[samhwan]

(First post on head-fi) I have been using the asus stx sound card with a pair of sennheiser hd558 for about a year and soon hope to upgrade my headphones to the hd650's. Is it worth upgrading my dac/amp to something like the objective 2 dac/amp combo?

 

[cel4145]

I thought the ODAC/O2 was a bit better than the STX when I got it, although I do not have the HD650s.

Probably should wait and think about this after you get your headphones. If you listen at volumes where the STX is not near maxed out perceived volume (not necessarily volume number), then there are less benefits in updating to a new amp.

 

[PurpleAngel]

(First post on head-fi) I have been using the asus stx sound card with a pair of Sennheiser hd558 for about a year and soon hope to upgrade my headphones to the hd650's. Is it worth upgrading my dac/amp to something like the objective 2 dac/amp combo?

 
I replaced my Essence STX with the Audio-GD NFB-15, $270 + shipping ($45?).
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphoneamp/NFB1532/NFB15.32EN.htm
 
You can always sell off the Essence STX and get the cheaper Xonar DG or DGX, if you still have the need for Dolby Headphone, just plug the NFB-15 (using optical) into the sound card.

 

[samhwan]

Thanks for the responses, really appreciated and helped alot!

 

[cel4145]

+1

Audio-GD makes great stuff. I would recommend the NFB-15 over ODAC/O2 unless you need its small size.

 

[13xflexplate]

asus stx sound card in the works, upgrading op-amps, thinking about some burson audio type. any recommendations?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/199785763@N04/53618876167/in/dateposted-public/

 

[dunring]

On Amazon you can get a used with warranty SMSL C200 combo for $125. I got one and it's a big upgrade over the Asus card.

 

[13xflexplate]

On Amazon you can get a used with warranty SMSL C200 combo for $125. I got one and it's a big upgrade over the Asus card.

just like tinkering with a range of stuff..