Asus Xonar Phoebus + Headphones AND Desktop Speakers. Should I do it?

[PoloniumFist]

I need a bit of advice.

My next PC build I want to get some desktop speakers. Logitech Z553 to be precise. If you look at the included items with that sound system it includes a separate "control pod" -- a big volume knob with like a 6ft cord.

Here's where my problem comes in; my current Xonar DG has only one 3.5mm stereo audio out, which I use for my headphones.

What I want to be able to do is hook up my headphones/mic into the Xonar Phoebus' control pod (it has a mic and audio jack) and some desktop speakers into the back of the card. Is that possible so I can just use the volume on the Phoebus' control pod for my headphones and then control the speakers with its control pod?

My question here is: does plugging in my headphones give them the extra juice from the card's headphone amp (I assume yes)?

I ask all of this because I don't want to use on-board audio for my desktop speakers.

By the way does anyone have recommendations for good desktop speakers for under $100 or is my choice a good one?

I think that's everything. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[jamesriley94]

What headphones are you using?

Also, what will you be using each for? Mainly gaming? or music?

 

[PoloniumFist]

I use headphones a lot. Sennheiser HD280 Pro's + Antlion ModMic. I game and listen to music constantly when I'm on my computer. I dabble in sound design and music production, too.

I mainly just want to flexibility of switching between headphones or speakers should I so desire.

I'm open to alternatives if it can save a bit of money, I'm not one to spend a LOT of money on audio equipment, but I appreciate good sound.

 

[jamesriley94]

In that case I'd recommend getting the Xonar STX over the Phoebus.

The Phoebus is more marketed for gamers, and despite being of a very similar spec, the Phoebus does add bass to audio and so isn't as good in music production.
Of course when you are gaming, you can quite easily put up the bass levels of the STX if you want to to get the same sound as the Phoebus - but you can't do that the other way round so easily.

So you also know, with the STX you can get a little app:
https://sites.google.com/site/essencetoggle/
Which allows you to very quickly switch between speakers and headphones from just a hot-key press which is very useful.

 

[PoloniumFist]

The Phoebus adds bass at a "flat" EQ? That's interesting.. Good to know. The EssenceToggle also looks neat.

I guess the only thing I would need if I got the STX would be a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter for my mic.

Also it looks like the STX has a left and right RCA connections, would that let me use 2.1 desktop speakers (with an adapter) or just 2.0?

 

[jamesriley94]

The STX comes with a 3.5 to 6.3mm adapter so don't worry about that.

It depends how the 2.1 speakers are wired. Most 2.1 systems split the bass and mids/highs internally, and so only have a 3.5mm or RCA input, rather than needing separate channels from the soundcard. You obviously need to check that first.

Personally though, I think you'd be better off with monitor speakers rather than a 2.1 system.