Need advice on computer sound card!

[last_sd]

Hey,

I built a new computer few months ago and just getting around to the sound & speaker part of it.

Right now I have:
Sound: On board - ALC892
Headphone: Pioneer SE-MJ551
Speaker: Edifier S330D

Usage is 50% Music/Movie, 50% gaming.
I was using headphone only until I got the speaker last week. I am using speaker only now but I am sure I will start using mix of headphones and speakers once the honeymoon period is over with the S330D

I have researched quite a bit and decided to stick with ASUS Xonar series.(good for price and had bad experience with Creative)

I'm deciding between Xonar DG/DGX and DX.

First the ones that I won't get
STX - $190~200 is good and I wouldn't have to think about upgrade once I get it but I don't see me upgrading my speakers any time soon.

DS/DSX - $50~55 I don't see the point of this card. I would either go cheaper and go DG/DGX or pay a bit more for DX.

From what I've read
DG/DGX - $35~40/$45~55 Best bang for buck. Headphone Amp

DX - $85~95 Better sound chip than DG/DGX. No Headphone Amp.

My question is with my speaker and headphone would I notice significant upgrade in sound from my on board? If so is DX worth spending 2~3 times more money than DG/DGX?

I know my headphone and speaker are very low end compare to most people here in the forum, but I would appreciate if you guys could help me.
Thanks!

[Scycotic]

How good are your ears? Most people are fine with on-board nowadays...

[last_sd]

How good are your ears? Most people are fine with on-board nowadays...

That's probably the most important question. I am not really sure.

[BlueBill]

Does your motherboard have an optical out on it (your speakers have both coax & TOSLINK) ? Use that. Analog anything in a computer system is tough to isolate from all the digital switching noise.

[ShadowVlican]

How good are your ears? Most people are fine with on-board nowadays...

+1 indeed

[last_sd]

Does your motherboard have an optical out on it (your speakers have both coax & TOSLINK) ? Use that. Analog anything in a computer system is tough to isolate from all the digital switching noise.

Yep my motherboard has TOSLINK. I am using the analog though since TOSLINK connection for some reason gives much weaker base from sub

[ssbtech]

Grab the one with the headphone amp built in.

Personally I've got the Xonar Essence STX with the built in headphone amp. Sound is great with my Shure headphones.

I got it because I had nothing to drive my headphones and the on-board sound card had too much background noise for my liking.

[infamouskid]

the DGX should fit you just fine.

[shinystarbuckscup]

why dun u just get a better stereo speaker but a sound card?

[last_sd]

Any more advice?

EDIT: What do you guys think about buying used sound card from a person (instead of a reputable seller)?
Would you buy a better used card or worse but new card?