First I'm sorry if there is any other posts on this topic recently but I haven't seen any since the end of 2011.
I'm looking for a sound card for my system in the below 200 range. I have 2 requirements, I want it to have surround sound for gaming and have a built in headphone amplifier. I have AKG Q701's. I have been looking at the Asus Xonar Essence and the new Creative Labs Recon3D Fatality pro sound card as well as the older Xi-Fi Titanium HD card. I was wondering if anyone has experience with these cards (especially the new recon 3D) and would suggest any of them. If there are also other cards or even external options that would provide better results for under $200 those suggestions are welcome as well. Thanks for your input.