[Nihl]

Looking at a pair of DT 770s (the 250 Ohm / pro version) to use mainly on my desktop PC. Right now I don't have an amp/dac, but I do have a soundcard -- unfortunately it does not have a headphone amplifier. I was looking at the STX..

Thoughts?

 

[PurpleAngel]

A used Audio Technica ATH-A900X, with Hifiman Velour ear pads, is what I prefer over my DT770s.

 

[Nihl]

Really?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Really?

Yep, like the A900X better.
What sound card do you have?

 

[Nihl]

Right now -- XIFI Xtremegamer. =/

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Right now -- XIFI Xtremegamer. =/

XtremeGamer would not be my first choice for driving the 40-Ohm ATH-A900X, but it would do the job and not as good as the STX.

 

[Nihl]

It wouldn't be my choice either, it's just what I've had for the last five years.

I actually tested the XiFi Titanium HD -- and the XG version sounds much better, to me anyways. So far others have recommended the STX and SBZ.

 

[SaLX]

You need a card with a built in amp to properly power 250 ohm headphones. The Titanium HD doesn't have a proper headphone amplifier, but the STX does (and that would be a very good choice).
 
As Purple said, the Extremegamer is pretty long in tooth now - time for that upgrade

 

[Nihl]

Yeah, when I had the HD installed I wasn't considering the use of an amp to drive more powerful cans.

Is there a praticular model of choice for the STX?

 

[SaLX]

Yeah, you'd need an amp (via the line out/s) on the HD to drive those Beyers. You could of course get the 80 ohm version (got a lot of bass).

 

[Nihl]

This is true, but wouldn't the 80 ohm version even benefit from an amp?

 

[Nihl]

So would an STX really be the ideal choice? It seems like some portable/dedicated headphone amplifiers are cheaper. Like the e17 for instance.

Although, I'll mainly be sitting at my desktop most of the time..

 

[SaLX]

Well we know you ought to get better card at least (Cheaper Xonar - the DX is good - or a Titanium) and then buy an amp like the E17 or a Magni/O2. Kind of the same price as a STX. Getting a DX+amp would probably be the better solution but the STX is excellent. Sup to you.. Hopefully Purpleangel can help you out there.

 

[Nihl]

Cool, sounds good. I'm just wondering if it's worth buying a card or just getting something external for varying use.

Gawdddaang though, the STX ain't cheap.

 

[genclaymore]

I say if the sound card has features that you would want besides the headphone amp, then go for it.  I have seen Creative sound blaster Z's go for 60-70 dollars for the oem version which is the same as the normal version, It has a headphone amp in it of course it not as strong as the STX one.  You could always attach a Schiit Vali/modi/E17 to your existing X-FI card, Unless you want to upgrade the card. I also seen a Aune T1 usb dac amp for $140ish the last time I looked. Also you might be able to find good deals in the f/s section of the forums.