[Antonive]

So I've recently bought Sennheiser HD 558 headphones and I'm looking for a sound card to maximize it's potential and get its full power.

My budget is around 50~ USD

I mainly listen to DnB/Ambient music and I do need a good 7.1 surround for upcoming BF4.

Price can be above a little bit above 50 bucks though.

regards.

 

[cel4145]

Asus Xonar DG or DGX is a good choice in this budget range.

However, does not have 7.1. The difference between 5.1 and 7.1 is more useful for speaker setups. With headphones, 5.1 or 7.1 is converted to 2 channel audio. I might be wrong, but I suspect the difference may not matter for headphones.

 

[PurpleAngel]

At Newegg the Xonar DG is selling for $25.99 and there is a $10 mail in rebate (10/1-10/31).
The DG's headphone amplifier can easily drive the 50-Ohm HD558s.
Removing the black rubber tape from inside the HD558s should help with surround sound gaming.
 
This $19.60 headphone cable (1.8 meter) for the Senn HD5XX series comes with a 3.5mm plug.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261255113290?var=560215640802&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[Antonive]

I think I'll get Xonar DX, has 192kHz sample rate, and yeah, ill be modding my 558. thanks.

 

[cel4145]

The Xonar DX does not have a headphone amp. Eventually you might want to add one for best SQ.

 

[Antonive]

 
Then which one does have an amp ? 

 

[cel4145]

DG/DGX and ST/STX have headphone amps.

 

[Antonive]

So there is no sound card with 7.1 surround that has a headphone amp in it? And what difference will it actually make if i am with or w/o it?

I'll be able to turn up more volume, is that what amp stands for, correct me if i am wrong.

 

[cel4145]

Some of the Creative sound cards have 7.1 and a headphone amp.

 

[Antonive]

So basically there's no point for me getting the DX or different type of card just because it doesnt have the headphone amp, really, what boost does it actually give to me?

ty

 

[cel4145]

So basically there's no point for me getting the DX or different type of card just because it doesnt have the headphone amp, really, what boost does it actually give to me?

Don't know what that means?

 

[Antonive]

pardon for english.

What I meant was that does the amp give a huge benefit?

 

[cel4145]

The DX/D1 has a better DAC than the DG/DGX.

 

[Antonive]

Ok...

Anyway, a card that has 7.1 surround and fits best for my 558 is? Please an exact number, I'm a complete noob when it comes to sound cards.

Apologies for my English and you're time.

 

[Antonive]

Xonar DS ? 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/asus-xonar-ds-7-1-channel-pci-low-profile-192k-24bit-hifi-audio-card-sound-card