[cheezburger]

Hi everyone,
 
I'm in need of a PCI soundcard to use with Sony MDR-ZX700 headphones. Currently I've got three variants: ASUS Xonar Essence ST, Xonar D2/PM or Xonar D1. I guess it is pretty clear how they compare to each other, and I can afford the ST, but I'm afraid it (or the D2) might be an overkill. What do you guys think I should get?
 
Thanks.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Hi everyone,
 
I'm in need of a PCI sound card to use with Sony MDR-ZX700 headphones. Currently I've got three variants: ASUS Xonar Essence ST, Xonar D2/PM or Xonar D1. I guess it is pretty clear how they compare to each other, and I can afford the ST, but I'm afraid it (or the D2) might be an overkill. What do you guys think I should get?
 
Thanks.

All over kill, just get the Asus Xonar DG (PCI) or DGX (PCI-E) sound card.
I tried the Sony ZX700s at a local Sony store, nice sound.
Amazon and eBay seem to have the best prices.

 

[cheezburger]

PurpleAngel, thanks for your reply.
 
Any other opinions?

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezburger /img/forum/go_quote.gif
PurpleAngel, thanks for your reply.
Any other opinions?

Just found out the ZX700s are only 24-Ohms, not really the best combo with sound cards, as most sound card have a high impedance.
If you need sound card features for gaming or movies, the Asus Xonar DG or DGX is still the best bet.
If just for music then the Fiio E10 (USB-DAC-Amp.).

 

[cheezburger]

Quote:

Just found out the ZX700s are only 24-Ohms, not really the best combo with sound cards, as most sound card have a high impedance.
If you need sound card features for gaming or movies, the Asus Xonar DG or DGX is still the best bet.
If just for music then the Fiio E10 (USB-DAC-Amp.).

 
What problems may I encounter while using ZX700 with soundcards?
I know about Fiio, but at the moment I can't shop online, I have to buy it locally. Also, I do quite a lot of gaming. I guess I'll get the DG then.

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

What problems may I encounter while using ZX700 with soundcards?
I know about Fiio, but at the moment I can't shop online, I have to buy it locally. Also, I do quite a lot of gaming. I guess I'll get the DG then.

Sound card wise you really do not have much of a choice anyway.
The Sony ZX700 appears to be designed (Ohm) wise for mp3 player, IPod, cell phone, etc.
Just remmeber to put the DG's gain setting on the lowest (<32-Ohm).
Adding a small (Fiio E6?) portable amplifier (between the DG and ZX700), with their low impedance, might improve the sound over the DG.
Maybe find a good deal on a used Fiio E11.