Question Need some audio advice - Bluetooth - PC - Audio Quality - Recommendations.

[MachoFantastico]

Hi folks, I need some advice. I'm currently using my Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones attached via Bluetooth to my PC but I know I'm not getting the best sound quality from them as it states I'm only getting DVD-quality audio in Windows. I recently purchased some SteelSeries Arctic Nova Pro Wireless headphones that should have provided better Bluetooth audio. Still, I was frustrated by the software the headphones used and could never get a setup that sounded good to me. I'm not an expert at doing EQ so I felt lost in properly setting the headphones up for the best quality, which eventually led me to return them. I love my Sony WH-1000XM5 but I know they aren't exactly built for gaming on PC, plus when you try to use them as a proper headset with a mic they sound awful. So I am looking for alternative options too.

So I want to know if there's anything I could do to get better audio quality when playing on PC with Bluetooth headphones. Even if it means buying new headphones/hardware I don't mind. I thought I'd like the Arctic Nova Pro Wireless and they seemed perfect for my needs, but I could never find a setup that sounded good to me and I found myself endlessly messing with the settings.

Does anyone have any advice/tips on how I could get better Bluetooth audio quality when using them on a PC?

Thanks in advance.

 

[futureman 101]

I'm using the Sony XM5's now and they sound great for music and gaming.

Why do you say you're only getting DVD quality?

If I go into W10 Sound> Advanced>it shows 16 bit CD quality.

Also on the Sony app I can change the EQ to suit me.

I've got various bluetooth headphones and some wired Audio Technica and the Sony XM5's sound on a par with all those.

Maybe there's something not set up properly.

 

[MachoFantastico]

In Windows 11 I don't have that option and I don't believe I can get the Sony Connect app on W11. I'll keep looking but a few folks have told me that wired might be a better option for what I'm looking for when it comes to audio quality.

 

[futureman 101]

I think DVD audio is at least as good as CD audio if not better.
I'm not sure about this, I set the EQ on the phone Sony app and then use the headphones on my PC. I'll check if EQ doesn't work on PC.

It may be that your hearing is more acute. I mean the wired Audio Technica's probably are slightly superior across the range, but not enough that I don't prefer the Sony's. It's great to be able to keep the headphones on when I leave the PC, but with wired I can't.

I'm also using a bluetooth transmitter on my PC which give a better and stonger signal.

I suppose you could set the Sony's up as best as possible and then you'll be able to see if the wired are better.

 

[Unolocogringo]

To be honest all of the Gaming headphones I have listened to sounded terrible with music compared to my cheap Denon headphones ($150).
"gaming" is a marketing word used to increase the price of cheaper components.

DVD audio can be better than CD by a good bit .
CD: 44,1Khz 16bit 2 channels DVD 96Khz 24bit multiple channels
Depends on how it is encoded on the DVD and the playback device.
On a crappy set of headphones or cheap speakers you may not hear much difference.
On a good amp and set of good speakers/headphones you can definitely tell the difference.