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Schiit HEL 2 Amp/DAC Review - Playing with the Big Boys!
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2024
- The Schiit HEL 2, at $200, is an incredible headphone Amp/DAC combo. Whether you have a $100 gaming headset or a custom $3000 headphone + Mic build, the HEL 2 is a versatile powerhouse that works with PC, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch. If you are looking for the ultimate gaming headphone amp that works with USB and Optical, look no further. Crystal clear sound with quality components in a compact chassis make this an easy consideration at this price point.
If this is the right headphone amp/DAC for you, you can purchase it here (non-affiliate link):
Schiit HEL 2: www.schiit.com/products/hel-2
For $109, the Schiit Fula is built similarly but has less power and lacks a couple extra features: www.schiit.com/products/fulla-2
Equalizer APO download (Custom tune your sound on PC):
sourceforge.net/projects/equa...
PEACE Add-On (Install this before using Equalizer APO):
sourceforge.net/projects/peac...
Antlion Mod Mic Uni Product Page:
antlionaudio.com/products/mod...
Amazon Link: amzn.to/3k0gQP2
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Joe@GadgetryTech.com
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro and Features (and PS5!)
08:17 - Sound Quality
11:21 - Mic Tests
12:19 - Ridiculous Power!
14:39 - Detailed Specs
15:26 - vs Controllers and Competitors
16:58 - Final Thoughts
DISCLAIMERS:
The links above charge you the same price as finding it on Amazon. However, purchasing through the links above would support this channel for future product reviews. We appreciate any support, but please feel free to purchase though any means you feel comfortable with.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
super cleear information and you answered all my questions. best review i've seen on the Schiit Hel2. good job
Great review buddy!! I did not skim through your video like I usually do with most channels with unnecessarily long intros full of fluff nonsense.. Thank you for sparing me with annoyingly forced comedic quips. I swear everyone wants to be like the top youtuber of their channel category. Thanks for keeping it real!
is your Hel version the Hel2e? I know the dac is different from the first Hel 2
Watched this even though I’m a hi-fi guy, own lots of Schiit, not a gamer. Great review, to the point, knows his stuff and presents it well.
Great review, very comprehensive.
Excellent review my friend! I subscribed!
Great review. I'll probably get this for my PS5. I wanna get the best audio outta my PS5
Dude absolutely fantastic review,nthis was just hat i need jjst having bought a ps5 and looking for a dac amp, Thank-you, i just subsdribed
Schiit builds some of the best products. They are not without their issues as I've had problems with a couple of my devices. Either way they are very good and their customer service is great.
They definitely have some amazing options at each price point!
Fantastic review! Thank you so much. It helped me answer some questions I had.
Just ordered one .. thanks bro .... just picked up a sweet deal on a never used set of Focal Elegia's
That's going to be incredible!
Great video. Question- I am having trouble finding out if I can use this with my 4xx headphones and also run it to another amp powering my desktop speakers as a preamp? Thanks
Yes. That's what the three-and-a-half mm socket on the back is for. It's a variable output that response to the knob oh, so it's perfect for use with powered speakers.
The output also turns off automatically when you plug in headphones.
@@DarkFiber23 Thanks!
great video
I haven't found a video of anybody dismantling this thing. I have an all-white setup, and would like to paint the metal case in a black/grey combo. Has anyone any experience in this?
How would you use this for headphones and use external mic? And the Hel 2e uses Sabre Dac they switched from AKM. Amazing review also.
Greatly appreciate your reviews! Just wondering your thoughts on the Asgard 3, with either the ES9028 DAC module or the True Multibit DAC? How much of an upgrade in sound will this have over the Hel 2's ES9018 DAC, if any at all? And which of the two modules would you go with? My primary use would be for PC gaming, and no need for a microphone input. I currently use a Philips Fidelio X2HR headset, but after watching one of your other reviews, I probably will be upgrading to the Hifiman Edition XS. Thanks!
Pretty sold on this now after this review for two reasons. First, you hit all the questions I was curious about and demonstrated the volume with those headphones. I have a pair of Sundaras and would like to switch to them as my gaming setup versus buying another set of "gaming" setups. Secondly, dude, you're my twin. Like it was distracting me because it was like looking at myself but a different voice. FML this is weird....
Omg lol that's too funny. Yeah that's a distraction for sure
Could you please do a video of the compatible microphones to this Dac and how to connect it ? Thank you so much.
On the Xbox Series X, can I use this with the optical out on my Oled C1 and then plug in a microphone directly to the Xbox Controller for Audio chat?
Can i plug the usb power in the motherboard or do i have to use the wall socket?
Since 2021, the Hel2 uses ESS 9018 as DAC, they don't use AKM anymore. The preference is subjetive but indeed those DACs have different sound signatures.
I’d love to be able to hear the difference but I’m not sure they would send me another just because. Hopefully someone gets their hands in bath. I’ve liked some ESS dacs in the past as they are pretty clean sounding so hopefully that translates here too
Now here is my big question, Is it true you can do 3.5mm from the PS5 controller into the back of the Hel 2 and USB to the PC and get audio from both sources at the same time?
I am trying to use Discord on my PC while playing on my PS5 *Weird I know* and get the audio to come through from both at the same time.
Is it better to go the route of getting this or the ifi zen stack? Is there a big difference between the two? By the way, I will be using specifically for PS5 gaming.
I am
Having audio drop in this DAC 3 weeks from purchase any ideas ?
I've heard the Schiit products have really bad latency through USB audio. I'm thinking about getting the Fulla, but have you noticed any latency playing fps like MW2/Warzone?
I play on ps5 btw.
Hey, so I was looking to purchase this and found out that the Hel 2 has changed to the Hel 2e or something like that. According to their web site there was a fire where the AK4490 DAC is produced so they switched to ESS ES9018. Would you still suggest this product with the ESS?
This is what their web site says on the issue:
Wait a sec! Wasn't there a Hel 2 for a while?
Yes. Like Fulla 4, it was a brief sighting. The AKM factory fire put a crimp in any product using the AK4490 DAC, like Hel 2. So now you have Hel 2E, with the ESS ES9018 instead.
Also, if you still suggest the Hel 2E, can you tell me a good head set to use that is high quality. Like, I don't think I need the thousands of dollars headphones you have there, but I would like something decent. I mostly game BTW.
Thanks.
Would this work on the original Xbox One consoles since they have optical ports? I know they don't support USB, but is the USB for power or is there a USB for the drivers too?
How does this sound versus the Soundblaster G6 (used in direct mode)?
so you cant have the headphones connnected while recording??
Does it control system volume on a Mac or Windows machine? So, if I change the volume on my Mac will the volume change on the Hel also?
Can you add on a loki mini+ with this? Still new to audio stuff
I ordered a 2 in 4 out usb 3.0 switch from Amazon that will be delivered later on today & I was wondering would that allow me to connect the HeL 2 to my PS5 & PC through usb??? Just curious???
Is it possible to run schiit hel2 with dt990 600ohm? How the sound will be if max output on hel2 is 300ohm?
It will still sound great. Much better than nearly every other sub $200 amp/dac. It's rated at 300ohm, but that doesn't mean it won't work with 600. It will in fact work fine and sound great. Just use the high gain setting.
Can I use a pair of Hifiman Edition XS with this device and also an external Rhode or Shure microphone? And did I understand correctly that if the headphones are not plugged in, I can use my Harman/Kardon SoundSticks III with it? Great review, thanks for that.
Where can I buy this DAC except schiit website? They have a 6-8 weeks delivery and cost 30$ to deliver
Hey if I get a dac/amp + headphone combo for my ps5 will I be able to use the microphone if i add a boom mic to say a pair of sennheiser HD 560s headphones? I play fps mostly & need to be able to communicate. If this is not possible, would you recommend a steelseries arctis nova pro wired headset instead? Thanks👍
Does Dolby Atmos on the Xbox Series X still work with the toslink workaround? It's so annoying that Xbox doesn't support the usb sound connection, because I would like to have the possibilty to have the choice how I can create the best sound on my headphones like this dac amp. Cheers
Was considering on upgrading from my Creative X3, but wanna keep it simple....Would the Hel be worth it??
is hel 2 worth it over the ifi zen dac?
After reading the Antlion reviews I will look into a mic I can use on a swingarm-clamp with my desk. Any thoughts on a model ?😍 My DT770 Pro 80ohm already get louder than I need and are really clean used with a Play4 USB-C DAC set at 32/192 The DAC works with my Samsung A53 5G and gets loud enough. Not PC loud , which could drive them to ear-damage-levels , but good enough.
The software for the PLAY4 is very useful and hardly a gimmick. The SmartComms Kit software would be very useful to prevent BG noise. Noise clean in and out. Under mixer it even has listen to this device.
Just purchased this funny enough to replace my Syba Sonic which I had for 3 months. I should have just pulled the trigger in the Hel in the first place 🙃
would these work well with hd 800s for gaming/streaming?
does this also improve sound? Im using HD6XX headphones plugged in directly to my motherboard. Will buying this improve the audio quality?
What audio interface do you reccomend? With hel and shure sm7b?
I don't know if you will see this but i just got the HD 660s im new too all of this, i was looking at the iFi ZEN CAN and Schiit HEL 2 what would you recommend?
Thank you Man für the Amazing Review. I would like to ask if i would be able connect the Schiit Hel 2 on my PC to Steelseries Sonar or Dolby Atmos? Thanks in advanced
So there is no audio delay when using USB?
I bought the Hel+ and thinking of pairing it with the VZR Model Ones Im currently using H6Pros also can i still use steelseries GG to change eq settings?
Everything this man is saying about the Hel 2 is a 100% accurate I’ve had this device for the past month & a half & I have no regrets 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Is the sound quality great for music and movies ?
@@rajendrabiswas Yes sir & honestly on high gain it’s a little too loud 😱😱😱😂😂😂
Did yours come with an optical cable
@@jahgas2694 Nope!!! Only the usb a to usb c & the small power brick to go with that cable & usb c to usb c cable if you want to connect to a PC or PS5
@@jahgas2694 My bad & it came with the other 2 cables that’s in this video as well 🤦🏾
I've been looking at these the past couple of weeks, so good timing on your review. I've been using the Sennheiser GSX 1000 which you mentioned in your review, but lately I've been wanting something a bit more. How would you compare the Hel 2 with a decent headphone (not high end) vs. the Penrose X? I feel like I already know the answer but interested in what you think.
Is optical better than usb connection sound wise ?
Hey, have hel too, tell please is it possible get something good headphones for games ~200$ +- ?
You can buy a cheap/refurbished Sound Blaster G6 for under $100 and use it as a pre-amp. Optical in, optical out. That will give you EQ, virtual surround, etc., all while still allowing for the Hel to work its magic.
Would you use the Schiit HEL with an Antlion Kimura Duo?
@GadgetryTech Does it work with Dolby Atmos via USB-C on PS5??
I am coming from a creative soundblaster X7 and it finally died on me had it since like 2015 now I am trying a K9pro from Fiio I wanted to know can I use it for consoles
Does it have sidetone / mic monitoring??
Can these power hd 800s for gaming…?
Awesome video, I truly enjoy your reviews and the effort putting them together. I'm wondering, would recommend the Schiit Hel 2e over the Fosi Audio K5 Pro for PS5 players? Stay safe
I just bought the Fosi K5 a few days ago! Will do a video on this soon!
So do I get virtualization or Eq's? Sorry had to ask with the flu 🙏
Dude idk if i should get an X4, gsx 1200, or this. I have a PC38x. Im just so lost...
Would Hyperx alpha s work well with this amp?
I’m waiting on mines. Says hel rolling backorder
Can I connect this to GoXLR mini?
I live in Ireland and have US relations coming home for Christmas. Is there any issue with plugging this to the wall using a USB-C plug
Has anyone found work around to allow Xbox do chat on this dac seems like lot of gaming dacs don't allow chat soundblaster g6 has some kinda of work around but it's not guaranteed to work
Question, please: In your experience, if one plays primarily single player games on their PS5, would they benefit from a DAC/headset combo like HEL 2and the Hifiman Edition XS over the Audeze Penrose enough to justify the cost increase?
Yes, 1000% especially with the PS5 tempest directional audio. It feels 3 dimensional
can i pair this with my sennheiser hd 560s?
Can the line out on the rear be used reliably for studio monitors or desktop speakers, like if I were to unplug my headphones to let my friend listen to a song with me for example?
As long as those speakers have their own power it will work.
Mic monitoring?
I just realized that when I adjust the main knob, my microphone gain scales as well. Would be nice if it was only affected by the microphone gain knob.
Man that sucks ! This is what happens when you have no software suite , such as Creative provides.
Not fair. What is a good Dac/Amp for xbox series x?😒
this fond play to PlayStation 5 ?
Awesome review! Does the Fulla e also allow for the use of a mod mic like the one shown in the video? The Schiit website lists stereo mic input as a reason to upgrade to the Hella which makes me think that the mod mic would not work with the fulla?
Personally I think the company is Fulla Schiit😂
Get a Play 3 or a Play 4 I got a splitter for Play 4 for separate mic and audio. Play 3 has separate jacks already. Either one drives my 80 ohm DT770 Pro HP way loud. Play 4 works with phone USB-C , use anywhere.
I found a really good deal on the hel 1 and I’ve been using it with the akg 712 pro for warzone and it’s amazing you hear the steps in a way that people think you cheating. Lol
How do you like your 712 pros?
@@Princeton_James they are amazing! The sound is great pretty linear with not to much bass. Have a great soundstage and are very very comfortable to wear for hours. They are good for music to. They need a dac they require power.
For ps5 with kiwi ears orchestra lite this one or the fiio k11 or k11r2r
How would i get Virtual Surround with this? Is there also open source software for it? I just got SB X4 and all the "enhancement" stuff is really disappointing
This doesn’t use any of that gimmicky bs. This is strictly pure unadulterated stereo sound.
@@mmorales508 all "pure stereo no surround" stuff i have owned in combination with windows was left channel OR right channel and a very small center which really disoriented me. did not sound good at all
I was already planning on getting this for the ps5. Would this be able to Power 600 ohm headsets? Or would it be better for 250? Idk I'm new to all this audio stuff
250, you need way more power for 600 ohms
I really don't think you'd need 600 ohm for anything the ps5 can do tbh
Mic Monitoring would have me buying this product but damn... that's a miss when you are used to it on your last 3 pairs of headphones via XLR mixer or wireless
Will this allow me to use in conjunction with the tempest 3d audio on PS5? I just ordered one .
Yes it will!
Awesome review!
I have a question... I have a Zen Stack (Dac/Can), and I am wondering if switching to Shiit Hel 2 would be good idea or should I stick with my stack?
Thanks!
Only for gaming. If you just want good sound for cheap, what you have is already good
Sorry I missed this. Yeah if you need mic get the HEL2. Otherwise the difference will be minimal. Zen is slightly smoother/more laid back sounding. HEL2 is a little bit more energetic sounding
Thanks both of you for replying
I'm more interested in this as a platform for listening to music with Zenn HD600s and with an external mike in combination with a external mike for Zoom phone calls. Comments anyone? Also, great review!
This sounds like a really good product, but I noticed in the comments that people were having problems. Is that still the case or have the problems been fixed?
Crickets chirping , stick with Creative products.
@@BigEightiesNewWavemy creative sound blaster blew out just after the year warranty, every product has its issues.
I noticed you have Hifimans in the background. Would this pair well for gaming with something like the Anadas?
Yeah the Ananda’s are fairly neautral so this will preserve that. For gaming though I would set the HEL2 to 16 bit 384kHZ as it seems to have the lowest latency. Some default sample rates add a lot more latency which is unusable for gaming. If you need custom EQ I would add the Atmos app on top of that.
@@GadgetryTech I have never heard of latency as far as sound goes. What does that change in gaming? I use the line out from my PC to a Schiit amp to a pair of Anandas currently and they are 24 bit by 48000. I don't think I know enough about gaming sound to EQ. I am more of an old school car audio guy lol.
Hey there ! In advance, sorry for my bad english. Not my main language. But still, i recently sold my magni/modi combo with my DT 990 pro that i used to love when it came to listen music or just playing games with Friends. I've not been disapointed by Schiit stuff at all.
But, i still have my Creative GC7 with my EPOS H6 Pro i ordered Yesterday. (I'm an open back can boy).
I was wondering if it's a great option to sell my GC7 and buy the Hel2E version, as long as i've seen, WE won't have the AK dac but ES dac in Europe. Maybe to upgrade for a higher pair of can in the future ?
Sorry for this long comment ... But you know... 😅
Aside that ... I really really love your reviews, i discovered your channel in my suggestions a few days ago and it's just a shame you don't have more subscribers ! 🙄
Greetings from France !
Hi! The HEL2E has a lot more power, so if getting some more power to your headphones will benefit from you (which it can help with certain tracks and headphones) then you will like it a lot. The GC7 gives you more control over the sound though with EQ, so in some cases people will like that more. On the HEL2E, you would want to use Atmos or Equalizer APO with the PEACE addon. If you do all that it would be amazing.
One of the few good amp/dacs that will work with the PS5 well. I like my amp/dac (Fiio K5 Pro) but it doesn't work with the PS5 at all without a special workaround and doesn't support a mic input either.
I'm running a Fifine XLR mic with this thing on my PS5 that's crazy. I'm pleasantly surprised 🤣
How do you connect an XLR Microphone on this device?
@@captainslow150 you need an XLR to 3.5 mm plug which goes into the Hel2e
Just ordered this for my PS5 and a pair of HD 6XX's. Im pretty excited to hear the difference from using earbuds from my dualsense haha
how do you like using it?
@@erock81487 it's incredible! Huge difference. Complete immersion in the elden ring world. I can discern tiny details in full clarity. I can't recommend it enough
@@Trey_Murder is it still working good?
@@lucidmonkey3591 yeah man, still working great! 100% worth it. Lots more details
@@Trey_Murder hey man do you to use the optical cable? (Ps5, and I don’t want to use a splitter for optical)
Any updates on the Bang and Olufsen Portal?
I have two pair. One pair never connects to my Xbox using the newest software. The replacement works better and I have been using the old software. Still doesn’t connect first try, but maybe after two or three.
What mic and headset would pair with this for gaming
In order of price: Drop PC38X, EPOS H6PRO, VZR Model One, Sennheiser HD800S + add Antlion Mod Mic Uni.
I saw the Hel 2 and then Hel 2e.... There is any difference? Or is just the same product with the addition of a letter?
The E switched to an ESS Sabre DAC because of the AKM factory fire. I think the general consensus is they sound nearly identical to each other. I like the AKM sound slightly more, but I think the ESS DAC models have been a little more reliable, not due to the DAC change, but just being a more recent build. You really can't go wrong with either.
@@GadgetryTech ok thank you for your response
So I can't use this if I want to use my mic? Currently I'm using the h6pro with the astro mixamp pro tr 2
You can use it. Just use the included y adapter to make the mic and headphone connection For your H6PRO, or use your other H6PRO headset cable which is longer and includes the split you need to have
@@GadgetryTech ok thanks for the help, subbed 😊👍🏽
The first hel also didn't have optical.
I've been looking for a good headset and gaming dac, but I like to customize my eq, because I've been playing around with what frequency footsteps are in on Warzone specifically. Given that, I'd want an eq and I guess Pete's would work. I guess what I'd be missing is mic monitoring for closed back headsets. I wish there was a perfect setup, but so far I'm still looking. Loved the vid, really respect what Schiit does, but I think they could use a couple extra features to make the perfect gaming dac. Honestly it's cool they make one at all.
Looking for the same setup for ps5 not sure to go with the steel series that comes with dac or 1&1 a headset and the hel2
I would love to get one of these as my first DAC/amp but comments from current users indicate a high rate of failure/crackling issues. Schiit's said it's apparently due to mobo weirdness. the issue persists with the latest 2E model. I can't be bothered getting it and then having to return it for problems.
Mine just starting making a ticking sound every second or so! If I power cycle it, it goes away. Sometimes it stays away for the rest of the day or it comes back an hour later. I still use it all the time because I haven't found another combo that had a mic pramp this good, with so much power on the output stage.
@@GadgetryTech that sucks, man. a Schiit guy said people with issues should try using a USB hub between the PC and the Hel, that might help. as for me, I'm just not going to get it if it's this prone to issues, even if it is great when it works. I will probably go with a Fiio K5 Pro.
@@LeGronk I will stick with Creative , never have issues , and they update drivers and firmware a lot.
Could I use an XLR cable with a 3.5 converter for my mic on this DAC?
Nope.
@@BigEightiesNewWave guess again. It actually works very well
I got a sennheiser 650 paired with a scarlet focusrite. Unfortunately it does not work for gaming (at least on most games) as I m losing awareness, dont hear footsteps etc. After research it seems one of these dacs, like Fulla 4 or Hel2 would be solving my issue. I m between Fulla and Hel, which should I select? they have 100$ difference so.. I dont really care about the mic to be honest, just the 7.1 virtualization.
They both do not do extra virtualization. They are just clean high output amp/DACs. The HEL2 gives you adjustable mic input gain (better mic preamp) and a lot more power to drive bigger headphones. If you don’t need either, the Fulla is still a good option. If you want some slick virtualization I would use Atmos on those, or look at the GSX1000/1200 from EPOS.
@@GadgetryTech thank you for taking the time to answer to me. So essentially what they mean by gaming is that they provide you with an adjustable mic input? Following your suggestion as I understand it, I should keep the focus rite and buy a license for dolby atmos, right? Or just get the gsx as a more complete solution.
I almost have buyer's remorse buying one of these: i only have a PC38X and this DACAmp is overpowered for those, and i probably could have gone with a fulla 4 and been just as happy, but here we are.
the optical input makes it great for gaming with my gamecube (with an EON MKII) and all my playstation consoles (2,3,4) and the fact that it works with my switch is the icing on the cake.
Can I use this with powered speakers as well as headphones so I can just switch when I want to use speakers instead?
Technically you can by using the line out on the back. The headphone jacks must be unplugged up front through in order for the rear line out to be active. From there you want to turn the volume knob up about half way.
@@GadgetryTech Nice.. thanks for answering
Have you tried the Meze 109 Pro headset? If so, what are your thoughts?
I'm waiting for it to arrive!
@@GadgetryTech ah, ok.
Is this the 2E version?
No, this one in the video has the AKM chip, 2E version has ESS ES9018 in it. You can check the FAQ tab on the product page about this, they say "The AKM factory fire put a crimp in any product using the AK4490 DAC, like Hel 2. So now you have Hel 2E, with the ESS ES9018 instead."