kinrouxx

Well, the E09k is only a desktop amp, which should be able to drive up to 600ohms headphones. Problem is, you may need it, but then again, you might not.  My advice would be to buy the E17 first, and see how it goes, because the E17 is already a DAC/amp combo. The amp is better than the E07k (I've tested myself). I have personally thought of getting the qogir to pair with my E07k, but after trying it on the store, the difference is just not enough for me to shell out an extra $100. Even the store guy (somebody who understands audio, not just an average salesman) said that I'd better save up, and when the time comes, sell my E07k, and get a better desktop DAC/amp, as opposed to having the E07k, and then buy the qogir to compliment it.

...right, but what you're saying here flies in the face of well-established fact.
 
Better headphones *do* make a difference. If it was as simple as EQing ear pods to get the same experience as a much more expensive headphones or earphones, we would all do it.
 
There are a lot of snake oil products targeted at audiophiles. Headphones aren't one of them...

Oh I'm totally happy with these headphones it was my sound card that I was putting in question as "is it sufficient to supply a good enough sound to my headphones ?". I fiddle with the EQ a lot, I even tend to change between my custom presets depending on the genre I'm listening to

For the most part you have a solid set up, the only thing I would look into is that If you hear a noticeable difference between the crappy laptop audio and your gaming pc's sound card, you may want to invest in a FiiO E10 as something to take to work with you. It sounds great and it's a perfect size for your user case.

This.....
 
OP, do you have anything that you're not satisfied with? If (for example) you feel the HD8 sounds too low in volume, you could get a portable/desktop headphone amp. DAC could improve the sound quality, but by how far, or even noticeable or not, is entirely subjective. For example, I'm using the Fiio E07k, originally for the amp, to power my headphone. Later, I tried using the DAC, instead of my xonar DG. There's a difference, and I like the E07k's DAC better, but the difference is very subtle. Does the subtle difference enough to justify getting the E07k to use its DAC instead of your original DAC that you already have? That's the subjective part.
 
On the other note, I got some 'insider' tips that the Schiit's smaller amps are not very good. Their higher line of products are better, but not the lower lines. Maybe get the O2+ODAC. Well, that is if you really wanna go for the subtle difference
 
The biggest margin of difference would come from getting a better pair of headphone, though, but could be (or not) out of your budget....