New Soundcard, Asus Xonar D2X or Essence STX?

Rory.Will

Rory.Will

New member
Hey Guys!!!

First of all, I've been a lurker on these forums for months and already a big follower of Tom on Facebook and YouTube but I finally wised up and made an account here! So this is my first post, not quite the first post I'd imagined though... but anyway!

My Creative X-Fi Titanium HD just bought the farm so I've been looking for a new sound card. I've definitely decided not to go Creative again, I've been put off by they're driver management and I've yet to have a card last more than 2 years. So now I've got the chance its time to use something different. Plus I'm tired of avoiding online updates just so I can have a working machine.

I'm loving the Asus Xonar cards, already a big fan of Asus anyways plus online reviewers seem to love them! But after some research and general looking around I've quickly realised that I have no idea what I want/need. So I thought I'd come here to ask for advice!

I listen to allot of music and do allot of gaming plus some video editing. Mostly use headphones, Audio Technika ATH-M50's and have Corsair SP2500 2.1 Speakers. So I'd prefer something that suits both gaming and music with minimal interference. I also like to plug my Bass Amp into the Line in via an XLR to 1/4" jack for guitar recording so anything to suit that would be ace!

I've been looking at the Asus Xonar Essence STX, it's allot of money but seems to suit my set up and needs. Especially with the 1/4" jacks. But I've also been looking at the D2X, it's allot cheaper but seems geared more toward 5.1 and 7.1 users which I don't plan on using.

Anyways, there's my life's story haha. I'm open to any other suggestions and advice. I'm basically asking if the Essence will be worth all my money or will something half the price do the same job?

Cheers All!
 
Ive got the D2X on 2.1's.... Never use headphones with it but Ive moved it from rig to rig for about 3 years now.............
 
The STX is more geared for headphones and studio speakers, whilst the D2X is more geared for 5.1 and 7.1 surround systems as you say.

As the D2X has no headphone amp (or even really a dedicated headphone socket), the STX is the only card I'd really suggest in your position.

The STX is an amazing card and without spending a lot of money on external DACs and amplifiers, you can't really beat it in quality. In your case (to me at least), the D2X doesn't really seem fit for purpose.
 
I'm not a million miles off then, cheers guys!

The STX is pretty much perfect for my set up, I always find the extra ins and outs for surround sound just sit and gather dust. Whereas with this card every thing will be used. Just need to get around that price hehe.

How well does it perform in game though? Battlefield 3 mostly, will I miss the X-Fi?
 
I dont think you will miss the X-fi, especially not if you never used the crystalizer or any other effect features. I think you will be pleasantly suprised by the audio quality with asus.
 
It's awesome in Battlefield 3,

Set it to headphones with 8 speakers and turn on Game FX or whatever it's called

If you like the way it changes sound with the 'headphone surround 7.1 mode' you can turn that on as well. Personally I find the echo a bit much.

But for location of sound and the feeling of being in there mate, you're going to LOVE it.
 
SuB said:
It's awesome in Battlefield 3,

Set it to headphones with 8 speakers and turn on Game FX or whatever it's called

If you like the way it changes sound with the 'headphone surround 7.1 mode' you can turn that on as well. Personally I find the echo a bit much.

But for location of sound and the feeling of being in there mate, you're going to LOVE it.
Click to expand...

this ^

I believe with open back headphones, the 7.1 'echo' comes across as a more realistic sound than an echo.
 
The STX is supposed to be better for headphones, I use the D2 with the same speakers (Corsair SP2500), and I think they're an excellent combo
 
I've thought about it! And I think I'll be getting the Essence STX. It is allot of money but I'll be getting a LOT of use out of it so it's not as if it'll be a waste.

Cheers for the speedy responses guys! I won't be ordering it until payday next week so if I've got any more Q's I'll post them here! I'll drop a photo in once I get it too! :D
 
No worries, let us know how you get on with it. I took loads of time looking up and picking mine when I was in the market for one. I don't regret a second of it :)
 
I'm the same looking for anything, I can't buy anything without obsessing over the choices for at least a few weeks!

Speaking of which does anybody have any experience with the Phoebus ROG cards? Similar price tag but geared toward gamers?
 
Rory.Will said:
I'm the same looking for anything, I can't buy anything without obsessing over the choices for at least a few weeks!

Speaking of which does anybody have any experience with the Phoebus ROG cards? Similar price tag but geared toward gamers?
Click to expand...

Ignore the Phoebus completely.

It's the same specs as the STX, but with more 'features' added in to increase the bass levels - which isn't really what you want, plus it's more expensive.
 
The phoebus is actually slightly inferior to the STX as it uses the PCM1796 dac rather than the PCM1792. (plus NE5532 vs 2114D/LM4562 not that it makes much difference)

Personally, I prefer a card with half decent connectors on it too, so 1/4" TRS and phono's win out over 3.5mm TRS. I'd prefer XLR or BNC as they are much sturdier and stand up to punishment better.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
AIO Recomendation
Replies
7
Views
684
AlienALX
AlienALX
S
Intel or AMD
Replies
14
Views
862
Strechy0
S
g0ggles1994
Kitchen Flooring
Replies
8
Views
519
g0ggles1994
g0ggles1994
AlienALX
The Fairchild Ghost subwoofer project
2
Replies
34
Views
518
AlienALX
AlienALX
M
Best affordable 1000 watt PSU
Replies
4
Views
7K
Mikeybike
M
Back
Top