Weird. The only time I've seen an open mic on a PTT user is when they CTRL-ALT-DELETE.    I didn't think that reverb could be a problem. Must be an audiophile thing.

  Monitor for an open mic when using PTT? What chat software are you using where that could be a problem? We use Teamspeak. Either the PTT key is pressed or it isn't.   Not familiar with the reverb issue. 

  Windows has this. You just use the windows mixer and up your mic volume. Not sure why you'd want it. 

  Your motherboard/soundcard doesn't have a front port connector for USB or 3.5mm? If not, then yeah you would need something to convert it to whatever connector the headset has.     Depends. I was harangued by Mad Lust Envy for not reading 1,270 pages of thread to determine this, but...

Keep in mind that SteamOS isn't meant to replace a desktop OS. It's meant for the living room.

Is using a 3.5MM to RCA adapter to go from a soundcard to a Magni a bad idea?

I'm just starting my foray into nice audio gear - for PC. I bought a Xonar DGX soundcard and a Schiit Magni. The Xonar only has S/PDIF and 3.5MM outputs, so I will need to use a 3.5MM -> RCA adapter to connect it to the Magni.   Is this going to be a problem in terms of sound quality or...

  I asked this recently.   Get a Xonar soundcard. Anything from the DGX to STX, depending on how much you want to spend. Then hook that up to a Schiit Magni amp. You can get both from Amazon/Newegg.   EDIT - Actually, if you are getting a Schiit Magni, make sure you are either getting a...

  I'd already seen it and it was very helpful. Thanks.   After changing my mind ten times I've gone with DT 990 250 ohm, a Xonar DGX, a Magni, and a modmic. I think that will do to start.

  Out of curiosity, why did you go with the STX over one of the cheaper Xonar cards like the DGX?

  Try Dxtory instead of fraps. When my friends and I were recording PS2, Dxtory gave you more options and caused fewer FPS problems.

  If this is directed at me, I specifically didn't ask you because I assumed it was covered in the thread and didn't have time to go through it yet. I realize you're tired of answering the same questions for hundreds of pages. No need for snark when you weren't asked.     Noted. Thanks. 

  Yeah it is for PC gaming.   I'd heard that external solutions like the Mixamp Pro are better than internal sound cards, but I haven't really started that part of my audio education yet. 

  Point made.   So Mad Dogs + Mixamp Pro + E17 + Modmic as a starter kit?   Then again, could the Mad Dogs live on just the Mixamp?

  I looked at the E9k with that reasoning in mind, but found that it wasn't also a DAC. I wanted to avoid an E9k and E17 combo to save a little cash. I guess not.   Would the Sony MA900s leak just as much as the Q701s or any other open set?