3.5mm to USB Converter?

Hello,

I'm planning on purchasing the Sennheiser HD 515 Headphones, but I am still a bit unsure about a few things.

1) Is a 3.5mm jack the same type of jack that is used with average headphones?

2) Is it possible to use a 3.5mm to USB 2.0 converter with these headphones? (it looks like these headphones only have one jack, but most of the converters I've looked at are made to accommodate two jacks; I suppose for left and right audio) If it is possible to use a converter for these headphones, where can I find one?

3) I am planning on purchasing a mouse from a website called Tiger Direct. I've noticed the prices are shockingly low at this website, and it looks great, but does anyone have any experience with this retailer?

Thanks!

 

Yes.

What are you using these headphones with? I don't know of any laptop that doesn't have a headphone jack.
The jacks in the USB "converters" you're referring to are probably headphone/speaker and microphone jacks, you only need to plug into one of them, a regular headphone jack usually carries both right and left audio (stereo) in the same plug.

I've shopped there a couple of times, I generally prefer Newegg, but I've had good experience with Tiger Direct. Be aware however, that in my experience at least, shipping costs are generally higher there than at other stores, which may offset a lower price.

 

1) Yes. In the states they're called 1/8" jacks (and the 6.3mm is 1/4").

2) Yes. The headphones are 'dumb' and don't care what the source is. As long as the USB -> 3.5mm adapter is meant for use with headphones/speakers, you should be set. (PS why not just use hte headphone/line out jack on your computer?)

3) Yes. Tiger Direct is a great website. Before I buy anything from Newegg I double-check that TD doesn't have the same thing for cheaper. (If you're used to buying electronics from real stores, anything online is going to look shockingly low.) Buy.com is another great place for peripherals and computers (I bought my thinkpad from them, for example)

 

2) Is it possible to use a 3.5mm to USB 2.0 converter with these headphones? (it looks like these headphones only have one jack, but most of the converters I've looked at are made to accommodate two jacks; I suppose for left and right audio) If it is possible to use a converter for these headphones, where can I find one?

A great 3.5mm to USB converter which upsamples the sound and actually improves waveform quality is Creative Xmod. I use it and it works great- with X-fi crystalliser turned on it works well with music with plenty of mids but can turn too sharp with high pitched vocals, and overbearing with cymbals - you can turn these settings down though and it has a surround function effect for headphones which works well.

 

A "USB to 3.5" converter is a misnomer. Such a device is actually just a DAC. In peecee land, a DAC is called a "Sound Card". A small compact DAC. A cheap crappy one will give you cheap crappy sound. A good one will give you good sound.

This is the DAC I use:
http://hifi500.com/product/da100.htm
attached to one of these:
http://hifi500.com/product/hp100.htm

Performs the exact same function as a so-called "USB to 3.5" converter but it actually sounds good.

The more you spend on a DAC, the better off you'll be. (A $20 DAC is garbage).

 

Somehow... I don't think he's looking to spend $700+
Especially just to pair with $65 headphones...

 

Look just keep your wallet in your pocket and buy the headphones on their own. 3.5mm is indeed the size of headphone plugs. This one as do most come with a 6.3mm adaptor for the other size of headphone plug

 

Not suggesting that he should - merely pointing out what's out there since the question being asked was about a usb DAC product.

I agree with LFC, just plug the headphones into the onboard audio-out. There are plug adapters available. It will sound way better than a $20 USB DAC and costs less too.