Seconded. I'd really like to hear people's impressions particularly for gaming.   Thanks, Ostler

My understanding is that that is true for the Soundblaster Z as suggested by PurpleAngel. I've been trying to find out for certain, but I've seen several posts on various sites that state it is the case.     Thanks for the addition information. I'm torn on the ACM as my desk configuration...

The simulated surround sound (for gaming) only outputs through the headphone out. I could use the line out for music, but I'm not sure if that would be better or worse than using an external DAC. I'm guessing worse depending on the DAC.   Thanks, Ostler

Thanks! So is the Z "good enough for music rather than an external DAC/Amp? My budget could possible be stretched for both. Or, will be at some point anyway. :) Also, why those AKGs. I see you have lots of headphones. The DT990 Pros are $150 on Amazon right now, how do they compare to the AKGs...

Desktop. I'm considering a new sound card, possibly the creative Zx or ZxR, but not committed yet. Thanks,

  Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro currently, but I'm not impressed with the headphone out. Very noisy for some reason.

So, here's what I want: Gaming audio some of the time, high quality audio the rest of the time.   My thinking:   For Gaming (an possibly movies): Soundcard (Headphone output) -> Fiio E009K -> Headphones This probably over amps things, but I get the simulated surround from the soundcard for...