Long Untitleable Question

[Munky]

Sorry for the lack of a description in the title, i tried.

I'm new to the headfi scene, and i want something that is easily and cheaply upgradeable. I use headphones for music obviously, and alot of gaming. So i would like to get a new sound card, im currently onboard AC97, which i have been meaning to change out for awhile. Can anyone point me in the right direction for a soundcard with good headphone support?

and a probibly stupid question, but would it be plasable to jsut get a DAC and use it for gaming aswell as music? the idea being it would save me some money if i ever wanted to get a harder to drive headphone.

[Singapura]

A DAC ususally doesn't offer Dolby surround sound, something you might want to have for gaming. You can always go with the onboard soundchip for that. An alternative would be an external soundcard like the SoundBlaster SX that offers best of both worlds (but no surround). I used a pair of MS-1's for gaming but Senns CX300 IEM's will do the job fine. Alternatively you can look at the Crossroads MylarOne XBi which are great for mobile gaming as well. At the moment I use a GoVibe USB DAC for music and the Soundblaster for gaming.

[Munky]

I guess i would be better off getting a soundcard, and an amp at a latter date.

so then, are there any soundcards that are better with headphones? Presumably Dolby Headphone, i dont know if there is anything other then that.

Cards i have looked at so far are the Sondigo Inferno, which supports dolby headphone, the Azentech Prelude, and the Azentech X-plosion. any pointers at all would be great.