Recommended upgrade path given a current $500 budget?

[Matcha]

Well, I'm currently gaming on some Sennheiser HD280 Pro sans amp (as they don't really need one when hooked up to the computer), and they're already drastically better than using speakers. I'm just not so into them for things other than gaming -- the sound isn't bad, it's just not great (anemic bass, soundstage is way too limited, etc.). And for $600-700, I can get myself a decent enough amp, DAC, and pair of headphones, which is way cheaper than getting similar sound out of a hi-fi speaker setup (with its own distinct advantages in situations where I just can't turn up the sound as loud as I'd like -- which is pretty common!).

The ProSonus CS looks like it might be perfect for me. Northern Sound and Lighting has it listed way too high, of course, but I see it elsewhere (at places with decent feedback) for $425, or so, which is well under budget, and would put me at around $650 for headphones and amp/DAC, with decent upgrade options.

Am I looking at this right?

 

[Zodduska]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matcha /img/forum/go_quote.gif Am I looking at this right?

Yep! You will probably want to at least pick up a chaintech AV-710 as well if you have room for a second soundcard to give the CS a better signal to work with. or, if you can only fit one internal soundcard, the XFI should meet your needs for not much more.

 

[Matcha]

I do have two PCI slots, but I'll likely be upgrading to SLI later this year, blocking one of the PCI slots.

I've resisted getting an X-Fi for such a long time, just for a personal hatred for Creative (never mind that I have one already! -- I dislike Creative for suing Aureal out of existence then not bothering to catch up to Aureal's technology for ten years). It's probably time.

 

[dkjohnso]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matcha /img/forum/go_quote.gif The ProSonus CS looks like it might be perfect for me. Northern Sound and Lighting has it listed way too high, of course, but I see it elsewhere (at places with decent feedback) for $425, or so, which is well under budget, and would put me at around $650 for headphones and amp/DAC, with decent upgrade options. Am I looking at this right?

I think you will be pleased with the Presonus. Really fantastic sound for the money. Request a price quote from NSL: Last time I checked they will sell you the Presonus for around $390.