Upgrade from xfi xtremegamer?

[Nephrinn]

Thanks to suggestions here, I purchased the ATH-A900 headphones a few days ago (currently on the way). So, my question is, would I notice any difference in quality if I upgraded my xfi xtremegamer sound card to something like the Auzentech Forte? I've heard that that card has OPamps that may drive the headphones better? Is it time to upgrade?

 

[Menelmarar]

X-Fi still has very good outputs, and it has hardware acceleration for gaming assuming you use it for that. And it's presumably already installed in your system with drivers and all working and happy, which is a huge plus for any creative based hardware.

If you really want a headphone amp, I'd get a third party one, then it goes with you for whenever/whatever you want to use your headphoens with. Computer, laptop, ipod, receiver, etc.

 

[Liver]

the sound quality for direct out put from an X-fi to headphones is very good. On par and / or better than most budget headphone amplifiers. Better than mid fi.

Don't fall into the hype that you need an amp and the budget / mid line amp you get will be better than the X-fi. (some business nonsense) --> Creative can build cheaper / better outputs in their cards because of volume selling. Just because the amp is external, does not mean its better.

I have an Elite Pro that is better than most (if not all) amps less than $300-$500 bucks. I did the swapping and listening with several devices a couple of years ago, and in some cases it was a wash and in other it was a downgrade to get an amp.

I suggest plug it in and listen to it. If you like it, use it. If you don't like, get something else.