Spec me a sound system revamp?

[Reppyboyo]

Hi there,

I'm looking at revamping my PC's sound system which to date is about 10 years old overall. Not bad going!
Currently comprises of an Auzentech X-Mystique sound card leading to a Cambridge Audio A1MK3 Special Edition stereo amp and finally to a pair of Tannoy F1 Mercury speakers.

Works great for music and movies but Im finding I want to use headphones more during gaming but the amp does not have any connection to use them. Having to use a 3.5mm jack leading to the line out which works well enough with Koss PortaPro's but I would like to move onto something a bit more high quality and well regarded like the AKG K702's.

Im well out of the loop when it comes to newer stereo amp's, USB DAC's and what not so I need a bit of help here.

If at all possible I would like to be able to use the Tannoy speakers still but replace the soundcard & amp with something newer and hopefully smaller but if the speakers need changing then so be it.

From what I've read I have a few options.
1. Get a high end sound card (STX) to drive the headphones and buy powered speakers (Solo6c's for example).
2. Again get a high end card for headphones and an additional small amp to power the current Tannoys.
3. USB/external DAC which has the capability to drive both? (Beyond the creative X7, is there anything else out there to do this?)
4. USB/external DAC again for headphones and powered speakers of sorts.

Dont really have a budget in mind right now, as said Im out of the loop and not sure what is out there which would suit my needs.
Sorry for the long post and thanks for any help!

 

[rids57]

If you want an all in one then the X7 is the way to go, it's a superb piece of kit.

 

[Marsman]

No reason to change the speakers, or even the amp. Buying another speaker amp just to get headphone socket doesn't make much sense really, if the A1 is working well.

Depends what you can afford to spend.

You could either go for something like a Xonar Essence STX, which will power the AKG K702 with ease, or you could go for an external DAC/headphone amp. May depend on whether you are bothered about gaming effects, virtual positioning, etc. If you are, then an STX is probably the best option without being overly expensive. If you're not fussed but just want good stereo sound, then an external DAC and amp is an option.

Creative X7 would be a good choice to fit all needs, if you can afford to spend that kind of money as well as money on the headphones.

Will power your speakers and will be smaller than the A1 (if you're looking for a smaller amp).
Good headphone amp that will power the K702.
Gaming sound effect processing, etc.

 

[rids57]

If happy with amp and speakers then an STX is really all you need as it is easily up to driving AKG K702s.