New Sound Set-up

[Ghost]

I am looking to buy a new audio set-up.

Currently looking at the Xonar STX and the HD650's.

Any recommendations? Is that a good choice? Will I need an amp?

(I am doing this using guess work but the xonar stx can give out "117dB (600Ohms)" and the 650's have an impedance of (300?) so I won't need an amp?)

Thanks!

[Hyydrah]

The Essence STX is a headphone amp, up to 600 Ohms.

Also, the Essence One sounds subjectively better, though it is an external DAC / headphone amp. Sound cards are very limited in space, and consequently capability.

Good luck.

[Ghost]

The Essence STX is a headphone amp' date=' up to 600 Ohms. Also, the Essence One sounds subjectively better, though it is an external DAC / headphone amp. Sound cards are very limited in space, and consequently capability. Good luck. [/quote']

The Xonar One costs > double the price of the Xonar STX. That is simply too expensive for me.

[h264]

What exactly ISN'T so expensive for you? You might have better luck with an external headphone amp/dac like the E10, magni+modi, or O2+ODAC

[OddballMV]

I would say if you have the money for the HD650 then there is most likely something of better value for you these days.

[WaiseCoo]

I'm running the HD650's with a Xonar STX, it drives them fine. I haven't tested them with any external amp yet, but I do think there is something to improve with the built-in amp.

 

But don't get me wrong, they do still sound pretty amazing. I have changed the op-amps to LM49860, which I think improved the soundstage a bit.

 

As it comes to the HD650's. They have a really unique sound which any other headphone hasn't really achieved. Many audiophiles say that even when they have HD800's and other really high-end stuff laying around they still prefer the HD650's laid back soundsignature and find them selves enjoying the HD650's more. So if you like slighly colored and laid back sound, the HD650's are pobably the best headphones you can get. :)

[NewKID]

with your budget, keep your eyes open. you have a large variety to choose from. not saying the HD 650's are bad, but there might be other headphones that are more suited for you