Every time you edit your post, it is going to lock the thread.

Make sure to try the different headers on the card. I found that different connections provided completely different sound quality, noise level, and overall enjoyment. As your edit states, you are already learning more about the card, so maybe take some time with it and see how you like it before jumping head first into the review of the card.

Hopefully you end up liking the card.

No reason to delete it. Someone else may find it useful to help them with their future card. :-)

First install, most applications closed except for anything that's in the background. Same method each time I did it. However. The first time I installed the drivers when I rebooted the computer it came up with a failed driver install message. But the software, and its functions worked. I could increase the power being delivered to the headphones and I could change the EQ a smaaaaaaaaall amount (at least compared to the audible range I was given once drivers were good). After screwing with it for hours. I reinstalled drivers just the same. Same error popped up but everything was 'working.' Uninstalled and installed until finally no error message on boot up. Not sure if it was sensitive to a background application and being very picky or what. But once it worked and I started up 'Back in Black' all of a sudden the bass drum came alive, checked out DnB music and the mids and lows were nice and fleshed out without even messing with the EQ.
 
It's solved. EQ range is wide, and adjustment is precise. No extra noise in the background. Everything's crystal clear. Its phenomenal. If I switch back to onboard audio the bass is weak and mids are drowned and treble is the most pronounced, in addition to a very small amount of noise in the background. Plus I have no way to adjust EQ. I'll be recommending Nu Audio for sure.