I'm both impressed and unimpressed with my Ear Force DSS. It is a fantastic driver, and it's implementation of Dolby Headphone works great. However, its lack of ability to adjust settings or switch to DH-1 really bothers me. For example, DH-2 causes horrible echo/reverb when using Skype.
I'm considering for the same price as the DSS ($80) to return it and buy a Xonar DX instead. However, I'm reading conflicting reports on its ability to properly drive headphones. In my case they will be Sennheiser HD598's. Thoughts?
I could always get a small desktop/headphone amp, but I really don't like having multiple volume controls (blame it on my OCD). If this were the case, I've read I would use the amp's volume dial and set the Xonar to 76%. A way around this would be to get the Essence STX which has a plenty powerful amp for HD598's and can be had for $150. But how much better is the sound than the DX?
This is starting to cost more than I would like to spend (not unaffordable, but what was just a new headset is growing into a project 
). So here are my options from what I would like the best...to worst. Thoughts?
- Get a Xonar DX and it is plenty powerful for a pair of HD598's. Total cost $50-80.
- Get a Xonar DX and a headphone amp if needed. I would probably even make it myself if I can't find a simple one I like for ~$50. Total cost ~$100-$120.
- Get an Essence STX and be done with it for a total cost of $150.
Thank you all for your help. I've been Googling all night and have read multiple posts, but I still felt the need to make this post. I also bolded the key points to make it easier for those with ADD like me.
