[winma]

Quote:

And wouldn't the Xonar's built-in amp drive the HD598 to it's fullest?  From what I've read it even powers the HD600 quite well (it has a Texas Instruments 6120A2, 80mw @600 Ω)

Probably yes. 
Some guys use it with the 650's. But they don't reach their full potential. 

 

[wiinippongamer]

Ok now, I'm set on the HD598+Essence STX, buying off of amazon for $245(HD598), I don't trust ebay, and also need shipping to PO box, so I'm willing to pay the extra.
 
Any other thoughts/ suggestions before I make the purchase? ordering probably tommorrow.
 
And thank you all for your great help and info!

 

[desktophifi]

Quote:

Ok now, I'm set on the HD598+Essence STX, buying off of amazon for $245(HD598), I don't trust ebay, and also need shipping to PO box, so I'm willing to pay the extra.
 
Any other thoughts/ suggestions before I make the purchase? ordering probably tommorrow.
 
And thank you all for your great help and info!

It seems like you are on the right direction..just my 2 cents. 
 

 

[Kappy21]

I saw the 598 for $165 or $168 from Electronics Expo recently.  It was a dealzon coupon code but you could probably get the same price simply by calling Electronics Expo.  I recently bought a Denon D2000 from Electronics Expo and the price was right.  They were out of stock when I ordered but were shipped as soon as they came in.  I generally prefer to buy things from Amazon but the price differential was quite large.

 

[wiinippongamer]

They have it for $166 right now @ electronics expo "used-like new", BUT: "We do not ship to:

1. APO / FPO addresses or PO boxes of any type", so I'm F'd up with them.