[Curlycat]

Is the Asus Xonar STX and Sennheiser Momentum (On Ear) a good match?
 
I read that the Xonar STX performs poorly with low impedance headphones. The Momentum cans are only 18 ohms.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Is the Asus Xonar STX and Sennheiser Momentum (On Ear) a good match?
 
I read that the Xonar STX performs poorly with low impedance headphones. The Momentum cans are only 18 ohms.

 
The Schiit Magni headphone amplifier and Asus Xonar DX sound card should work better with the 18-Ohm headphones, then the Essence STX..

 

[Curlycat]

Thanks for the reply and info! Much appreciated! I have an STX and just got the Momentums, so I was wondering if I am missing out on quality. To me it sounds pretty good, but I've read that the STX is not so good with low Ω HP's (as you said here as well) Having said that, would I benefit from a headphone amp, since I am reluctant to change the STX? I like the Schiit. Any other recommendations. I was thinking:
 
Little Dot MKii http://www.littledot.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=816  or
 
Project Starlight  http://www.garage1217.com/garage1217_diy_tube_headphone_amplifiers_007.htm   or
 
Bravo Audio V2 Class A 12AU7 Tube Multi-Hybrid Headphone Amplifier  http://www.amazon.com/Bravo-Audio-Multi-Hybrid-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00ADR2DTG/ref=zg_tr_13880161_11

 

 

[cel4145]

You would benefit a little because of the output impedance factor. And even more if you get a better quality solid state amp.

First, if you go for tubes, it needs to be a hybrid tube/solid state amp. Straight tube amps don't have low output impedance either and could be worse in that than your STX.

Personally, I would go with a Schiit Magni. Best solid state amp for ~$100. I'm just not a fan of hybrid tube/solid state amps. Personal taste thing.The hybrids do not give the same rich tube sound that a full tube amp does. Just some tube flavor at the expense of accuracy; some people like that/some don't. If you want better accuracy/transparency than your STX, stick to solid state.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Thanks for the reply and info! Much appreciated! I have an STX and just got the Momentums, so I was wondering if I am missing out on quality. To me it sounds pretty good, but I've read that the STX is not so good with low Ω HP's (as you said here as well) Having said that, would I benefit from a headphone amp, since I am reluctant to change the STX? I like the Schiit. Any other recommendations. I was thinking:
 
Little Dot MKii http://www.littledot.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=816  or
 
Project Starlight  http://www.garage1217.com/garage1217_diy_tube_headphone_amplifiers_007.htm   or
 
Bravo Audio V2 Class A 12AU7 Tube Multi-Hybrid Headphone Amplifier  http://www.amazon.com/Bravo-Audio-Multi-Hybrid-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00ADR2DTG/ref=zg_tr_13880161_11

 

 
Technically, you would not want to use 18-Ohm headphones (Momentum) with a output jack (STX) that has a 10-Ohm impedance.
Your current setup might be giving the Monentums a slightly  bloated (louder, less detailed) bass.
But some headphones handle "impedance issues" better then others.
If the Momentums sound good to your ears, maybe you do not need to change anything.
If you wanted you could try a solid state headphone amplifier, like the Schiit Magni or O2 headphone amplifier, as they both has an output impedance of less then 1-Ohm.
and can be plugged into the STX's RCA outputs

 

[Curlycat]

Thanks for all your help PurpleAngel
I decided to increase my budget a bit and went for the Maverick A1 Hybrid tube amp
http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/tube_magic_a1
It got many good reviews and seems pretty decent piece of kit - also being able to drive my cans. I hope I made the right choice.... what do you think?

 

[cel4145]

I have the TubeMagic D1. They make nice stuff

Did you need a speaker amp, too? That'll be nice for hooking up some passive speakers for a desktop setup.

Which sound card or DAC are you getting to go with it?

 

[Curlycat]

I already have a DAC, the Asus Xonar STX. I don't really need a speaker amp, but seems like it's a good headphone amp with a speaker amp as a bonus. I am certainly going to hook it up to my speakers and see how she performs. Will keep you guys posted on the results