ATH-AD900x: Where to start?

[AssaultClips]

I am quite new to the audiophile world and am wondering what I need to purchase with the ATH-AD900xs. I was looking into getting a soundcard for quite a long time but I have just recently read that with using a soundcard, I would notice digital interference from the mobo and that using a DAC and amp would sound much better.

I am now lost on what amp and DAC to look into. I wasn't looking to spend much over $200 on the amp. My primary use for the headphones will be gaming and music. Can you guys give me some guidance?

 

[PurpleAngel]

I am quite new to the audiophile world and am wondering what I need to purchase with the ATH-AD900xs. I was looking into getting a sound card for quite a long time but I have just recently read that with using a sound card, I would notice digital interference from the mobo and that using a DAC and amp would sound much better.

I am now lost on what amp and DAC to look into. I wasn't looking to spend much over $200 on the amp. My primary use for the headphones will be gaming and music. Can you guys give me some guidance?

For music you do not need a sound card (stereo audio), but if your into surround sound for gaming and movies, then you might consider getting a sound card.
There can be electrical noise inside a computer case, but the world is full of people with sound cards and are fine with the sound quality.
 
An Asus Xonar DX or D1 sound card (used, $60) comes with a CS4398 DAC chip and Dolby Headphone 7.1 surround sound
and a Schiit Magni headphone amplifier ($99), which has an output impedance of less then 1-Ohm should easily drive the 40-Ohm AD900X headphones
The setup should work well for music and movies and gaming.