Using my headphones with my PS3

[xpl0sive]

Hi Guys,

I have a pair of Sennheiser HD25-1 II's that I would like to use on my ps3 when playing games or watching movies as I currently do not have a speaker setup and just using the in-built speakers on the TV which suck. So I have 2 questions:

1. To get this connected to my playstation, I used the standard AV cables, going into the playstation, then connected an RCA to 3.5mm female adapter, then a 3.5mm extension cable from the adapter to my headphones so the headphones reach while I'm on the couch. There's just one problem with this though...no volume control! So, to add volume control, is it simply a matter of adding one of these: http://headphones.com.au/psingle?productID=352 ?

2. I know this setup probably won't give me the best quality audio, so can anyone recommend a good setup to give me the best possible audio quality out of my headphones without spending a fortune? From the brief research I've done, adding an Astro Mixamp seems to be pretty popular...does anyone have any experience with this setup and would you recommend it, or should I go for something else?

[Marcus]

I'd suggest a small inline amp, like one of the Fiio models

[xpl0sive]

Thanks mate. Any particular model you would recommend? Also, any reason you'd recommend something like a small inline amp over an Astro Mixamp? To be honest the only thing that attracts me to the mixamp is the ability to get 5.1 surround sound out of my headphones, however i know that closed-back headphones aren't the best for this...but would they still sound ok?

[Riverback]

Imo, the 5.1 Dolby Headphone from the mixamp works better with closed headphones. Its a bit more noticeable
Whenever I use it with open headphones the soundstage just sounds unnatural to me

[Marcus]

I've never used the Astro mixamp so I can't really comment on it, "virtual surround" can be hit and miss.

[xpl0sive]

Thanks mate. From the research I've done, the Mixamp seems to get pretty good reviews, but as you said, can be hit and miss, depending on what headphones are being used for it. The AD700 + Mixamp combo seems to be really popular, but can't find any experiences with the HD25's with Mixamp. Will have to keep searching. Might grab a FiiO anyway, and use it for music. What are your thoughts on the E11? While I like the sound of my HD25's out of the box, they do sound a little light on bass with some songs...would the E11 help?

[Marcus]

It may do, but I'd say the main reason for getting it would be so you can use headphones straight from your PS3.