[pcnoob101]

I am eagerly waiting for the HI2050s that I just ordered from aliexpress to arrive!  I did a lot of research and found that these are the best budget phones I could get and only paid $50!! Can't wait.
 
In the meantime I am building a brand new pc.  I will mainly be using these phones with the PC as I have a pair of Vsonic GR06s that I use with my ipod when I'm out and about.
 
I wanted to know how to get the best sound possible out of my Hi2050s for use with my PC for under $100.  Should I get a sound card, or a separate headphones amp, or something else.  I am very noob when it comes to this so please speak in noob terms.  Also, I would like to know what I can do on the software side to really make these things shine.  Which media player, plugins, etc.  If it is worth the value to go over $100 please let me know that too.  Thanks!

 

[PurpleAngel]

Asus Xonar DG ($20-$30) or DGX ($30-45) sound card is about as much as you would want to spend for audio support for the Hi2050s.
The DG(X) comes with a decent DAC chip and a basic head amp. and Dolby Headphone surround sound.

 

[pcnoob101]

I definitely need something though right?  Would it be a noticeable difference instead of just plugging them into my motherboard?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

I definitely need something though right?  Would it be a noticeable difference instead of just plugging them into my motherboard?

Over the past few years motherboard on-board audio has been improving,
if the motherboard normal sells for less then $100, or is several years old, chance are the Xonar DG(X) would improve audio.
When your paying $200 or more, some on-board motherboard audio might include a dedicated headphone amplifier, that's better then the Xonar DG(X) amp.
So I can't say for sure, from motherboard to motherboard, if the Xonar DG(X) will make a noticeable difference.
But you can get a used Xonar DG for $20, so it's cheap to try.

 

[pcnoob101]

Thanks for the info.  How can I find out?  My motherboard is Asus z87-A.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Thanks for the info.  How can I find out?  My motherboard is Asus z87-A.

Realtek ALC892 audio chip set and DTS software.
DTS should be helpful if you play Blu-ray movies on your PC.

 

[pcnoob101]

Do you think I should still get a dedicated sound card though?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Do you think I should still get a dedicated sound card though?

You do not have to get the sound, you could just try with the headphones plugged straight into the motherboard first.

 

[pcnoob101]

I ordered these headphones from alibaba over a month ago.  How long does it usually take in your experience?