Is Xonar Essence STX a big upgrade on Sound Blaster Z

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I've only been using Sound Blaster Z OEM for the last couple of days. It is a massive improvement over Xonar DGX which was a tad better than my onboard sound. My speakers are not great but I bought a pair of nice headphones yesterday (AKG K550).

Would Xonar Essence STX be a big improvement over Sound Blaster Z OEM?

I only use stereo so don't really need surround. I predominantly listen to music (well started after years in exile, you know kids...) I do gaming as well but don't use surround even if playing CS Go and would game mostly on speakers.

The reason I didn't get Xonar Essence STX in the first place was that I wasn't sure if I'm going to hear any difference to onboard. And in that scenario why spend money. Well now I know and can quite clearly hear the difference I'm wondering if Xonar Essence would be a logical next step.

Your expert input would be great.
 
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I upgraded from a SBZ (OEM) to an STX but that was because the SBZ was struggling to drive my AKG K702s properly and the STX has a much more powerful amplifier. Your K550s are much easier to drive so the SBZ won't have the same problems. The STX has a better DAC but as for noticeable sound quality improvements, well they will be subtle, so don't expect "night and day" differences.

Thing with audio is that once you get to a decent level of sound quality, and the SBZ is decent, then no matter how much money you throw at the equipment, the improvements will be small and subtle.
 
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That's as good of an answer as I would hope for. Thank you rids57

I'm very happy with sound quality as it is. I think I will leave it at least for the time being. I'm sure once I get accustomed to better sound quality I will be able to spot the subtle differences you're referring to after a while.
 
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To be honest, as your main interest is music I would suggest an external DAC and headphone amp as the best way forward. I personally use a Schiit Modi DAC and Schiit Magni 2 (solid state) & Vali (tube hybrid) headphone amps for listening to music and the STX for gaming and feeding my speakers.

A nice option would be the Schiit Modi 2 (£95) DAC coupled with the Schiit Magni 2 Uber (£140) or Schiit Vali 2 (£150) headphone amps as they both include pre-outs so can also be used for feeding (and controlling the volume of) active speakers.
 
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Thanks again, will probably keep SBZ for now and look at DAC / headphone amp combo.

I'm sure in time SBZ will also get upgraded. For now small steps as summer holidays are on the way.
 
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