Do I need an x-fi sound card if I NEVER use speakers?

[Remobz]

Hi all,

Due to my living conditions, I can't use speakers when gaming or listening to music. I have crappy headphones now (some cheap generic junk).

With that said, would it be a waste if I upgraded to the x-fi series of cards? Should I just stick with integrated sound considering my position?

BTW, I am thinking of getting a senns 595 headphones

 

[jodoog]

No point with crappy headpones.

Then buy it later on 'if' you get the Senns.

Joe

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Yeah, I would get your headphones in good shape before you worry about the X-Fi.

 

[Remobz]

So I take it that the x-fi cards are worth upgrading to ONCE you own some good headphones?


I was always under the impression that due to the limitations of headphones, it was not worth spending tons of money on a sound card.

 

[dBTelos]

An X-Fi won't make junk headphones sound any better (well maybe a little, but definitly not worth the money). A Chaintech AV710 is a great low cost soundcard solution (Envy24 for $20), and spend the extra money on a pair of Grado SR-80s. Much better solution.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Remobz
So I take it that the x-fi cards are worth upgrading to ONCE you own some good headphones?


I was always under the impression that due to the limitations of headphones, it was not worth spending tons of money on a sound card.

One of the best features of the X-Fi is the surround headphone feature. It will help you get a surround sound feel from just a stereo set of headphones.

I'm not sure what limitations you're talking about, but just because you're listening to headphones doesn't mean you shouldn't worry about your soundcard. If anything, you're going to run into your integrated sound as a limitation in quality sooner if you invest in headphones vs. similarly priced speakers.

 

[Remobz]

Ahhhhh......

Thanks for all your feedback.

 

[PianoMan]

If you game a lot, an x-Fi is a worthwhile upgrade if only for the surround features (what it does in BF2 is especially uncanny - helps out a lot figuring out where fire is coming from).

You will be limited by your 'phones, but you can take advantage of the CMSS processing in the meantime before you upgrade your 'cans.

BTW, you'll also LOVE the 595's. If you're not intending on doing SERIOUS listening with them (i.e., not listening to CD's/hi-rez audio on a dedicated hi-fi setup), you can always opt for a more inexpensive set of Senns'. But if you've got the $$$ - the '95's are awesome.

PM