A/V Sound card to match Razer Barracuda HP-1

Currently i have the Razer Barracuda HP-1 headphones. However the only sound card i have is my inbuilt sound (Asus p5n-e) This means that i have 1 of the outputs for the headphones hanging out.

Therefore i am looking for a new sound card. I am lead to believe that the Razer Barracuda AC-1 is the best match for the headphones, however is this just Razer pulling a fast one or is this really true?

I have about £100 to spend however i would prefer to spend £60 but if it is justified then i am happy to go the full £100. However if it is judged that the best bet is to go for the Razer Barracuda AC-1 then i am sure i can find £30 somewhere *checks down the back of the sofa*

Also i have to say that i am very against creative, but if it is head and shoulders better then... I do believe that the Asus Xonar range are the ones to be going for though?

So recommendations please,

Thanks in advance

 

The audio chip used in the AC1 is used in several other sound cards (a C-Media OxygenHD CMI8788, if I recall correctly). If memory doesn't fail me completely, the AC1 uses a special connector for directly connecting the HP1 headphones. I doubt there'll much difference in audio quality by not choosing a Razer Barracuda AC1.

 

Yes, there is a special connector the HD-DAI, that is the only reason i can see that there would be improved performance (it also means i can save an extra usb port)