Hello was curious if you use the HD front audio connector on the ASUS Xonar Essence STX sound card will you still get the benefit from the built in headphone amp if using headphones connected to the front panel?
Presumably yes because the front panel is connected directly to the circuit board of the sound card, just in the same way you would connect a set of headphones or speakers,
p.s. answer from an audio enthusiast NOT an audiophile