Hey guys...

So my audiophile friend got me into this (just bought my first good set of headphones, Senn's) and I figured you guys could help a noob out. Here's my question:

I have an Audigy 2ZS (desktop) sound card with a rock-solid Corsair PSU in my computer. I saw its capable of 24-bit audio (no link, sorry). I'm kind of strapped for $ and was about to buy headroom's total bithead amp/DAC (http://www.headphone.com/products/headphone-amps/the-mobile-line/headroom-total-bithead.php), but then I saw its DAC only does 16-bit audio. Do you think there is any point in getting the bithead over my sound card? Will I be able to tell the difference between 16/24-bit depth?

I read a bunch of posts and it seems that if there is any difference, its pretty negligible since most audio is in 16-bit format anyway. What do you guys think I should do?

Thanks!

No. You won't.

The only advantage of working with more than 16 bit is if you wanto to record and edit sounds encoded from an analog source (like in a recording studio, for example.)

Not the cheapest DAC in the world - so you can't be too 'strapped for cash'.

I generally agree with the post above, but recommend that you audition a few DACs if possible before buying one. You may find that you don't hear enough difference to warrant the purchase, or you may find one that has better connectivity, nicer sound, better looks etc...

That is Creative's joke at your expense.

Whatever you decide, make sure you get a separate amp with a volume control* and use that rather than the adjusting volume on the computer, at least when you are listening seriously.

*Although there are some sound cards with reasonable internal amps with analog volume controls. You might want to consider them as they can be good value.

This issue is a red herring.

It is indeed. You just have to ditch the Creative's driver and install kX Project audio driver. You have much more control over the hardware with this driver.