Headphones (140-250 $) combined with Xonar Essence STX or other DAC/AMP - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murpie 

I'm pleased to hear that. Gaming sure is a factor though, I'm going to put the card in my computer for gaming. So if I'd like to keep a better performance for gaming I should keep the card and get a good DAC/amp? I do need a crappier soundcard for my other scrappier computer.

 

Looping seems tricky? ^^

Anyone got any ideas for an amp/dac combo?  

I've been looking at this combo:

Pro-Ject Head Box II     (headphone amp)

Pro-Ject USB Box        (DAC)

 

Thing is maybe my X-Fi Music or a new Asus Xonar D1 would benefit from a good headphone amp? That way I could get both good performance in games and when listening to music through my new soon to be headphones? 

 

I desided that since Frostbite 2 handles all the audio in BF3, I don't care if I get less surround with the Xonar Essence STX. So I'm getting it. ;)

But I still need a pair of good headphones that won't kill my wallet. ;) Any further thoughts?

Ok, thanks guys. 

Now I got two questions. What do you guys think about the Ultrasone 20th anniversary? They're spot on for my budget and from what I hear, they're a real bargain?  

Otherwise I'm leaning towards a pair of AKG K-701 or a pair of Beyerdynamic DT-880 Pro. But there quite expensive. I currently have a pair of Sony MDR XB-500, and I like them but I guess detail and soundstage could be better. ^^ I'm feeling a bit tempted on the Sony MDR XB-1000 since they're so good damn cool. 

If I decide to wait with my Essence STX, would my X-Fi soundcard benefit from a headphone amp like for example the Pro-Ject Head Box II? I mean the sound quality as far as detail would not improve right? 

Edit: What about the Sony MDR-ZX700?  Apparently there's also a pair called Sony MDR-7510 which might be something? They seems to be more directed towards studio applications.

Edit 2: Gosh, I've really got into Sony's headphones.  How about the Sony MDR-SA3000? I found this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR-SA3000-DJ-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B0007N55KU

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleAngel 

There have been a few good reviews on the MDR-SA3000.

 

Yeah, and for that price I think they're the way to go.  Question is if there good for metal though... Might just go with the SONY MDR-ZX700 or the SONY MDR-7510.