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You are completely right - I should have mentioned it. I have the HD600s and the AKG701s (and a few more). I think many headphone amps integrated in sound cards will have a hard time handling the HD600, as these need alot of power to drive properly. I dont really use them anymore though - its mainly the AKG701s (best cans I've ever had/heard - wide soundstage, crisp separated highs, as well as a punchy dynamic bass-end - great for production). I hear what your saying about the combo of both not being the best option - I guess I could stretch the budget a bit. The DAC is the main thing though, so I will be looking into the product you are recommending; Denon DA-300USB. will also look into iFi Micro iDSD. Great input bogi - thanks a lot Any other input will be very much appreciated

Im considering getting a new sound card to replace my current EMU1820m card, as I am going to buy a new PC soon. The EMU card is great in every way, but connects using PCI. The new PC will be a laptop, so thats the problem really. PCI to USB adapters are expensive, so I am looking at new sound cards and external DACs instead. As I am doing alot of music production, I am leaning towards a sound card with a good DAC and good DSP - a nice headphone AMP is also a req. The EMU1820m is somewhat old, so I am guessing that todays equipment can match the EMU1820M at a lower cost (set me back about 500$ when I bought it back around 2005). Main req: - connects via USB (3.0 preferred) - low latency DSP (on par with EMU1820m) - great sound / DAC - preferably runs ASIO (so used to controlling various sound sources in the EMU mixer - cant go back now) - integrated headphone AMP (although I might get a dedicated one if no perfect to my req. exists) - some input options - not just output If you guys have any suggestions on alternative solution ect. im all ears