What Sound Device to use?

[Monk5127]

Hi all, I was looking for some advice and opinions on what sound device I should use on my PC. I have just ordered myself some Sennheiser HD 558 headphones and have the following options available to me;

1) Connecting straight to the on board sound - Realtek ALC898 on GA-Z87X-UD4H
2) Connecting to my amplifier - Yamaha RX-V361 - Optical from MB
3) Splashing out on a sound card, I have been looking at the "Creative Sound Blaster ZX" but I am open to other ideas/products too.

My main uses for the PC are gaming and listening to music (of varying quality).

 

[corkyg]

I would try 1) and 2) and let your ears be your guide. Of those, I would expect 2) to be the best quality.

 

[MongGrel]

I'd just go with 2)

I used to do that with no problem, I bought a converter card to use an older PCI Sound Card (Auzen X-Fi Meridian) I liked from way back I all ready owned, as all my slot on the MB are PCI-E.

But I ran it before that straight from my MB over TOSLINK no problem.

If I didn't all ready have that card I still would run straight off the MB.