[Nick46]

Hi all, I have had the HD555 headphones from Sennheiser for some years now, and I really like them, so I'm thinking the HD650 ones would be a good upgrade. I bought the STX soundcard to go with my HD555's because I read plenty good reviews of it, and couldn't really figure out what external amp I would have to buy instead. I've not read a whole lot about audio at all, but I think the HD555's and the STX soundcard go well together, albeit I had to adjust the EQ quite a bit.
 
My simple question is this: Would it be alright to just plug the HD650's into the STX card, or will I have to buy an amp after all to get my money's worth? Thanks in advance.
 
(if it is of any relevance at all I use my HD555 to listen to music, primarily rock)

 

[wnmnkh]

It should have enough power to drive HD650.
 
The catch is that STX uses TI6120 opamp for powering the headphones, but for now, it is enough.
 
 
When you have enough money, I suggest to get external soundcard/DAC instead of internal soundcard.

 

[Nick46]

Sounds great. While I really enjoy good sound I'm not the biggest audiophile, so for now I think this is good enough.
 
One question just to be safe though: I will be able to run the extra high gain HP Advance Setting with the HD650's, right? I've read that is crucial. (sorry if it should be obvious)

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Hi all, I have had the HD555 headphones from Sennheiser for some years now, and I really like them, so I'm thinking the HD650 ones would be a good upgrade. I bought the STX sound card to go with my HD555's because I read plenty good reviews of it, and couldn't really figure out what external amp I would have to buy instead. I've not read a whole lot about audio at all, but I think the HD555's and the STX sound card go well together, albeit I had to adjust the EQ quite a bit.
 
My simple question is this: Would it be alright to just plug the HD650's into the STX card, or will I have to buy an amp after all to get my money's worth? Thanks in advance.
 
(if it is of any relevance at all I use my HD555 to listen to music, primarily rock)

Hopefully you disabled the motherboard's on-board audio? in the BIOS
Have you tried using Foobar2000 for playing music audio files?
 
The Essence STX should do a decent job of driving the 300-Ohm HD650s.
Plus it has a PCM1792A DAC chip
If you want to try improve audio quality, I would guess your looking at $300 or more for an external DAC/headphone amplifier, to make it worth while.

 

[Nick46]

PurpleAngel: I cannot recall disabling the motherboard's audio. Is that really important? And yes, I use Foobar2000, very simple and straightforward.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  PurpleAngel: I cannot recall disabling the motherboard's audio. Is that really important? And yes, I use Foobar2000, very simple and straightforward.

Sometimes the motherboard's on-board sound card effects the add-on internal sound card.