Decent 2.0 audio/headphone solution?

[Yossarian22]

Here's the scoop:

I've got some 2.0 Logitech PC speakers (passive radiators) and I rarely use them because they lack definition in certain frequencies and I'm mainly a headphone user (live in apt). My soundcard is integrated into my mobo (Asus P5K) and... well, here is how I have it now.


Integrated Realtek HD --- > Logitech X-140 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121002) --- > Beyer Dynamic DT150 (http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DT150/)

Crazy, innit? Powering $260 headphones through integrated and 5W PC speakers.

For awhile now, I've considered putting my 22" monitor on top of my stereo receiver (Teac AG-35, solid state, late 80s) and using the receiver's headphone out as driver of the headphones. Not sure if the receiver's power section is in full use (thus wasting electricity) when you have the two speaker sections off.

Or maybe a headphone amp would be a logical choice? Just something I'm mulling around about, I'm not a real big audiophile (unless it comes to my other hobby: guitars) so I'm not sure about these sorts of things.

Thoughts?

[Arkangyl]

Well, it really depends how much you're willing to spend as to what's the best course of action for you.

Using the Teac will probably improve the sound somewhat, the Realtek's DAC is going to hold you back quite a bit though.


If you're thinking about spending money :::

Dropping $200 on the Xonar Essence STX makes headphones sound reaaaaaaaal nice

Spending $100-250 on a dedicated headphone amp will certainly help you sound, HOWEVER since you're using the Realtek DAC, it's not going to make that huge a difference. I went from a Realtek 889 on a dedicated daughterboard to the STX and it was night & day.

Pending budget & what you plan to use it for I'd say:

mainly gaming :: Auzentech X-Fi Forte ($110)
mainly music :: Xonar Essence STX ($200)
lower budget :: Xonar DX ($65 after MIR at newegg right now)

[blazemonkey]

right now, i run my grado sr80's off my receiver which is connected to the spdif coax on my p6t deluxe. i'm thinking the xonar stx has a better dac than my receiver, and probably a better amp. but at the same time, i always found analog out's on any soundcard i've used is noisy i dont know if this is the case with the xonar though..