Please help with soundcard advice

[Grevard]

I currently own the Swan M50w 2.1 system. I've only heard them with my samsung galaxy S2 phone output(lol), so I want to pick out a nice soundcard for them to use with my new computer. I also plan on buying the Ultrasone Pro 550. With both the speakers and headphones I will be listening to music and gaming 50/50 and also use the headphones compared to 2.1 system 50/50. I'm trying to decide between the Xonar DX and the Essence ST. So I have 3 questions.

1.Should I worry about a headphone amplifier for the Ultrasone Pro 550? If an amp wouldn't really do much for me with these phones I will probably lean toward a cheaper soundcard UNLESS the soundquality would be significantly better.

2.Is the price increase from the Xonar DX to the Essense ST justified? If the Ultrasone Pro 550 do not utilize a headphone amp would it even make sense to buy the Essence ST?

3.Is there any other soundcard you would recomend for my needs?



P.S. Gaming will be mostly Diablo 3, FPS, rpgs, and racing.


thank you

 

[guitarslingerchris]

1. No, the Ultrasones are easy to drive. The Xonar DX will do well.

2. The Essence ST is a solid choice for an entry level headphone amp but it's designed for higher impedance headphones and isn't really ideally suited for the Ultrasones you listed.

3. Xonar DG will be your cheapest option and will be comparable to the Xonar DX unless you have a specific need for 7.1 surround.

 

[Grevard]

You focused your comments on how the cards will work with the headphones, which I appreciate, but could someone comment on the quality of sound I might lose for my 2.1 system going from the Essence St to the Xonar DX?

reminder: the 2.1 is the Swan M50w

thank you.

 

[guitarslingerchris]

You focused your comments on how the cards will work with the headphones, which I appreciate, but could someone comment on the quality of sound I might lose for my 2.1 system going from the Essence St to the Xonar DX?

reminder: the 2.1 is the Swan M50w

thank you.

There won't be an appreciable drop in quality for your 2.1 system.

 

[JoeUser]

I won't go into a long winded explanation...all I will say is please avoid the Xonar DG at all costs!!!

Honestly the worst sound I've ever heard.

You've been warned!

 

[guitarslingerchris]

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[Valaire]

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QFT