Maximum PC

I'm looking to upgrade my soundcard. Currently I have an older Creative X-Fi Gamer (PCI) that has been acting up lately and I feel like it's on it's way to the recycle bin.

I use headphones (HD-280) almost exclusively. I enjoy movies, tv shows, and gaming on my computer (I7 860 rig). I also enjoy high quality sound and don't mind spending a little extra if it's worth it for the best sound.

I think I would like to get a PCI-e soundcard to future proof. Is the Creative still a viable brand? what about the Xonar's that I see alot of people referencing?

Thanks.

i also read the Auzentech has some good cards

http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/ ... ter_hd.php

http://www.guru3d.com/article/auzentech ... g-preview/

http://www.guru3d.com/article/auzentech ... d-review/1

i guess you can tell im thinking of getting one of these myself...haha...unless someone can talk me into something else,like going the usb,dac,pre amp, tube amp route

I personally went with an Xonar Essence STX for my new rig. It has a built in headphone amp, and you can fully adjust the settings to match your headphones. However it is $200, and while your headphones are nice, I wouldn't say they warrant a sound card thats twice as much as you can pick up your headphones for. Personally the reason I spent the $200 for it was I have a $1600 set of Grado's, that I love, and am going to be doing some editing as well as hi-fi listening.

I have heard good things about the Xonar DX, and it's going for about $89 right now on the egg. Has a $20 rebate on top of that, but I never rely on those being a factor.

Thank you for the advice. Anyone else here actually used those cards yet?