk. Switching is simple—just unplug it and reconnect. With a cable already set up in both spots, I don’t even have to worry about moving those.

The G6 also edges the K5 Pro out because of SoundBlaster Connect, an app that allows for a multitude of different customization options, EQ features, etc.

#2

Fosi Audio K7

Price: Check Fosi! | Official Review: Here!

Representing one of (if not the) best updates I’ve seen in my 10+ years writing about music and gear, Fosi Audio’s K7 is a massive upgrade over their older K5 Pro; a DAC that I vehemently rejected for a few reasons that I won’t get into now (please read the article).

Yes, both FiiO and Fosi have the same names for some of their products. Don’t ask me why; I have no earthly idea.

That said, the Fosi K7 is an incredible entry into their lineup and its evolution is more than apparent; it’s staggering.

Let’s learn more.

Weighing in at 18.3 Oz (536g) it’s robust and durable, but not overly bulky, and will fit into most spots nicely.

Like our #1 option, the K7 feels more like a workstation as everything is right there at your fingertips. 

The left-hand side contains a volume control knob that also doubles as a gain switch. Short press it to cycle between low and high gain, and rotate to adjust the volume. The K7 provides loads of power and will work with 99.4783% of headphones, so don’t freak out.

Next to that is the LCD display, and to the right of that is your bass/treble/microphone volume control.

Rotate to adjust the gain, and short press to turn on/off the microphone (valid when using UAC1.0 mode only).

Below are 5 buttons: the Power On/Off, input mode selector, output mode selector, bypass toggle, and the Tone/Mic button.

The K7 is a near-perfect all-in-one gaming DAC, providing bass and treble adjustments, Bluetooth capability, balanced 4.4mm capability, DSD support (up to 256), a microphone jack for FPS homies, RCA outputs for use with separate active speakers, a coaxial input for use with TVs, receivers, etc., an optical input for use with consoles, and they even included a splitter which is conspicuously absent in our #1 option.

In truth, it was incredibly hard to decide which DAC is a better overall value.

While the K7 has Bluetooth, a splitter, bass/treble adjustments, and 4.4mm capability, it doesn’t have Scout Mode, SBX, or a separate App and further customization options. 

For gamers, Scout mode is incredibly beneficial and feels like cheating when you’re in the heat of battle trying to decipher exactly where enemies are. To me, that’s what edges it slightly over the K7 as a pure gaming DAC, but it’s a photo finish for sure.

Speaking of the #1 option, let’s see what it’s all about.

#1

Creative SoundBlaster G8

Price: Check Amazon! | Check Creative! | Official Review: Here!

The G8 picks right up where the G6 left off, only it’s even better and represents a true upgrade.

To start, its “workstation” design (like the K7) may seem a bit gimmicky on the surface (no pun intended), but I can assure you it’s so much more intuitive and easy to use than something like a G6.

If you’ll recall, the G6’s main enhancement features (SBX, Scout Mode, etc.) appeared on the side of the unit as a small switch that was sometimes annoying to use at night.

With the G8, because everything is on top, you’re quickly able to toggle settings, adjust volume, and calibrate the mic without having to go fishing for them. The huge knob is also a lot more fun to play with and much easier to turn.

Moreover, the unit contains buttons this time around; thus saving time and also looking quite a bit more attractive.

Like the others on this list, the G8 can output to separate active speakers (HP/SPK button) but also contains the coveted microphone jack for the crybabies mentioned earlier.

This makes it easy to use something like a Mod Mic or V-Moda Boom Pro, and though I would have liked to see a splitter in the package, I’m not complaining too much.

Back Panel

In addition to dual USB-C inputs which allows you to stream audio from 2 USB devices simultaneously (your PC and phone for example), there’s an HDMI ARC for use with consoles, TVs, Soundbars, AV receivers, etc., an optical output (also can be used with an A/V receiver), optical input for use with a console like my PS4, a low/hi gain switch, the optical/arc switch, a line out (for use with active speakers as discussed) and a line input (tablet/mobile device).

If that wasn’t enough, its low output impedance (1Ω) and loads of power make it extremely valuable for driving any headphones up to 600Ω. So basically all 25+ of mine that I have lying around. In short, you can expect a clean, neutral, true-to-the-source backdrop for anything you may be using it for.

Put simply, the G8 is one of the most versatile DACs I’ve tried, with value through the roof and a price-to-performance ratio to match.

Please click my Creative SoundBlaster G8 Review for a more in-depth discussion on how good it is.

Now that we’ve discussed some fantastic options, let’s delve into the criteria needed to decide on one.

Criteria

Convenience

This is the #1 priority.

There’s a reason I generally don’t use or recommend Soundcards a lot – it’s typically because they are more of a pain to install than simply buying an external one (Headphone Amp).

If you’re building your own PC, a Soundcard is probably the better option, and definitely convenient since you’re building it from scratch and thus have easier access to the internals.

If you’re like me and have a laptop, not only is the process more arduous, but in some cases, it’s not even possible.

My Lenovo X1 Extreme doesn’t even have the option to install a different card, but I don’t really care because I prefer a separate Amp/DAC as it makes more sense for my needs.

• Related: What is a USB DAC?

No Battery

If you’re Gaming on a PC, you won’t want to have to recharge an internal battery; thus why I’ve omitted all Amps & DACs containing such (The Mojo can be charged at the same time you’re listening).

Some of you nerds tend to play for days on end without sleeping, eating, or even taking regular dumps.

For that I applaud you, but let’s not turn into Cartman playing World of Warcraft, alright? XD

Power

A Gaming Amp/DAC should have enough power for the headphones in question.

Fortunately for us, the options discussed today all provide plenty and you’ll never have to worry about it. 

Portability

The fact that you can use all of these options with a console or on my desktop makes them extremely valuable.

The problem with Soundcards is that they’re kind of a hassle to remove and replace after you’ve installed them. All of the Amps & DACs we talked about today can be used in many different ways and are thus a lot more convenient.

Things to Consider

Before you purchase an internal Soundcard, take into account the following:

• The PC/Laptop has enough room for it to fit inside.
• The PC can support it.
• The Speakers/headphones can handle it.

Gaming Scan did a nice write-up on the matter:

Soundcards

As mentioned in the open, you may or may not opt for a Soundcard.

In my mind, it depends mostly on how convenient it is to install such a card, and whether or not you’re building a PC or have a laptop.

Soundcards also tend to have more driver issues than some of the external ones we’ve mentioned today.

None of the above Amps & DACs that I have used have had any.

 For a great Soundcard, consider the Creative Sound Blaster Z:

Closing Thoughts

I would personally go with an external Soundcard (i.e. Headphone Amp/DAC).

It’s more convenient in the fact that you can plug and play without having to worry about installing anything or making sure it’s compatible with your OS.

Add to that, often times it can be used in more than one way, as in the case of all the options discussed today.

As for today’s recommendation, the SoundBlaster G8 or Fosi Audio K7 are my top 2 DACs for most gamers needing a microphone jack for FPS shooters.

Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the Best Headphone Amps, DACs, & Soundcards for Gaming.

Which of these sounds like it would suit you best? What’s your favorite video game/system? Be sure to let me know!!

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

If you love what I do here and want to support the blog and channel in a more personal way, check me out on Patreon and discover all the value I have to offer you.

All the best and God bless,

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

Memory Lane

Gaming has always held a special place in my heart. I was first exposed to it circa 1988-89 at just 2-3 years old.

My dad had an original Nintendo with the venerable Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt combo.

I remember being so fascinated by the gameplay (seems silly to think about now).

Even so, that game sparked a run of titles that continue to churn out almost yearly.

I think it’s far exceeded the point of overkill, but that’s just my opinion, man.

I also vividly remember Christmas of 1991; my mom and dad bought me a Super Nintendo and it came with the timeless “Super Mario World”.

It’s crazy to think about the fact that the game is still playable and hasn’t really become outdated or stale over the years.

My sister and I would play the game for hours and hours at a time, also enjoying such classics as Donkey Kong Country 1 & 2 in 1994-1995, The Magical Quest starring Mickey Mouse, Turtles in Time, amongst many other more obscure titles that I can’t even think of at the moment.

Some old favorites.

After the Super Nintendo, I delved into the world of PlayStation, while my best friend (we’ll call him “R”) got a Nintendo 64.

I’m not entirely sure why I deviated, but I can’t say it was a disappointment in the slightest.

Because he lived next door, I could play the 64 whenever and he could hop on the Playstation with me as well.

At his house, there was lots of Zelda, and at my house, we played Metal Gear Solid non-stop.

Around 2000, the Sims came out for the PC and to make a long story short, I had no life from that point on. XD

To this day, I’ve had every system from PS1 to PS4, but have since mellowed out with all the console buying.

I love the feeling of kicking back on the couch and firing up a game, whereas some of my other friends and followers swear by PC gaming.

Back in the early years, it wasn’t possible to hook up a Headphone Amp to a console and geek out with your favorite headphones.

Now? It most certainly is. You can even hook up a dual shock 4 to your PC via USB and play that way! I’ve been doing just that with my PS4 controller and a $6 download of Fallout: New Vegas.

Finding a great Gaming amp doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Don’t think about it too much.

I would say finding The Best Headphones For Gaming is a bit more of an excursion, but I digress.

Games Played & Sound Impressions

More coming soon

Wolfenstein 3D (1992)

Uncharted – Drake’s Fortune (2007)

Uncharted 2 – Among Thieves (2009)

Uncharted 3: Drakes Deception (2011)

Fallout 3 (2008)

Fallout New Vegas (2010)

Fallout 4 (2015)

The Outer Worlds (2019)

Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)

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