So I decided to go with the E5 after all for now!     Just FYI regarding the sale that's going on on the Creative Website.   The E5 is $169 (usually $200). But there's also a $10 coupon you can use for any purchase over $150.   That brings the pre-tax price of the E5 down to $159. Final...

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the good feedback. I'll spend the rest of the night researching other more desktop oriented soundcards that will be good for gaming and music and also drive the HD 6x0s, but like one of you mentioned, can always upgrade beyond the E5 later. Thanks!

Hey Guys,   Creative is having a $169 Sale on the E5. Which is what brings me here. The Sale is only for one more day.   I do most of my audio at the PC. Gaming, Movies, Music, Productivity all pretty much equally. I do care a bit about virtual surround for gaming purposes.   I'm about to...

Thank you very much!   That helps me prioritize. I will start by researching good sound cards. Once I have that sorted I'll see if I still need anything beyond that to make the headphones come alive or perhaps for portability!   I'll scour the forums now. Earlier I was looking at reviews of...

Hello!   I'm about to bite the bullet on the 598s (the retro styled ones), since my 555's have finally cracked do the point where one ear piece is nearly dangling. I looked for replacement parts but found only the ear cups etc. I'm sure I can tape them back into being usable.   But the...