Headphone Amp - Need/want new card!

[Keywork]

So i've got an Auzentech Forte at the moment. I have already RMA'd it once due to the fact that it crapped out on me, and it's been getting more and more flakey over the last little while (crackling and popping). I think i'm officially done with Auzentech, and this card.

Anyways! I've got a set of Sennheiser HD595's and I would love to get a new card/amp. Would you guys recommend an actual soundcard (say like an ASUS Xonar) or a good USB amp like a NuForce one or something? Looking for some suggestions!

[lowfat]

You can't go wrong w/ a Xonar ST/STX. They are fantastic headphone cards.

[Jackquelegs]

Originally Posted by Keywork

So i've got an Auzentech Forte at the moment. I have already RMA'd it once due to the fact that it crapped out on me, and it's been getting more and more flakey over the last little while (crackling and popping). I think i'm officially done with Auzentech, and this card.

Anyways! I've got a set of Sennheiser HD595's and I would love to get a new card/amp. Would you guys recommend an actual soundcard (say like an ASUS Xonar) or a good USB amp like a NuForce one or something? Looking for some suggestions!

NuForce is a budget amp, and not a particularly good one. For 595s, a good sound card equipped with decent OPamps should do since they're not particularly hard to drive, and don't scale well (or at all) with amping.

The Xonar that lowfat recommended is a good choice