Asus Xonar Essence STX soundcard

Anyone heard the Asus Xonar Essence STX?

Details here

http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=zCDHPnfR1jymHK2f&templete=2

Review here

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/asus_xonar_essence_stx/

About £140

 

Titter

 

Well what else is audio-nervosa about, Rob, but choosing your preferred colouration?

 

Hi Labarum,

I have had experiance with these cards, and they do offer good performance for the outlay without question. It will surprise you.

Have even upgraded the odd one or two.

 

Yes but it's a sound card. Good op amps cost peanuts and the correct op amp is the one that does the job correctly. You cannot just swap around with no understanding of the circuit in which they operate. The designer ought to use the device that gives the best performance.

Nothing wrong with preferred colouration but do it where you have some real control - use effects software or hardware solutions. You can then apply the 'colouration' you desire at will depending on what you are actually listening to.

This looks to me like a mainstream computer accessory company taking advantage audiophile audio-nervosa.

 

I've listened to an Asus Xonar card at length, and it's pretty impressive.

I think you need to be careful with the PC environment you put it in for best results - ie don't just stick it in your Dell desktop and expect the best.

 

Dave, is this the card that Jason was using in the 'you know what'?

If so, it sounds very good.

 

Indeed it was!

 

A little clarification of "you know what" perhaps?

 

It's a product that's under development. I understand it should be available soon.

 

Oh, if we must

The new NVA streaming solution. I don't beleive it has a name yet.
Prototype sounds good.