Which soundcard?

[czmilos]

Looking for a soundcard to power Ath-M50's only. 
I dont use speakers so just used with headphones and mic for music and games.
 
Also need a portable amp for android phone possibly Digizoid Zo?
 
Budget max 100 euro for the soundcard delivered.

 

[stv014]

FiiO E11 (this will also work well with other headphones in the future) + Xonar DG or other sound card for which the remaining budget is enough. But maybe an amplifier is not needed for the M50 from the phone.

 

[PurpleAngel]

 
Quote:

FiiO E11 (this will also work well with other headphones in the future) + Xonar DG or other sound card for which the remaining budget is enough. But maybe an amplifier is not needed for the M50 from the phone.

 
Fiio E11 and Asus Xonar DG, I second that.
 

 

[peck1234]

I would skip the sound card and just get a nice USB DAC/AMP for your M50's.   

 

[stv014]

Quote:

I would skip the sound card and just get a nice USB DAC/AMP for your M50's.   

 
The OP did mention the need for microphone input and gaming support.

 

[peck1234]

USB mics are available.  

 
In terms of sound quality, any basic external DAC will BLOW even the most expensive soundcards out of the water.  

 

[stv014]

Quote:

In terms of sound quality, any basic external DAC will BLOW even the most expensive soundcards out of the water.  

 
And that assumption is based on exactly what ? It is true that internal cards are noisy in some machines, but when they are not, the price to performance ratio tends to be actually better. Some very affordably priced sound cards even have excellent DACs. Also, some of the basic ~$30 external DACs, like the FiiO D5, have trouble outperforming good onboard codec chips.