Suggestion for an Audiophile + Gaming Audio Card

[dinkoy]

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As stated above, I currently have a Monster Turbine Pro Copper, Audio Technica ATH-M50s, and an Etymotic Research hf3. I will be trying out my cousin's Shure SRH-840 also.

The Xonar has a built-in Headphone Amp. I do not consider myself an Audiophile but I know how to appreciate a good sounding setup. I want to keep it clean and simple. Having external DAC's+Amp will only add clutter to my already cluttered desk. ^_^

I will eventually get myself a Sennheiser HD650 or HD800 when I have saved up enough moolah. ^_^

The hard part would be compromising between space and better driving capability since better power means better sound on most cases. There wont be any problem with the current lineup that you have bro(since most are around 60ohms-80ohms on my best guess) but you did mention on intending to get a either senn models (HD650 & HD800) which is around 300ohms each. Though I'm a little lacking in knowledge regarding PC soundcards, I do feel that it may lack power since you need a dedicated power supply for you to drive 300ohms and make it sound right. But yeah, to each his own. The best sound is the one that makes us smile when we hear it.

[BeoR]

@dinkoy, the Xonar Essence ST has a headphone amp that can be used to drive up to 600ohms. That's one factor why I considered the Xonar or the Auzentech. These are soundcards with built-in headphone amps and swappable op-amps. It does require a direct connection to the PSU.

While we're in this discussion, I tried using my daughter's Justin Beiber Beats headphones... same impression. ^_^

[dinkoy]

By the way bro, your lineup seems familiar. You related to Kaloy?

[BeoR]

dinkoy, which Kaloy are you referring to? I have two cousins who would qualify.

[dinkoy]

dinkoy, which Kaloy are you referring to? I have two cousins who would qualify.

Not sure if I got it right but, Chua?

[BeoR]

Not sure if I got it right but, Chua?

Yup, he's my cousin. The reason why I am involved in this madness.

[dinkoy]

Yup, he's my cousin. The reason why I am involved in this madness.

Ok bro. I think he's been more into car audio lately, I haven't seen him around that much anymore. Anyway bro, checked the power output of the Xonar Essence ST, I cant say it sounds bad(since synergy might be another issue) but for the HD650/HD800 it sure is a little underpowered @ 2 Vrms.

[BeoR]

We'll see how the op-amp upgrades will come out. In any case, I will still be buying a Westone UM3x before getting the Senn's as I rarely even listen to music on my PC. I am one of those who just wants to have it... lol

[foshow]

@BeoR: karon pako kita ani nah thread bro Beor.. I could have given you one more option before you bought the Asus but it probably wont matter nah as long as your happy with what you got. but if your still open for other options or just out of curiosity try to look at the HT Omega line of sound cards (it's mostly geared to music, movies and not so much on games though). I have the Claro Halo and replaced their swappable opamp and love the sound very much.

[foshow]

@BeoR: If your really planning to go all out with a full size headphone bro try also looking up on the Audez'e LCD-2 which I think is a really worth it alternative to the HD 800.. read up on it you might find the sound signature a bit more appealing than the HD 800's.