[ajjekko]

Hi, a bit new here. I've been lurking around a bit and I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile although I sure would like to have higher quality sound

. Budget is just a bit short. Currently I have the X-Fi Xtremegamer sound card paired with my HD555 headphones. The sound is great in my opinion, but would like it to be better. I understand that the HD555 won't improve much with an amp, but I would consider upgrading my headphones later. I was wondering which amp to buy, or a DAC. I don't really know how or what the DAC does. If I was to be recommended a good amplifier, how would I go about hooking it up? My HD555s have a 6.3 to 3.5 converter, so they work with an iPod, my computer, anything with a headphone jack.

 

[drclaw]

Basically a DAC is like an exterior sound card. (correct me if I'm wrong somebody, I'm a semi-n00b) For $229 + shipping you can get the Fubar III Dac/Headphone amp. USB Audio - USB Headphone Amp - USB DAC Headphone Amp - Fubar III USB DAC / Headphone Amplifier It's supposed to be a pretty good combo. The DAC will allow you to connect your PC using a USB cable to the DAC/Amp.

 

[-=Germania=-]

Why not look at a DAC/AMP combo?

Since it seems like you have one nice set of headphones, I would look at getting

Portable:
iBasso D2 or D3

Stationary:
Zhaolu with Discrete amp upgrade

Just amp:
SSMH (Starving Student Millett Hybrid)
CKKIII


If I was you, I would get better headphones and then buy the D2.
A DAC/Amp will do more good with better headphones, otherwise you may find the difference to be not much. Those headphones are ones which seem to benefit little from amping anyway, so keep that in mind.

 

[Clok]

The compass would be just perfect for you but Im afraid it will cost a bit more.

 

[ajjekko]

Hey guys, thanks for the help! I'll check out the DAC/Headphone amp combos.

 

[Shahrose]

Amp: CKKIII, preferably used.

 

[TopPop]

I dare say that this would be perfect for you. Nab it quick.

You could use the mini-optical output of your X-Fi Xtremegamer into the DAC of the Octavart.