ASUS PCI-Express x1 Sound Card XONAR ESSENCE STX/90-YAA0C0-0UAN00Z - Best Price
Fantastic sound! ...but with a couple of caveats
Probably the best way to start this review is to say that the sound is superb. I have no qualms about what comes out of the headphones (this is my preferred way to listen to music). Uncompressed files run through the Xonar through a line out to a Schiit Lyr headphone amp and AKG K702 headphones. Soundfield is wide and precise, detail is brilliant. Blah, blah, blah... Sounds like a wine snob describing how he likes his reds "smoky, yet obtuse" but let's just say that for 2-channel sound (where this thing really shines) it's worth the money.
Now the cons: Installation on a modern computer with a modern OS (Windows 7, 64-bit). It's horrible. (sorry, don't know about Mac installs) If you're a computer tech, you're probably fine, but I'm just some poor schmuck who wants good music. Several forums have stated that the installation of this thing is buggy at best and forces them to return the card at worst. This is most likely due to the unit being shipped with driver 5.xxx for XP...
Details about ASUS PCI-Express x1 Sound Card XONAR ESSENCE STX/90-YAA0C0-0UAN00Z
Brand: Asus
Features of this ASUS PCI-Express x1 Sound Card XONAR ESSENCE STX/90-YAA0C0-0UAN00Z
- Hi-FI headphone amplifier
- Main stereo RCA out, headphone out, SPDIF out, line in (Mic in) Other frount audio header, Aux in, S/PDIF header
- Sound noise ratio (SNR) 124
- Gx 2.5 (EAX 5.0)
Where to get the best price?
We've found that Amazon.com is continously providing the best price for this product.
ASIN : B001OV789U
Description : Asus Xonar Essence STX PCI-Express x1 Sound Card
Customer review : Fantastic sound! ...but with a couple of caveats
Probably the best way to start this review is to say that the sound is superb. I have no qualms about what comes out of the headphones (this is my preferred way to listen to music). Uncompressed files run through the Xonar through a line out to a Schiit Lyr headphone amp and AKG K702 headphones. Soundfield is wide and precise, detail is brilliant. Blah, blah, blah... Sounds like a wine snob describing how he likes his reds "smoky, yet obtuse" but let's just say that for 2-channel sound (where this thing really shines) it's worth the money.
Now the cons: Installation on a modern computer with a modern OS (Windows 7, 64-bit). It's horrible. (sorry, don't know about Mac installs) If you're a computer tech, you're probably fine, but I'm just some poor schmuck who wants good music. Several forums have stated that the installation of this thing is buggy at best and forces them to return the card at worst. This is most likely due to the unit being shipped with driver 5.xxx for XP...
List Price : $199.99
Price : $179.99
Saved Price : $20.00
category: Internal Sound Cards
brand: Asus
Rating : 4.2
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