Which Soundcard to get? Headphones / AMP

Blood181

Distinguished
Jan 9, 2014
30
0
18,540
Recently I picked up some DT770 80PRO for an amazing price.
My previous setup which I use from time to time is a
Pyle Pro PTAU45 amp (Cheapy)
Bose 301's

I picked up the DT770 and plugged them into the amp and the sound quality is hands down better than my previous headset (Steel series siberia's). So I experiement with getting the E10 DAC and going straight to that vs my amp etc. The quality was a slight increase on the E10 DAC but not a complete blown away experience.

I Also ran
USB > DAC > AMP > Headphone
USB > DAC > Headphone
3.5mm > AMP > Headphone
3.5mm > Headphone

I am using these headphones mainly to game and some music. So Dolby integration is a must. Currently my motherboard is the Asus Maximus Vi Hero with the older supreme fx sound (not the realtek 1150's) So the soundcard it self simply doesnt have the power to push the headphones.


The reason I want a soundcard is so I can still use my amp which is also plugged into speakers for the times I Dont care to wear the headphones. But I have been out of computer audiophile so long I have no idea what a good sound card is anymore. I'd like to stay under $100. I am all ears for any suggestions, really looking for some assistance on this.