[R1ch3rd]

Hi Everyone,
 
Super glad I found this forum,  been reading through posts most of today.
 
I have been specing out a new PC designed around the Oculus Rift.  My wife and I are really excited to put this together.  I am not an audio expert especially in regards to headphones.  However any immersive experience requires solid immersive audio so I have been looking at information all weekend.  Anyway here is what I am thinking will make a quality system:
 
Asus  Essence STX II 7.1
 
Bererdymanic DT 880 Pro headphones.
 
 
My needs require great soundstage and positional surround audio.  My questions are:
 
1) Will the Asus Essence STX II power higher impedance headphones?  Documentation states that it will work with up to 600 ohm.
 
2) Should I invest in an amp and will that change sound quality or effect surround sound?
 
Thanks
 
- Rich B.

 

[KG Jag]

Just so you know, there is an entire sub-section of this forum devoted to computer audio.

 

[jackwess]

Hello and welcome.
 
To answer your questions:
 
1- The STX II will have no problems driving the 250ohm beyers. I'ts a very capable soundcard. 
2- I don't see the need for a separate headphone amp, unless you decide to buy hard to drive headphones. It will not affect the sound in any way (but you need to use the STX II as a source) it will only amplify the signal coming from it. 

 

[R1ch3rd]

Thank you very much for the answers and for the directions to additional resources.
 

 
Rich