Worth it to buy a sound card?

[Xjmhd]

Hello,

 

I recently purcashed a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50x's and currently I'm using them with the onboard audio on my ASUS P9X79, I was wondering if it would be worth buying a soundcard?

If so what would be a good recommendation? I was looking at the Essence STX II but thats pretty expensive. 

[ShadowCaptain]

Hello,

 

 

Honestly you are better off buying better headphones before looking into expensive soundcards and amps, 

 

if you soundcard / amp costs MORE than your headphones, you are doing it all wrong in my opinion, 

 

You could invest in a cheap amp / dac, something like the Syba that connects via USB which should improve things, but no point buying expensive sound cards and amps when driving relatively inexpensive headphones

[BloodWithIce]

Most x79 mobos have pretty good on board sound.
If I were in you I'd spend my money on an external Dac/Amp which is essentially very similar, but much more versatile.

[TheMcSame]

Onboard is pretty decent as it is. I wouldn't really go for a decent sound card unless you plan on getting some audiophile grade headphones.

[NeCoNLive]

[Xjmhd]

Honestly you are better off buying better headphones before looking into expensive soundcards and amps, 

 

if you soundcard / amp costs MORE than your headphones, you are doing it all wrong in my opinion, 

 

You could invest in a cheap amp / dac, something like the Syba that connects via USB which should improve things, but no point buying expensive sound cards and amps when driving relatively inexpensive headphones

 

Got it, you have any other amp / dac recommendation as the one you mentioned is not available here in Denmark unless I order from Amazon which i generally try to avoid becauses of taxes when shipping to Denmark. 

 

 

Good info, thanks! 

[BoredErica]

On a very recent mobo an external dac's not gunna get you anywhere. How much your headphones cost can tell us how much you actually care about sound, and I think you're wasting your time and money.

[Xjmhd]

On a very recent mobo an external dac's not gunna get you anywhere. How much your headphones cost can tell us how much you actually care about sound, and I think you're wasting your time and money.

 

Okay, I can still return the ATH-M50x.

I just heard so much positive about them, but now I'm wondering if they even were worth it compared to my old "Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME", but I guess I'll return them and just stick to the Sennheisers, thanks. 

[BoredErica]

Okay, I can still return the ATH-M50x.

I just heard so much positive about them, but now I'm wondering if they even were worth it compared to my old "Sennheiser PC 360 G4ME", but I guess I'll return them and just stick to the Sennheisers, thanks. 

Considering the Game is a headset, you're paying more for the mic. I think you just have an itch to upgrade something, but it's not going to blow your mind. Although yeah, I'd stick with the old headset you have. Why don't you step up to an HD650 when you (and your wallet) are ready? It's $350 used and might actually need an external amp. That way your itch to upgrade is satisfied but you also get a real boost in sound quality. Make your next upgrade a substantial one, not a cheap one where you can't hear a difference. Gotta catch dem qualities.

[Xjmhd]

Considering the Game is a headset, you're paying more for the mic. I think you just have an itch to upgrade something, but it's not going to blow your mind. Although yeah, I'd stick with the old headset you have. Why don't you step up to an HD650 when you (and your wallet) are ready? It's $350 used and might actually need an external amp. That way your itch to upgrade is satisfied but you also get a real boost in sound quality. Gotta catch dem qualities.

 

Those are just outside my reach for now as I can't seem to find them used in Denmark, I appreciate the help, and saving me from wasting my money! 

[BoredErica]

Those are just outside my reach for now as I can't seem to find them used in Denmark, I appreciate the help, and saving me from wasting my money! 

Oh yes, I understand they are probably out of reach for now, but it's something to think about and possibly save for the future. HD650, if you like the sound signature, could be your end-game. (And they're not $50 Razer headsets, don't abuse them and you should have to replace them in like a decade.)

[Xjmhd]

Oh yes, I understand they are probably out of reach for now, but it's something to think about and possibly save for the future. HD650, if you like the sound signature, could be your end-game. (And they're not $50 Razer headsets, don't abuse them and you should have to replace them in like a decade.)

 

For sure, I'll start saving! Thank you very much for the help  

[BoredErica]

No probs.

[Sushicat89]

On-board sound is pretty good, if you have enough money to buy a card, you could've bought better headphones, but the M50x's are pretty good, so just keep the money