[hoth17]

I have an X-fi Titanium Fatal1ty and I am getting some Denon 2000s or DT-770 phones.

Should I get a portable amp to go along with that setup? Is my sound card a good one or should I upgrade to another like the Asus Xonar Essence STX?

I use it mostly for music but I like to hear footsteps behind me in games like cod4.

Thanks

 

[hoth17]

bump

 

[joe_cool]

Do you have the 80-ohm or 250-ohm model of DT-770. Same question for the HD555, 50-ohm or 120-ohm?

I am not a fan of Creative sound cards but you may be OK for now. If you get an amp you need to consider portable (batteries) vs. stationary (line power).

 

[hoth17]

80 ohm for the dt-770 and I don't know about my hd555, i bought those before I knew even that much about headphones.

 

[joe_cool]

So if you have a stationary (non-portable) computer, why do you consider a portable amp? Just asking, no criticism intended.

 

[hoth17]

I was under the impression that portable amps were less expensive. Though, I must have just happened to click on the expensive stationary ones and less expensive portable ones.

Well, I guess I need to rephrase my questions.

Would an amp be beneficial for my setup?
I do not know if I should sell my sound card and buy a DAC and an Amp. Or keep the sound card and just buy the amp. or any options.

It looks like my purchase of the DT-770 might not go through, and I think I may go with the Denon 2000s.

Should I get an amp for these? (budget ~ $150)

 

[joe_cool]

The Denon AH-D2000 has a low impedance (~24 ohms) so it may sound OK without a dedicated amp. Certainly a simple buffered amp (pimeta, etc.) would improve the sound.
Firestone Audio Cute Beyond
Another example a used Corda Headfive would be <$200.