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Need thoughts about a decision about amps and soundcards

post #1 of 4
12/2/11 at 4:10pm
Thread Starter 

Hi there, I need a bit of help deciding on what would be better, story is I already have a Xonar D2X soundcard, own a Senn 558 and Corsair SP2500. I was wondering whether to upgrade to the Essence ST or STX, sell the D2X or buy a headphone amp for the D2X. I heard the ST/STX are great for headphones. I mostly watch movies, listen to music and game equally. Would I benefit in the soundcard upgrade?

Any thoughts?


Edited by Praeceps - 12/2/11 at 4:17pm
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post #2 of 4
12/2/11 at 9:15pm

I think you would benefit more from buying an outboard headphone amplifier or new headphones, as opposed to a new soundcard. The 558's aren't a terribly complicated load, and the D2X probably drives them just fine. The STX will offer a better amplifier, but an outboard component can go beyond that quite easily. The processing abilities and other features should be roughly identical between the D2X and the STX, and the D2X offers multi-channel abilities that make it more suitable as a source (at least in my opinion).

 

 

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post #3 of 4
12/3/11 at 10:17am
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the reply oboskivich :). Ok I'm keeping the D2X, now I'm wondering what amp would be suitable? Would the FiiO E7 be enough or would the E7/E9 combo be much better? or any suggestions?

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post #4 of 4
12/3/11 at 12:25pm

I don't know much about the Fiio - I've read good things though. Little Dot and Firestone are what used to be suggested, and what I remember; none of the products I remember are still made though (they've all been revised, apparently). 

 

The Creek OBH-11 and Music Hall ph25.2 both look quite enticing as well, at their respective price points. I like desktop units, if you couldn't tell. 

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