[Pandaclocker]

Hello
 
I'm upgrading from my old X-FI XtremeMusic + SONY MDR1-R   to -->  X-FI Titanium HD + NAD HP50 (buying the stuff tommorow).

I'm wondering if I there is any worthy improvement to gain (in terms of SQ) by getting a decent external amp between the Titanium HD and the HP50? 
 
Also, do you think that I will hear the difference between Titanium HD and XtremeMusic?

I'll be grateful for any comments on this, thanks!

 

[TwoEars]

For the MDR-1R?
 
Most likely not I would say. Just enjoy the system for what it is, should be very good for gaming and movies.
 
Start thinking about a dedicated headphone amp if you upgrade to orthos (HE-6, LCD-2) or something high-end like the HD800 or T1.

 

[GotNoRice]

I am a very happy X-Fi Titanium HD owner, but I have the analog outputs currently running directly into my Yamaha Preamp, which also doubles as my headphone amp.  The times when I've had my computer at a LANparty, etc and had to plug directly into the card to power my headphones, I was less than impressed.  My DT990 Pro headphones are 250ohm though, and that can be tough some cards.