Save you money. The integrated on the motherboard is good and you wont notice any difference going with a new card. And if you did its most likely placebo effect doing its thing :)

I would try to keep it as simple as possible. PC > Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 > AT2035 for input and for output, use your current setup as is. But, I dont have experience using a setup like that so I dont know if it will be the best. 

Any reason why you want a dedicated sound card? Asus usually does a good job with their integrated audio and I dont think those A700x's are hard to drive. Same with the HD598's. Those will work just fine using integrated audio off the motherboard. Are you experiencing problems with your current...

  Unfortunately I cant. My experience is limited to onboard audio, various creative cards, and Astro MixAmp. And I've only used the ModMic version 1. Sorry :(

Yeah, from what i've read about the 4.0, it has very low volume :(. Im still using the 1.0 modmic and it works fine out the box with all the sound cards (dedicated and onboard) I've used. Only thing I can think of is, try using your onboard mic input and see if that makes a difference. At the...

Do you hear any hissing, crackling, pops, or hums using onboard? Or do you feel like your gaming experience is lacking?

What Im trying to say is that with your headphone, they dont need an external amp and the dac on the motherboard should provide a clean audio signal. But not all motherboards have good implemented onboard audio. Do you hear any hissing, crackling, pops, or hums using onboard? If the answer is no...

My experience has been: with low ohm headphones, power doesnt make a difference. Now this isnt true for every headphone and I havent listened to the psb ones that you have. And Im just going on what Ive used. But Im confident that you dont need a dedicated amp. And from a sound quality...

Those headphones are rated at 32 Ohms. I dont think you'll need an amp. An Asus or Creative card should be more than enough to power those psb headphones. Or just use your onboard sound if you dont want surround sounds (I find stereo to be better anyway but, thats just me). Get a soundcard if...

Modmic, hands down

Modmic is badass and voice quality is very good. If you go separate mic (highly recommended) then look at this thread for good headphones in your price range http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-updated-5-23-2013-mrspeakers-mad-dog-v-3-2-reviewed

kind of a waste of cash imo. you'll be better of upgrading other things, like room acoustics, speakers, music collection. those things will actually make a difference 

whats wrong with what you have now? is it causing problems of some kind?

whats wrong with your ST? Seems like its doing the job just fine

Wow, you dont mess around lol. Let us know how you like that setup :)

Quote:   Agree 100%.   Just too much misinformation going around about dacs, wasapi, windows, and other sound related stuff. People just need to take a chill pill and enjoy their music :)

I think youre at that point where you need to try a few headphones out and find that sound you like. Beyerdynamic is very good and has a "fun" sound. Cant describe it better then that. From what you say I think you'll like their sound. Unfortunately trying out headphones isnt easy unless you...

What do you want to improve. You say your headphone experience has been underwhelming. What do you find to be lacking? And have you tried your headphones with other devices? If so how did they sound compared to the pc?    Almost always if you're finding something to be lacking in your...

Quote: +1.    @kim, Focus on getting better speakers and/or headphones. Or if you're happy with your current setup then focus on getting more media (cds/games/movies)

Quote:   What are the speakers?

I dont know why people are saying an amp will add more bass. It wont unless it has bass boost. And even then the design of the hd598 isnt meant for bass. You can hear it but you cant feel it. It's like the bass is lifeless. And I dont know why a cheap amp is even being recommended. The Xonar has...

I used to own the 598 and it was good but did lack bass. After comparing them to the 770 I got rid of the 598. The 770's are better for movies and for me, better for gaming. I had an easier time locating people with the 770's then I did with the 598's. And for me the 770's are much more comfy. I...

you only get stereo using usb with the astro. If only gaming on the pc then a asus or creative card will be best. Have a read through this thread to learn more about gaming on the pc http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound

Quote:   you're using foobar yes?   EDIT: looks like I forgot a step because mine was already highlighted, lol.    preferences -> playback -> output -> device

preferences -> output -> device