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-   -   HD800 + Xonar Essence STX (http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/audio/58785-hd800-xonar-essence-stx.html)

GT7R December 29, 2012 06:14 AM
HD800 + Xonar Essence STX
 
A question to the experienced audiophiles - Will the STX do justice with the HD800s? I'm ready to put the $$ on them but I do not want the fuss and additional cost of external amps...

jibz December 29, 2012 10:07 AM
They'd be pretty good, in a perfect world you would change the op amp on the stx to your personal preference.

dustin1706 December 29, 2012 11:58 AM
The STX is about as good as it gets right now for PC soundcards. Technically, the specs say that they will work fine together and like jibz says, you can pick a different op amp to suit your headphones and preference. I actually swapped in some TI LM6172's, to try with my PC360s, but I found the sound too bassy down low and too bright/metallic on the highs. I went back to the stock op amps and really like the sound.

All that being said, the STX is not a replacement for a proper audio setup. If I were you I would step down to some 598s which are still awesome, but way cheaper and put the difference towards a custom water loop, second monitor or save it towards next gen hardware.

Just my 2c

GT7R December 29, 2012 02:07 PM
That's more or less what I was thinking, thanks for the input :)
I think I'll be heading towards the Audeze LCD-2s (If I'll be able to find them..) or Hifiman's HE-500.

STX February 2, 2013 05:23 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by dustin1706 (Post 680866)
The STX is about as good as it gets right now for PC soundcards. Technically, the specs say that they will work fine together and like jibz says, you can pick a different op amp to suit your headphones and preference. I actually swapped in some TI LM6172's, to try with my PC360s, but I found the sound too bassy down low and too bright/metallic on the highs. I went back to the stock op amps and really like the sound.

All that being said, the STX is not a replacement for a proper audio setup. If I were you I would step down to some 598s which are still awesome, but way cheaper and put the difference towards a custom water loop, second monitor or save it towards next gen hardware.

Just my 2c
My HD800s embarrass my old 595s on the Xonar STX...

Jackquelegs February 2, 2013 09:55 PM
No, and even more no for LCD-2

But that's really from a very strict view. It'll probably drive it fine, but you will get more out of an external amp. My STX for one does not react well on high gain

Stuart February 3, 2013 09:36 AM
3 cheers for bringing dead threads back! :)

GT7R February 5, 2013 12:20 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by STX (Post 688008)
My HD800s embarrass my old 595s on the Xonar STX...
That's nice to know :)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackquelegs (Post 688155)
No, and even more no for LCD-2

But that's really from a very strict view. It'll probably drive it fine, but you will get more out of an external amp. My STX for one does not react well on high gain
I really do want to upgrade from my SRH840s... and I always prefer the Deep lows and generally darker sound of the LCD-2s. (I can test almost any pair at my friend's studio)

GT7R April 5, 2013 01:29 PM
Settled on the HD650's. Bang on what I was looking for. The STX drives them beautifully.

Jackquelegs April 5, 2013 05:49 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by GT7R (Post 700876)
Settled on the HD650's. Bang on what I was looking for. The STX drives them beautifully.
Excellent choice, the 650 is a great pairing for the STX


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