[neo_x]

Hi,

I am a bit confused as to what soundcard to upgrade to -

Can anyone give me some advice ? Torn apart between Audigy 2Z and Audizy 2Z Platinum. I recently Bought the Senn HD555 (120 ohm version) and they sound horrible through my onboard Soundmax soundcard. Would the audigy be able to drive the HD555 or should I return the headphones and get something which will run nicely with my existing soundcard (unamped) ??

Cheers

 

[Porksoda]

First off, as far as I know the Regular A2 ZS and the Platinum are identical except for the front panel thingy you get with Platinum.

The Audigy 2 ZS is a pretty solid line of cards, IMO; not nearly as bad as some people around here claim for music. Their outputs do have quite a bit of current drive behind them, but only the 5 volts given it by the PCI slot. I am unsure how much voltage the 555s take to drive. I would say you will PROBABLY get decent volume with the Audigy 2, though perhaps not deafening volumes.

Of course, buying a separate amp will always make a huge improvement in quality AND volume