Hey guys,
I'm looking to purchase some audio gear for my gaming PC. I plan to use this with a Sennhesier Game zero (150 ohm impedance)
 
I was first about to get the Asus Xonar essence STX, but I heard there was driver problems and it caused BSODs (I use Win 8.1 pro 64bit)
 
So then I looked into external USB DACs/amps, and the Asus Xonar U7 caught my eye, since it seems like a high quality DAC and it says it can drive headphones up to 150 ohms. But reviews say the amp is lacking and apparenly even 80 ohm headphones sounded quiet which was worrying. (or am i misunderstanding something)
 
What I really would like is a nice sound solution that has virtual surround sound capability and that can drive 150 ohm cans.
 
Perhaps the Xonar U7 + O2 amp? (though an all in one would be preferable)

infiniteknight said:

  Hey guys,
I'm looking to purchase some audio gear for my gaming PC. I plan to use this with a Sennhesier Game zero (150 ohm impedance)
I was first about to get the Asus Xonar Essence STX, but I heard there was driver problems and it caused BSODs (I use Win 8.1 pro 64bit)
So then I looked into external USB DACs/amps, and the Asus Xonar U7 caught my eye, since it seems like a high quality DAC and it says it can drive headphones up to 150-Ohms. But reviews say the amp is lacking and apparently even 80-Ohm headphones sounded quiet which was worrying. (or am i misunderstanding something)
What I really would like is a nice sound solution that has virtual surround sound capability and that can drive 150 ohm cans.
Perhaps the Xonar U7 + O2 amp? (though an all in one would be preferable)

Click to expand...

 
My Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card did not give me any problems while using Windows 8.1 64-bit.
There is also the Unified Xonar Driver that can be used with the Essence STX.
http://maxedtech.com/asus-xonar-unified-drivers/
 
Some people leave their on-board audio enabled when installing an add-on internal sound card.
That might be one of the reasons they were having issues with the Essence STX.

Hmm i see. Well Thing is, the STX is designed for very high quality headphones. The sennheiser game zeros are good but they arent in that audiophile class, which is why i was gearing towards the Xonar U7, for its simplicity and capability. Do you think the U7 would be able to drive the game zeros?

infiniteknight said:

  Hmm i see. Well Thing is, the STX is designed for very high quality headphones. The Sennheiser game zeros are good but they aren't in that audiophile class, which is why i was gearing towards the Xonar U7, for its simplicity and capability. Do you think the U7 would be able to drive the game zeros?

Click to expand...

 
The Asus Xonar U7 should be able to drive 150-Ohm (Game Zero) headphones.

infiniteknight said:

  Hmm i see. Well Thing is, the STX is designed for very high quality headphones. The sennheiser game zeros are good but they arent in that audiophile class, which is why i was gearing towards the Xonar U7, for its simplicity and capability. Do you think the U7 would be able to drive the game zeros?

Click to expand...

the sennheiser game zeros are comparable with the PC360 and HD598 ... 
 
the U7 uses a really good D/A chip, the U7 can perfectly drive the game zeros, My U3 could drive my HD598. It also has the Dolby Home Theatre v4 for surround options.