Sound card vs. amp

[Dederest]

I am looking an getting a pair of the Sennheiser HD 598's. I was wondering if I should get a sound card or an amplifier. For the sound card I was looking at the Asus Xonar DX. I wasn't sure what amp I should get (if that is the best option). If I should go with an amp I would like to stick to the price range of the Xonar DX or $75 and under. What would the benefits of using a sound card over an amp be or vice versa?
I will be mainly using these for gaming, listening to music from my phone, and the occasional music/movie/netflix on my computer as well.
Because I am using these with my phone should I get another amp to use when mobile? I was looking at the FiiO e6. Would it be worth it?

 

[Sammyjo20]

I am looking an getting a pair of the Sennheiser HD 598's. I was wondering if I should get a sound card or an amplifier. For the sound card I was looking at the Asus Xonar DX. I wasn't sure what amp I should get (if that is the best option). If I should go with an amp I would like to stick to the price range of the Xonar DX or $75 and under. What would the benefits of using a sound card over an amp be or vice versa?
I will be mainly using these for gaming, listening to music from my phone, and the occasional music/movie/netflix on my computer as well.
Because I am using these with my phone should I get another amp to use when mobile? I was looking at the FiiO e6. Would it be worth it?

For my radio studio, I use the Behringer Mini-Amp (Behringer AMP800 Mini Amp).

http/www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-AMP800-Channel-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B000KU87SM

Here are all the thing that you will need for it (pretty simple):

http/www.amazon.co.uk/GadgetpoolUK-Stereo-Headphone-Adapter-Converter/dp/B007CEQJVQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1430073187&sr=1-1&keywords=1%2F4+jack+to+3.5mm

4 of these: http/www.amazon.co.uk/Phono-Female-6-35mm-Adapter-Converter/dp/B008PX7PIE/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1430073231&sr=1-6&keywords=1%2F4+to+rca One to plug into the computer, the other your mobile. (Plug it into the Left and right (White / Black = Left, Red = Right)

- Sam

 

[Dederest]

[/quotemsg]

For my radio studio, I use the Behringer Mini-Amp (Behringer AMP800 Mini Amp).

http/www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-AMP800-Channel-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B000KU87SM

Here are all the thing that you will need for it (pretty simple):

http/www.amazon.co.uk/GadgetpoolUK-Stereo-Headphone-Adapter-Converter/dp/B007CEQJVQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1430073187&sr=1-1&keywords=1%2F4+jack+to+3.5mm

4 of these: http/www.amazon.co.uk/Phono-Female-6-35mm-Adapter-Converter/dp/B008PX7PIE/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1430073231&sr=1-6&keywords=1%2F4+to+rca One to plug into the computer, the other your mobile. (Plug it into the Left and right (White / Black = Left, Red = Right)

- Sam

[/quotemsg]

That amp has 4 different channels, I don't think I really need that many, is it possible to get a higher quality one with just one or so channels for the same price? Also the 598's come with a 1/4 jack to start with and have a 3.5 mm adapter.

 

[Sammyjo20]

Everything really has more than 1 channel nowadays but the benefit of having this one, is that you could have a friend over and then have their own volume that won't effect yours and you could be listening to music from your phone while your mate watches YouTube videos on your PC.

- Sam

 

[Dederest]

I don't really plan on having any kind of scenario where this might take place, I really just need 1 channel. Also I would want a seperate amp for my phone because I would be using it on the go, is the e6 good for this?

 

[Sammyjo20]

Then I would just get a sound card mate.

 

[ssddx]

first i'd like to say that the hd598 really doesnt need an amp though does certainly respond well to amplifiers or soundcards with a powerful amp.

if you want virtual surround, you want a soundcard since amplifiers alone do not give you this as an option (and you would be limited to 2.0 stereo only).

given your budget i'd say look at the xonar dx or creative z. since the hd598 doesnt need an amp even for portable use there is no reason for you to go with an amplifier (you have the option to of course, but there is no real need to go that route).