best soundcard for pair of AudioEngine A5 without being ridiculous

[SnOop005]

Just bought a pair of A5s for my computer. Currently running onboard sound off an Asus P67 Sabertooth. What's a good soundcard to buy to match these speakers without going overboard? I know as with anything there's diminishing returns, I'm looking at the asus xonar essence stx, it's around $200..is this too much to pay for a soundcard? I mostly going to be listening to MP3s (256-320kbps).

Thanks!

 

[teatime0315]

Probably http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829132010

 

[DirkGently1]

Definately stump up for the Essence! I've had all manner of audio set-ups and i've never heard quality like it before.

One of the best buys i ever made!

 

[darkswordsman17]

Save $50 and get an X-Fi Titanium HD. The only thing the ASUS really offers over it is a headphone amp, which is useless for you. Its $150 at Buy, Best Buy, and Tiger Direct right now.

 

[mshan]

When you listen to the A5 through integrated sound, what do you feel is missing when you listen to music?

I own A2 and feel that they are voiced to sound really good with mass market clean output, and may not sound right with a hyperclear sounding sound card.

Going with an outboard usb dac will probably reduce noise in a very beneficial way.

Not sure if it would match A5, but other thought would be to get something like Yaqin tube buffer and see if adding tubey dimensionality might sound good with A5.

http://www.head-fi.org/forum/