Xonar Essence STX Comment thread

[crash01]

Robscix, do you have any idea if the RCA outs have sufficient voltage to be used with a passive preamp (2Vrms at least)?

[Robscix]

The RCA outputs on this card are normal Line level... about 2V

[Empty_Quarter]

Originally Posted by Bojamijams

AKG-K701 you say.. so those require a headphone amp and are better then the 595's then?

Yes, they are better than the HD595s, and do require an amp to properly drive them.

[Cranky]

I had used the Creative Audigy, and X-FI cards for the longest time,that is, until I went over to Vista("ahem", need I say more??) needless to say, I tried out the Asus Xonar, and I'm glad that I did because I find it to be a superior sound card in every way.

[crash01]

Do you have any idea how this card would handle jitter compared to something like a Benchmark DAC? I've noticed most of the more traditional audiophile manufacturers' marketing literature touts their jitter reduction mechanisms, OTOH Asus makes no mention of it so I'm not really sure what to think. For all I know jitter could just be FUD.

[Robscix]

Originally Posted by crash01

Do you have any idea how this card would handle jitter compared to something like a Benchmark DAC? I've noticed most of the more traditional audiophile manufacturers' marketing literature touts their jitter reduction mechanisms, OTOH Asus makes no mention of it so I'm not really sure what to think. For all I know jitter could just be FUD.

With a external DAC, these are selling points audiophiles look for. With a soundcard the DAC chip itself is only one part of the overall product. If you look through the specifications sheets for the actual DAC chip you'll find:

"The PCM1792 is a monolithic CMOS integrated circuit that includes stereo digital-to-analog converters and support circuitry in a small 28-lead SSOP package. The data converters use TI’s advanced segment DAC architecture to achieve excellent dynamic performance and improved tolerance to clock jitter."

Hope that helps.

[crash01]

Yes, that does help to assuage the audiophile nervosa. I gather that jitter in external DACs is largely caused by the format that is used to transfer data via usb or spdif. Am I correct in thinking that since sound cards use the higher bandwidth PCI interface, the problem is greatly reduced?

[Robscix]

Yes, partly. With a external DAC unit jitter can be introduced in a numerous places. With a soundcard there is just less places for errors in the signals to be encountered. Atleast this is how I understand it.
Most just don't consider jitter to be a issue with a interal soundcard. I know of a few exceptions where associates have used higher precisions clock generators etc to help improve the ciruictry but there was no mention of improved audio quality.

[Robscix]

I should have some prelimenary listening tests on the Xonar Essence STX very soon.
I will also include Audio Precision testing and personal Right Mark Audio Analyzer results.
Stay tuned.

[J.S.]

Is there any existing external DAC/HP Amp having competitive performance as this card (I meant 124dB SNR/ Dynamic Range)?