Hey everyone, audio newbie here. I normally frequent the overclock.net computer audio forum, but am coming here for some more expert opinions for my audio questions. Bear with me, I am here to learn.
I have a pair of Sony MDR-7506 Professionals, hooked to a SoundBlaster x-fi XtremeGamer (don't flame, got it for 30 bucks). It sounds really good in my opinion, but the card has no headphone amp. Opinions on whether a headphone amp would make it sound significantly better? They are pretty low impedance (63 ohms). I listen to mostly heavy metal, but some dubstep/bass heavy music, and also play games.
I know that a better route would probably be to go motherboard optical > DAC/amp > headphones, but I would rather not spend the money right now, and I enjoy some of the sound card's gaming audio features.
I know headphone amps can be pretty pricey, but anything I would get would be in the sub-200 range. Also my dad has an old Pioneer stereo amp, similar to this that he would probably give me. Would the front 1/4 in. headphone out provide amplification? I think having an old amp like that would be sweet.
Anyways, I don't know much about all this, but sure would appreciate some pointers. Thanks.
