Quote:
Originally Posted by
khughes44 
My only headphone experience has been with an ipod and UE pro something in ear jobs. I recently bought some AKG K701's and I am very impressed. I have a quite extensive (3,000 or so) cd collection ripped (FLAC) to a hard drive. I've been listening with the 701's plugged into the cheapo sound card that came with the computer about 6 years ago. I think its a Creative.
Anyway, I'd like to get more out of the system but I don't know where to begin. Shall I just upgrade the card to an ASUS or what? How much difference will a headphone amp make? All opinions welcome.
Thanks!
A cheapo sound card, may as well start from there
Need to upgrade/improve from the very start, the DAC (Digital Analog Convertor)
How much would a amp make? A big difference since you have K701s which is somewhat harder to drive
(Takes move power to increase volume compared to a lower Ohm headphone)
If you like the sound signature of the K701s, I would still with neutral amps and dacs
What to buy? Not sure don't have much experience with K701s
But I would recommend to start with the DAC
A external or soundcard? I personally like external because it is usually built better than soundcards at the same price
Alot of soundcards are aimed at gaming so that may change your decision
