Hello,
 
I want to get a headset, this will be my first 'good' headset because I've never paid more than $50 for a headset so far.
 
These are the options that I have access to and I can afford: (ordered by price, low-high)
1) Sennheiser HD429s
2) Sennheiser HD512
3) Sennheiser HD558
edit: (Basically anything from this store http://www.jbhifi.com.au/portable/mp3-players/head-phones/sennheiser/ currency is AUD not USD btw). The above headsets are the one that really caught my eyes though.
 
Here are the facts, my usage will mainly be for desktop media/music/gaming. At the mean time I'm using the built-in realtek chipset for audio (mobo is z87x-ud3h) and I understand that this is highly unadvised for high-price headsets. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I also prefer open-backed headphones.
 
I have no problem getting a pci-e sound card to make use of my headset and I'm more than happy to pay the price for a good piece of equipment that will serve me long term.
 
Any input is very much appreciated. I came to this forum because I'm pretty sure this is where I'll get the best advise.

Just bumping in hope that I could get a reply on this.

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/portable/mp3-players/head-phones/sennheiser/hifi-home-cinema-headphones-sku-67498/

Thanks rubin.
 
One question, I read that the 558 are easy to drive, will my onboard ALC898 be enough? Or does anyone recommend that I should invest in a sound card?

hiya, If you need surroundsound, go for pci soundcard such as Asus Xnor DG or else go for budget dac/amp E10.

@rubin, I've been told on another forum that the onboard audio is good enough and paying for a soundcard is a waste of cash (I could invest in a usb amp though, e.g.: fiio e10) .. and multiple people confirmed this. So I'm not sure if your recommendation was only based on a whim or solid knowledge.
 
Thanks for the help anyhow.

well, if gaming with surround sound is main priority, then soundcard only can fulfil this requirement. But for music dac/amp is always recommended. So prioritize your need and then choose the one option which you require most!