Hey all,   I have a decent sound card, soundblaster titanium fatality--will I still need an amp for something like the Q701's?   Thanks!

It's hard to explain to people exactly what the effect is, and frankly I don't know how or why it has that effect. I usually give some odd explanation like, "it lets some of the sound escape to create a better/more realistic sound stage." That's basically what I think it is, and how I imagine it...

Quote: good call, thanks. i did that and even though i can't exactly determine the improvement, i know there is because I'm listening to all my favorite songs again like they're new.  

the x-fi titanium fatality, or something like that. i always feel silly writing out the name of it.   i have z5500's that go into it with an optical cable, and i plug my headphones into the z5500 console. is that a good procedure?   Quote:  

I do have a soundcard. I don't know if that functions as a headphone amp?

Thanks for your input. What I've read of the AD900 looks great.   I don't own a headphone amplifier--should I invest in one of those before buying a new set of headphones? Preferably one that would work with HD555 and the AD900, were I to upgrade.

I got my HD555's about a 5 months ago to replace the ATH M-50's I thought were stolen. (Turns out they weren't, and recently turned up. I only use them when I really need bass, otherwise the HD555 is easily better.)    Anyway, my ears have gotten spoiled and I want better headphones. I love...