[MarbeL]

So I just recently bought an algorithm q701 and im trying to figure out what amp to get or if I need one. I will only be using these headphones on my pc to play fps games. I read in lust envy's guide about something called Dolby Headphone and am wondering if I would benefit from this. I have a sound blaster x-fi platinum edition sound card. Please help me figure out what amp I should get for the best gaming setup with my q701.

 

[jackwess]

Have you considered the Xonar essence STX? 

 

[MarbeL]

I took a look at the Xonar essence STX.  I'm not sure if it is what I want or not.  It has Dolby Headphone but it only says up to 5.1 surround sound.  Does that mean it only does Dolby Headphone pro logic II instead of Dolby Headphone pro logic IIx or IIz?  I read further down and it mentioned that it has 7.1 under the drivers for something called "Xear 3D™ Virtual Speaker Shifter:". but I'm pretty sure that's not for Dolby Headphone.  Is there a Dolby Headphone amp that supports the 7.1 or 9.1 surround sound for Dolby Headphone pro logic IIz?

 

[AxelDaemon]

Well I can't recommend anything at all since the only thing I do have is the Q701, but after back to back talking with Nameless and some thread reading.
 
Between Dolby Headphone and CMSS3D Headphone which you'll find in X-Fi branded Creative cards (and some other brands? Not sure) It's all up to preference which of the two you'd use.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/591811/do-you-use-cmss-3d-or-dolby-headphone-for-gaming 
 
There's a constant statement of how great the soundstage in the Q701 is so you're covered there.  Dolby/CMSS3D utilizes the sound stage to help direcitonal cues/sound position etc.
 
As for soundcard... well that's a large debate between Asus and Creative soundcards.  People like Roller stand by and state that the Creative simply perform better in terms of handing audio for gaming.
 
And... 9.1?  Sorry buddy CMSS3D only hands virtual 7.1.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-updated-4-12-2012-akg-q701-added  I know you checked here already, but did you even see the videos to see how Dolby sounds?
 
http://forum.ixbt.com/topic.cgi?id=12:52795 (provided from Nameless guide which is linked below)  Download the ones that have X-Fi on them for CMSS3D.  Be sure you don't have any surround sound filter enabled from your soundcard, run everything neutral, as the audio carried in these videos already carry the dolby/cmss3D info, and enabling your own thing will just mess it up (probably)
 
In any case give Nameless Guide a read too.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound