Help me pick my new set up.

[Simply Tom]

So I am looking into getting a good pair of headphone to replace my astro a40's that I have had for 4 years now. I am looking to replace them because I got a new pair of ear-buds over black Friday that have better sound IMO and it is making me long for better sound at my computer too. I have astro mix amp and a creative x-fi titanium  and the onboard on my asrock z87 extreme 4 for sound cards to choose from. I was looking into the sennheiser HD 518 because they have heavier bass which is ideal for me and they are less than $100, but I am not sure if any of the output options I have would complement a good pair of headphone well enough.

 

Would the titanium or mix amp or onboard be good enough for something like the HD 518?

Do you have any suggestions of other headphones to look into? I like bass and listen to electric music and play game.

 

All other advice is appreciated, thank you.

[EmoRarity]

If you like the 518' go for them, they're solid enough and don't need anything to run them. 

[tugadude4]

i like the halfmman tokkan

[Simply Tom]

If you like the 518' go for them, they're solid enough and don't need anything to run them. 

Which one of my output options do you think is best to pair up with them if any?

[EmoRarity]

Which one of my output options do you think is best to pair up with them if any?

Onboard, though they'll work just fine with any of them.

[ShearMe]

If you're in the US, consider the SE-A1000 if you want another option as well.

[Simply Tom]

If you like the 518' go for them, they're solid enough and don't need anything to run them. 

Do you think I will hear a noticeable difference from the a40 to the hd 518?

[ShearMe]

Do you think I will hear a noticeable difference from the a40 to the hd 518?

 

Without a doubt.

[Simply Tom]

Without a doubt.

How do the pc 360 compare to the hd518? I would have to get a mic for teh hd 518 which would bump total cost to like 120 and the pc 260 are 150 ish.

[ShearMe]

How do the pc 360 compare to the hd518? I would have to get a mic for teh hd 518 which would bump total cost to like 120 and the pc 260 are 150 ish.

 

Well that saves you $30 doesn't it?

The 500 series and the 350 and the 360 all use the save drivers (at least, essentially). The 350 is closed, which isn't as nice for gaming, so we usually stick to the 360. It's the only reasonably priced headset for the sound quality you receive.

[Simply Tom]

Well that saves you $30 doesn't it?

The 500 series and the 350 and the 360 all use the save drivers (at least, essentially). The 350 is closed, which isn't as nice for gaming, so we usually stick to the 360. It's the only reasonably priced headset for the sound quality you receive.

You seem to know what your are talking about so i'll ask you, do you think running the hd 518 through a mix amp through optical, a x-fi titanium or my onboard sound will give be the best audio quality.

[Simply Tom]

If you like the 518' go for them, they're solid enough and don't need anything to run them. 

What did you mean by "solid enough"?

[ShearMe]

You seem to know what your are talking about so i'll ask you, do you think running the hd 518 through a mix amp through optical, a x-fi titanium or my onboard sound will give be the best audio quality.

 

Mr Rarity knows what he's talking about too.

 

There is very little difference between sources. It's not so much about which source sounds best, but which doesn't sound as good. The problem most soundcards have is a high output impedance, which'll change the frequency response of the headphones. The problem many people have with onboard is it's often got interference which comes out as static. Since soundcards are vulnerable to interference as well, you might as well go external if your onbaord aint no gewd.

 

tldr; onboard - mixamp if it's staticky

[Simply Tom]

Mr Rarity knows what he's talking about too.

 

There is very little difference between sources. It's not so much about which source sounds best, but which doesn't sound as good. The problem most soundcards have is a high output impedance, which'll change the frequency response of the headphones. The problem many people have with onboard is it's often got interference which comes out as static. Since soundcards are vulnerable to interference as well, you might as well go external if your onbaord aint no gewd.

 

tldr; onboard - mixamp if it's staticky

Ok thank you everyone for all of your input and advice. 

[EmoRarity]

Ok thank you everyone for all of your input and advice. 

What he said, but I'm sick, so read it as if I was choking on gravel.