Asus Xonar Xense or Essence STX

[SuicidalChicken]

Hey guys!

I've used Overclockers for a number of years, but haven't signed up to the forums!
I'm in a predicament at the moment; I too am looking to upgrade my sounds quality and clarity.
I used to own an X-FI Xtreme gamer, however when Win7 was released; the card died.
I've been looking at the Xonar Xense bundled with the PC360, and i think it's fantastic value for money.
However,
I'm an entry level audiophile. I love clarity, i love quality. For £200, this is an excellent choice for dedicated gamers, however i love listening to music not only at my computer, but out and about (As we all do.)
Due to this, i've also been looking at the Xonar Essence STX and buying the Sennheiser HD598's seperately. in total, this would be about £340-350 (give or take a few.) I'm quite reluctant on the price, as the missus will tear me a new one, saying there's no difference between expensive cans and Apple 'plugs...(She's crazy, i know.)
I know you can't really put a price tag on audio, but i need some advice. I play a lot of Battlefield 3, I am in love and have already spent a good £500-600 on upgrades. I have some sh*tty 5.1 surround headset, as my neighbours complained my 5.1 cinema system was too loud.

Do I justify the £300+ for the soundcard and seperate cans, or the £200 and be done with it?


I'll need a PCI-E Soundcard, as i'm running SLI mode on an Asus P8P67-Pro. The cards take up available PCI slots, so it's left me with PCI-E
Many thanks,
Josh

 

[Aurhinius]

you will not be disappointed with the xense bundle trust me.

The card and phones have been toned together and it works beautifully.

Save your self a little bit just now and get the xense.

Maybe when you are feeling a bit more flush you can always upgrade the cans.

With the xense you also get the mic and it is a great mic too very handy for TS or vent.

 

[SuicidalChicken]

you will not be disappointed with the xense bundle trust me.

The card and phones have been toned together and it works beautifully.

Save your self a little bit just now and get the xense.

Maybe when you are feeling a bit more flush you can always upgrade the cans.

With the xense you also get the mic and it is a great mic too very handy for TS or vent.

I think you're right.
I've already got it in my mind, if i do get the Xense - I'm gonna do the bass mod for PC350

 

[gatecrasherlok]

I recently upgraded to the Xense card coming from a already good xonar d2x and have to say its worth every penny. The D2X was great but having a dedicated headphone amp makes such a difference while also retaining the ability to switch between regular speakers and headphones sold it for me. The headphones are great and if clarity is what your after then I'm sure these will fit the bill. Sure there are better cans out there but these are certainly no slouches and if down the line you require a better set of cans then you can just get some and plug em straight in.

 

[SuicidalChicken]

I recently upgraded to the Xense card coming from a already good xonar d2x and have to say its worth every penny. The D2X was great but having a dedicated headphone amp makes such a difference while also retaining the ability to switch between regular speakers and headphones sold it for me. The headphones are great and if clarity is what your after then I'm sure these will fit the bill. Sure there are better cans out there but these are certainly no slouches and if down the line you require a better set of cans then you can just get some and plug em straight in.

I think you're right as well.
I'm gonna take the plunge in the New Year, and order the Xonar Xense. I'm expecting a fair amount of money, and will probably purchase the HD598's. Albeit, I do have the Sennheiser IE8's, so I might not order the 598's and just stick with the PC350's.