Which Sound Card for DT990 PRO Headphones?

[TheEarthAreFlat]

I'm looking for a Sound Card to use with my Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250 OHM) Headphones.

They will be used for gaming, so I think a Sound Card with a good built-in amplifier is better than a separate Amp/DAC. Do you agree?

Here are two possibilities, but I'm open to other suggestions and have a flexible budget if it means better audio quality.

Asus Xonar Essence STX II

Creative Sound Blaster ZxR

Could you also try to limit your suggestions to sound cards/amps/DACs that are available on a UK store? I've had a very hard time finding recommended amps and DACs in the UK.

 

[thor220]

If you wanted better sound quality you'd get an o2 + ODAC

https://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/o2-odac-combo-revb/

This will blow away any internal sound card.

 

[TheEarthAreFlat]

If you wanted better sound quality you'd get an o2 + ODAC

https://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/o2-odac-combo-revb/

This will blow away any internal sound card.

I've seen those recommended when researching this, but I'm having a hard time finding a place to buy them in the UK. Do you know where I could find one? Or do you have another suggestion? Thanks for the quick response.

 

[thor220]

I don't know of any place that sells them in the UK but you can import them. Mayflower electronics has good pricing and international shipping is only $20.

 

[TheEarthAreFlat]

I don't know of any place that sells them in the UK but you can import them. Mayflower electronics has good pricing and international shipping is only $20.

What do you think of this?

Project Head Box S USB Headphone Amplifier

 

[thor220]

I don't know of any place that sells them in the UK but you can import them. Mayflower electronics has good pricing and international shipping is only $20.

What do you think of this?

Project Head Box S USB Headphone Amplifier

That's pretty awful. They don't list all the specs but what's there is even worse than the Asus Xonar Essence STX II. Signal to noise should be at least 124 Db.

 

[TheEarthAreFlat]

I don't know of any place that sells them in the UK but you can import them. Mayflower electronics has good pricing and international shipping is only $20.

What do you think of this?

Project Head Box S USB Headphone Amplifier

That's pretty awful. They don't list all the specs but what's there is even worse than the Asus Xonar Essence STX II. Signal to noise should be at least 124 Db.

I thought so, thanks.

Would The Element be a better choice than O2+ODAC?

 

[thor220]

The Element is brand new. It's not very tested but it's spec sheet is better than the o2+oDAC. I've seen some people post short reviews and it looks solid.

It's probably the sweetest looking DAC + AMP on the market. I think it's safe to say it's better than the Xonar but we won't know for sure until extensive reviews come out.

If I were in your position, I would buy it. The manufacturer has a good history of it's own products and you really cannot beat the look of that thing.

 

[TheEarthAreFlat]

The Element is brand new. It's not very tested but it's spec sheet is better than the o2+oDAC. I've seen some people post short reviews and it looks solid.

It's probably the sweetest looking DAC + AMP on the market. I think it's safe to say it's better than the Xonar but we won't know for sure until extensive reviews come out.

If I were in your position, I would buy it. The manufacturer has a good history of it's own products and you really cannot beat the look of that thing.

It looks amazing, thanks for the help. I'll probably end up buying The Element after I've mentally prepared myself for the dent in my bank balance. :lol:

 

[thor220]

You'll have to come back here and post impressions afterwords. Would definitely like to hear about it.

 

[TheEarthAreFlat]

You'll have to come back here and post impressions afterwords. Would definitely like to hear about it.

Sadly I've found out importing The Element from America would cost a huge amount of money after international VAT and import costs.

Here's my latest idea for anyone who's interested/wants to help: Philips Fidelio X2 with Sound Card + Amp?

 

[thor220]

That stinks.