[JCDaya]

Quote:

The Fiio E10's headphone amplifier is low impedance, I'm guessing the Xonar DG/DGX is not low impedance
As long your ok with 2-channel stereo audio, then get the E10.
 
If you want surround sound for movies or gaming, then the Xonar DG with an amplifier.
You can always try the Xonar DG first, without an add-on amplifier, see if you like the sound.
If you went with the Xonsr DG(X), what would you budget for an amp?

Just under $100 for both the Card and AMP.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Just under $100 for both the Card and AMP.

Fiio E11 portable headphone amplifier, with extra battery and simple AC battery recharger (Micca combo). $60+ $5 shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Accessory/dp/B004QVPGXK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352601807&sr=8-2&keywords=Fiio+E11
 
It is battery powered, but it comes with a nice low impedance of 0.5-Ohms.
Leave the E11 on low voltage and low gain to conserve battery power.
 
Asus Xonar DG sound card, $22.95
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Channel-Sound-Card-XONAR_DG/dp/B0045JHJSS
 
Order both from Amazon, might save on shipping.

 

[soonhau2000]

I agree with most of the posts here. I have a K550 and the improvements over an amp is noticeable, but not a heaven and earth one. 

 

[JCDaya]

Quote:

Fiio E11 portable headphone amplifier, with extra battery and simple AC battery recharger (Micca combo). $60+ $5 shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier-Accessory/dp/B004QVPGXK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352601807&sr=8-2&keywords=Fiio+E11
 
It is battery powered, but it comes with a nice low impedance of 0.5-Ohms.
Leave the E11 on low voltage and low gain to conserve battery power.
 
Asus Xonar DG sound card, $22.95
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Channel-Sound-Card-XONAR_DG/dp/B0045JHJSS
 
Order both from Amazon, might save on shipping.

Should I get the DGX or just the DG? Would it make a difference seeing as I will be using it for games as well.

 

[Lorspeaker]

i would save up for a tube amp...will give this k550 some liquid.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Should I get the DGX or just the DG? Would it make a difference seeing as I will be using it for games as well.

They are really the same card, the DGX just comes with a bridge chip so it can work on the PCI-E bus.

 

[JCDaya]

Quote:

They are really the same card, the DGX just comes with a bridge chip so it can work on the PCI-E bus.

One last question, which one would be more better on the sound quality? The E10 itself or the Card & the E11 combined? & Thanks PurpleAngel for all the responses and help, really appreciated man ^__^

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

One last question, which one would be more better on the sound quality? The E10 itself or the Card & the E11 combined? & Thanks PurpleAngel for all the responses and help, really appreciated man ^__^

Wow, that's a tough one, as I've never listened to the E10.
Could be they are about equal, maybe the E10 might be a little better?

 

[MilesDavis2]

Straight from an ipad, I was impressed.

 

[davewave]

Planning to buy the AKG K550 very soon, and I'm wondering if it is needed to drive the headphone. I am planning to use the headphone on my desktop computer. If so, what amp do you guys suggest on buying?

Thanks Guys,
~Newbie

Needed? No. Wanted? YES!

What I mean is you don't need an amp to drive these cans, but you do to get the most from them. I use mines with the Schiit Valhalla at home and Fostex HP-P1 on the road and it just shines with both set-ups.

 

[zackzack]

AKG K 550 needs a warm, high current amplifier. If you are using some portable USB DAC/Amp like Fiio E10 or Arcam rPAc, you would find the mids very edgy & bright. I personally prefer brighter sound but some vocals may irritate your ears in prolonged listening sessions. Until I find a suitable amplifier, I have to rely on iTunes equalizer and look for sonic compromises for difficult tracks. Well recorded Jazz sounds incredibly detailed even with the tiny Fiio E10 but many tracks with dynamic swings would sound brittle, edgy, fatiguing. 
 
Shouldve gotten a high impedance model