[piracetam]

I listen primarily to metal, jazz, and classical. Accordingly, I'd like a setup that would give good clarity for guitar leads/riffs and a slight bass presence (but nothing overwhelming).

Necessary components (to my knowledge): Audio playback software, sound card, amplifier, headphones.

Software: Foobar2000 seems like the best bet, but what modifications are suggested for optimal audio quality?

Sound card: Don't know much here; I don't really need the best, just something that will work decently. Also, is it really worth the extra expense/hassle to use an external DAC?

Amplifier: I have a PA2V2, but I could buy another if necessary.

Headphones: Closed (circumaural), preferably. The biggest concern is longevity - I don't want to buy expensive headphones and then have to buy new ones a year or two later!

Therefore: Foobar2000->sound card->amp->headphones is the intended setup.

My total budget is probably about $300-400. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Joshatdot]

Great value sound card is the Chaintech AV-710. Others might recommend: M-Audio Revolution 5.1/7.1, ESI Juli@, Onkyo SE-150 or SE-200, E-MU 0404 USB, Creative X-Fi Xtreme Music or Xtreme Platinum.

For some cans, I would think Audio Technica ATH-A700 would be a good choice.