Review on Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz USB DAC and Amp Sound Card - Super X-Fi, Multi-Channel, 7.1 Surround, Optical I/O, Line/Mic/Headset Ports - PC/Mac Compatible by Stephen Hobbs

In summary, this amp/DAC is amazing. Just consider the amp/DAC, not to mention all the customizable sounds that come with the software. If you want a generic amp/DAC with vanilla sound, then so be it. If you're feeling more immersive or want to customize your sound, have an EQ and/or SBX. If you want a surround sound home theater experience, you can enable SXFI. I had SXFI on with headphones on and several times I thought my speakers were on. I think all the features have their place and add more depth to the sound experience. I have a lot of fun playing with different options. It's almost like playing with different electric guitar sound effects and finding the right sound or distortion to match the mood or melody. This can drive any headphones, but unlike many other amplifiers/DACs, it offers a lot of flexibility and customization options. Very glad I stumbled across this solution before I pressed the trigger for something else. Update: I felt the need to add more sounds pumped into my V-Moda m100s. It's amazing. Very glad I made this purchase. One downside I have is that it doesn't have an on/off switch. The USB port on my computer leaves it on so I have to turn it off when not in use. Otherwise nothing special. It's just my two cents, whatever it takes.