Audio noob

[LoStMaTt]

Basically I am looking to do an overhaul of my computer audio setup.

The rundown:

I play TF2, COD4, etc.

Listen to music.

Watch movies occasionally

Current setup:

(was running an HT card but I zapped it by accident)
2.1 logitech speakers into X-fi xtrememusic
Plantronics GameCom headset

I took a look at the Head-Fi forums and didn't even know where to start. It looks like a complicated mess in there.

I am more interested in spending money on a great headset, a better sound card (no more Creative).

Would an amp benefit my audio experience? Would it be necessary?

Edit: I see multiple threads on headsets and what not and am sure you all are tired of repeat threads so feel free to send me elsewhere

 

[veritas7]

I'm also in the same scenario as you are. The only things I've seemed to reach some sort of conclusion on are sound cards and headphones. I don't know much at all about amps/external DACs etc.

For sound cards, I'm down to:
Auzentech Prelude
Asus Xonar (either the PCI or PCIe, IDK)


For headphones:
Technic RP-DH1200
Ultrasone HFI-780 (ALOs are too expensive for me)
Denon AH-D2000
Beyerdynamic DT-770 PRO