[agalloch]

Current Configuration
 
PC - HT Omega Striker 7.1, HD555s
Portable - Cowon S9, super.fi 5 pro's

 
Unfortunately, I lost my super.fi 5 pro's.
 
Because I am selling a lot of personal things, I will have money to put towards audio equipment. I plan on selling the HD555s because I will purchase Westone W4's for use at the PC and portably. Now, I don't know about the rest. I hear things about:
 

1. Tube Magic D1
2. Xonar Essence STX

 
I have no idea which of those to use, or how even to set it up. For optimal results, should I use D1 with onboard? I literally have no idea how to setup from Computer --> W4s optimally.
 
Is a D1 an amp as well? Is it equivalent to a soundcard? Can I use for a TV as well down the line (TV --> Tube --> Spakers) to power speakers?
 
Then I was also just looking at a Striker 7.1 --> E11 (portable and PC) --> Westone W4s.
 
What do you recommend

 

[Doralikesmath]

I've owned the W4 for half a year and tried them with some dac/amps, from the really cheap to really expensive one. And the only amp that made the W4 sound better than directly plug into my computer is the RSA Intruder, which is $700. I don't recommend it at all. Just get the W4 and try them with your computer/DAP to see if you like them enough.

 

[agalloch]

Good idea. Is it okay to use the W4's with a soundcard?

 

[Doralikesmath]

Absolutely. The W4 even sound good with my 4 year old laptop's sound card