[RubberBootz]

Hey guys,
 
All my listening to music/games and usage of DAWs has got me wanting to put a little money towards my hobby/interests - so I'm after a quality sound card and I want your input!!
 
Thing is, I'm not going to be using headphones because I cannot afford one's I'd be happy with. So I'm not sure if something like the ASUS Xonar Essence (as well-priced as it is) is going to be worth it for me? ie: head phone amp, swapable OHMs
 
I'm happy with not wanting to change out amp/speakers, forget any Brand/Make relevance but.. basically, not worth the mention... So that would mean my setup is going to be dual-stereo (2left, 2right) and I need something suitable to that configuration as opposed to headphones.
 
Usually playing .FLAC files or something up there.
 
EDIT: I should also note I have a Asus Crosshair V Formula which has decent on-board sound, although I'm not currently using the Optical S/PDIF Out.. would I be better just saving my dosh and somehow using that output???
 
Cheers,
RBz.

 

[trog]

Are u on passive speakers? If so consider used coax/optical AVR on the cheap off Craiglist?

 

[RubberBootz]

Quote:

Are u on passive speakers? If so consider used coax/optical AVR on the cheap off Craiglist?

 
Yep, Passive speakers, there just half-decent oldies. Do you reckon look for a suitable sound card or get what gains I can from using the spdif? Craiglist may be the go i think considering I'm not using headphones..

 

[PurpleAngel]

Quote:

All my listening to music/games and usage of DAWs has got me wanting to put a little money towards my hobby/interests - so I'm after a quality sound card and I want your input!!
Thing is, I'm not going to be using headphones because I cannot afford one's I'd be happy with. So I'm not sure if something like the ASUS Xonar Essence (as well-priced as it is) is going to be worth it for me? ie: head phone amp, swapable OHMs
I'm happy with not wanting to change out amp/speakers, forget any Brand/Make relevance but.. basically, not worth the mention... So that would mean my setup is going to be dual-stereo (2left, 2right) and I need something suitable to that configuration as opposed to headphones.
Usually playing .FLAC files or something up there.
EDIT: I should also note I have a Asus Crosshair V Formula which has decent on-board sound, although I'm not currently using the Optical S/PDIF Out.. would I be better just saving my dosh and somehow using that output???

Asus Xonar DX or D1, should find some used ones for $55 on eBay.