Computer set up, Asus Xonar Dx or E-MU 0404 USB + DTA-100 + Behringer 2030P?

[fightinkraut]

I'm still trying to decide what the ideal chain of components will be for my office. I have the Behringer 2030P's and are very pleased, that part is set. I'm currently using on board sound card with Teac receiver, plan on replacing both of those components.

I need to power the Behringers and my headphones/iem's (product in sig.)
I do not need any mixing/recording capability, this is for playback only.

I was going to use the Xonar DX (need a low profile card) coupled with a DTA-100, but now I'm considering the following:

E-MU 0404 USB -> DTA-100 -> Behringer 2030P

I like the features of the E-MU 0404, but wonder if I'll notice a difference between it and a sound card like the Xonar DX or the E-MU 0202. I have a number of hi-rez files but am not sold on the idea that there's a real benefit in much 24/192 content. I realize the 0202 vs. 0404 is a hot issue at many forums, that is not the main question of this post.

I use ASIO w/MediaMonkey for my music.

So, recommendations for a strict 2.1 playback system? I guess I'm looking for sound card and an amp for speakers/headphones/iems.

Currently have $200 or so to spend, but have no problems saving and waiting to buy something better.

 

[sholling]

Is there a reason for not going digital out from the computer (as-is) to a receiver? A $50-75 used receiver off of Craig's List is going to give you more and cleaner power than most mini amps. It will probably give you bass management as well. FWIW I'd planned to add a high-end sound card to my PC and members here talked me out of it since I wouldn't be using the DACs in in sound card anyway. I've been pretty happy with their advice. Now if you were going to be using analog out then I'd be suggesting a sound card with high quality DACs.

 

[fightinkraut]

Hey Sholling, thanks for your response. I have considered using a digital out, I thought about buying a cheap usb sound card with a digital out, a few things I haven't liked are:

The necessity of buying a large receiver. I (+my wife) would like to save space compared to the old analog input only Teac I'm currently using.

Haven't found any good stereo amps with good headphones amps built in.

FWIW, a lack of 24/192 support (although I suppose I could get another ATI 5450 and find a receiver with HDMI...probably too pricey on the receiver side)

I'm currently using the high pass filters on my Dayton SUB-100 to crossover with the Behringers and am quite pleased with the sound.