[prodev42]

what is the best headphone/amp combo under 400 for use with pc gaming/music? can any expert give some recommendations..

 

[manbear]

One of the Asus Xonar soundcards plus your choice of headphones from this list: http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-updated-1-9-2014-shure-srh1840-added

 

[prodev42]

after looking at that list i think i am going to get a Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250...it got best ratings in tier B and It's around 150 with no tax from bhphotovideo.com.
 
is it okay if i buy Rolls HA43 - 4 Output Stereo Headphone Amplifier (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/155408-REG/Rolls_HA43_PRO_HA43_4_Output.html) instead of a asus xonar soundcard? Because I am not sure if i got any pci-e slot left....(would have to go home to check)
 
also what do you recommend for a clipon mic?

 

[manbear]

Those are good headphones. I used to own them myself. 

If you are a gamer, you want a real soundcard in order to use Dolby Headphone and other gaming features. If you decide against a soundcard, though, you will want a USB DAC and a better headphone amplifier than what you have there. An Audioquest Dragonfly would be a good choice -- you get both a quality DAC and an amp for $100. 

 

[prodev42]

tkx, i will buy an asus xonar card..however i am not sure to get dg, ds or dx..could you give me some suggestions..
 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=asus+xonar&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

 

[manbear]

I'm not that knowledgeable about the specific differences between those models, but since you said your budget is $400 total, I would just go the for the STX. Or the DX, since that looks like the top model of the three you listed. 

 

[SaLX]

If you go for the cheaper models select the DGX, not the DG as it's the older PCI standard. It may not fully drive the DT 990 250 ohm though (despite whatever the PR claims), but you could easily purchase a reasonably priced external (amp connected via the line outs) in the future. It won't sound bad at all however, quite the opposite.
 
The STX would be a very good choice too, and is what I would pick given your budget.
 
Don't forget the new SOundBlasters though.. I have the SBZ and it's a very good card with great drivers (am I really writing this??)

 

[prodev42]

I see many diff versions for sbz ranging from 80 to 200, which one do i need?

 

[SaLX]

SBZ or the ZxR (not the Zx as the external volume control isn't great), Checkout http://www.head-fi.org/t/623079/creative-sound-blaster-new-series-z-zx-zxr for info. If you can afford it get the ZxR.

 

[prodev42]

ok tkx