HD 558s

[Shikarikato]

Planning to buy HD558 headphones, I'm planning to get a Xonar STX with it, is that a good option?

[h264]

http://nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/headphone-amp-impedance.html

the short answer is, not really. STX output impedance is 10 Ohms, and the 558's have a 50 Ohm impedance.

[t0wer]

My answer would be, an external dac/amp would be better.

[Lyons]

My answer would be, an external dac/amp would be better.

If this if the route you go, I suggest the Audioengine D1, unless you want to go with the Fiio combo, but it seems a little inelegant to me. I would also consider a few other options than the 558's.

[Aphexx]

let's try the Socratic method.

what attributes of the 558 appeal to you most, why is this the perfect combo for you? what other pieces of hardware are you considering?

[NewKID]

you dont even need an amp for the 558. get a decent external dac for $100 (ie Schiit Modi and JDS Lab's ObjectiveDAC)

[Shikarikato]

Well the 558 from what everyone describes the audio as what I would prefer but I can choose other headphone options in the same price range.

[t0wer]

then you're stuck with digital volume control.

go for the o2 + odac or modi and magni