Okay thanks for the quick reply. Looks likes it's worth spending the money on the X7 then.
The great thing about the X7 is the internal amp is powerful enough to drive most headphones. So out of the box it is good enough for most headphones that gamers currently own. Once you want to upgrade, you have a few options that all can make a difference.
Good about X7:
1) RCA outs to any amp you like. This will have VSS added, so your new or better amp takes full advantage of the X7 VSS.
2) Swapping op amps makes a SUBSTANTIAL difference IMO. The Sparkos full swap really upped the X7 overall for Music/VSS. ($200 isn't cheap though). This swap affects ALL outputs, so it maximizes the op amp upgrade.
3) The optical OUT can have the VSS added. This means that the expensive optical DAC you want/own can be thrown into the mix.
4) X7 has an EQ built in. Need more Bass? Want more Highs? tweak to your hearts content! You can save profiles for different headphones!
5) Speaker outs can be used to drive ANY headphone with the appropriate cable adapter. Or drive speakers.
6) Has both a 1/4" and 1/8" headphone output. No need for adapters, just use the native headphone jack.
7) Fully adjustable VSS amount (0-100). You can dial in how much VSS you get. This is a VERY nice feature.
8) BT-W2 gives the PS4 mic ability by plugging mic into the X7 itself. Easier cable management by far over the Xbox One.
9) Music on Direct is very, very good. It competes with a ton of DACs in its price range. Op amp upgrade improves it further.
Downsides:
1) App controlled adjustments. Most would prefer buttons, so changing settings isn't as quick. (you may just leave the X7 in the same setup, so +/- depends on user.
2) If you swap between external and internal amps, you must be careful of current volume (maxed for RCA output). Could blow a headphone by accident. There is no volume level indicator on the unit, only in the app. The volume knob does flash when it hits Max/Min volume, So app technically isn't needed to know volume. May never be an issue (not for me as I always use my MicroZOTL2 amp)
3) Built in Mic is about useless. maybe on a computer desktop setup, but even then I would take a separate Mic.
4) Cable mess with using a mic with the Xbox One. You need a 3.5mm to RCA splitter that runs into the RCA inputs on the back of the X7.
5) Odd shape that is either a love hate. I don't mind it in my setup, but many do not care for the design.
6) Possible cable mess. My X7 sits next to my couch. I have an optical switcher in my TV cabinet for using PS4, Xbox One, Streaming Device (optical outs). That output goes to an optical splitter behind my X7 sending the optical to the X7 and Mimby.
For me and many others, the X7 is the best possible VSS device available. I am very interested in the Smyth Realizer A16, but I just bought a new P75-C1 4K TV, which was more important. I am also curious to see where Microsoft takes audio with the Scorpio. I can wait out and pay more for the Smyth down the road. I also own an Astro Mixamp 2013, which I double amp with a Schiit Magni. I strongly prefer the X7. The Mixamp is terrible for music (no matter the setting) and is just not as clean sounding as the X7. A Mixamp and separate amp is going to get into X7 price territory. There is no comparison in SQ between the 2, X7 walks all over the Mixamp. The current Mixamp is also not very good. The 2011 version seems to be the best they've ever made.
I would also look out for sales on the X7 soon. We have Memorial Day, Father's day, July 4th all coming up soon. Usually sales are posted here when someone finds them, so subscribe if you are interested in getting the best VSS machine currently available. It isn't perfect, but I think most can find a way to use the X7 without much hassle. I do not regret the purchase at all, which I cannot say for other headphone purchases I have made.
If I missed any +/-, let me know and I can update the list for perspective buyers. Also if anyone wants to reuse this post, go right ahead. I hope it sums up the unit well, and if useful, spread the info. Sorry I haven't been active recently. Still recovering from spine surgery. The Burson VS5i op amp upgrade review is in progress, but it is taking longer due to pain and other issues. I can say that the Sparkos are a better op amp, but at twice the cost, that may not be an option for most. The Burson op amps are definitely better than the stock. It's a tough review placing the Bursons between the stock and Sparkos. I have also read multiple issues with the single Bursons in the X7 (couple of times), and want to make sure I am not having issues as well. There was a 100 hour recommended break in period, which I wanted to do with listening. They did get better with time, but I have had a few weird problems at times. It seems to have settled out now.