Do I need an amp?

[brawl3r]

I have just currently purchased sennheisers pc 360s I heard they are only 50 ohms I am about to get a x-fi titanium hd sound card would this be enough to get the full potential out of these cans or would u still need an amp. any input would be really grateful thanks

 

[brawl3r]

Thanks for the reply titanium, just what sort of improvement because I use my system mainly for gaming but I do watch movies and listen to music so I want the best to be honest out of them and it does not say the x-fi titanium hd has a headphone amp is it worth looking into another soundcard maybe just want the best in one solution but I have heard the titanium hd has the best features for gaming and thats what I'm mainly after sorry if I sound really stupid but new to this audio stuff cheers

 

[brawl3r]

Thanks for the input guys really helpful.

Regarding gaming features, I'm not sure how useful any of the X-Fi stuff is these days and their performance benefits are inconsequential. Most games are are slowly dropping support for these features and moving towards software only processing (e.g. BC2 and BF3). Most important features like virtual surround sound are available even on the cheapest cards these days. I don't use any of these features and prefer a clean, unprocessed signal to my headphones, even for games.

you say software only processing, so will i benefit from a sound card mate and if the titanuim hd doesnt have a amp is there any point.
thanks for the help.

The line outs on the card are pretty high voltage, so you won't have a problem with volume, although it may struggle to supply enough current with low impedance headphones. The headphone out is rated up to 330 Ohms, so no worries with your phones being too hard to drive in that respect.

sorry to sound stupid here, you say i wont have a problem with the volume, thats all good what would the symtoms be by stuggling to supply enough current, as i am starting to think i may not need this high end soundcard. thanks for the input Alf

 

[brawl3r]

thanks mate, a lot to take in but i get your drift and understand somewhat better now. so the question i can ask you as i see you have the card is it worth the price?
And your honest opinion do you think i should get this card or something less demanding, Not really bothered as money is not a problem just dont want to spend the money when its not even needed cheers for the help Alf