Asus Xonar Essence ST vs STX
- Thread starter Aricin
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Do you use digital or analogue out though? OpAmps see gains in analogue out.
As many have mentioned before though, it also is down to your audio output equipment. I noticed the tighter bass on my Tannoy V4s immediately and treble is wider as well and slightly more detailed than the stock ones.
I also recal the same difference when I swapped the stock opams on the old Auzentech HDA Xplosion.
As many have mentioned before though, it also is down to your audio output equipment. I noticed the tighter bass on my Tannoy V4s immediately and treble is wider as well and slightly more detailed than the stock ones.
I also recal the same difference when I swapped the stock opams on the old Auzentech HDA Xplosion.
Soldato
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Bet you didn't do a double blind test though, humans are pretty good at noticing differences that aren't actually there just because we expect there to be a difference
That's impossible to do without a second sound card with stock opamps, in a second computer.
Humans have short memory when it comes to remembering exactly how something sounds. That is crucial when doing a comparison. Admittedly, it is a lot easier if the difference is clearly apparent.
When differences are subtle, the time it takes to remove the sound card, change the opamps, refit it, boot up and listen. Enough time has passed, that the memory cannot recall exactly the nuances and character of the sound, that was heard a fair few minutes ago.
It's very easy for someone to convince themselves, they can hear a difference.
Humans have short memory when it comes to remembering exactly how something sounds. That is crucial when doing a comparison. Admittedly, it is a lot easier if the difference is clearly apparent.
When differences are subtle, the time it takes to remove the sound card, change the opamps, refit it, boot up and listen. Enough time has passed, that the memory cannot recall exactly the nuances and character of the sound, that was heard a fair few minutes ago.
It's very easy for someone to convince themselves, they can hear a difference.
They are not 'upgraded' opamps.
They just have different qualities. You might sacrifice something to improve something else.
They are a personal preference and very subjective change. No opamp is a straight through and through upgrade in my opinion.
They just have different qualities. You might sacrifice something to improve something else.
They are a personal preference and very subjective change. No opamp is a straight through and through upgrade in my opinion.
you can get them here http://uk.rs-online.com/web/?cm_mmc...p_Terms-_-rs&gclid=CM-Fx83Gza4CFcYntAodp1OA0A
You also have farnell/CPC and mouser electronics. You need to by dual op-amps in DIP-8 package for them to be a drop in fit. TO-99 package are the metal can versions but they will not fit in under the "EMI Shield" of the card. Its also wise to make sure that the pinout is the same as standard. I'd also try to stick to devices that have similar ratings else you run the risk of degrading the sound quality.
I think the main problem with this op-amp biz is that people are bad at remembering subtle differences in sound and it takes at least a few minutes to swap over the op-amps. You can't switch back and forth readily to make a firm decision...
Bet you didn't do a double blind test though, humans are pretty good at noticing differences that aren't actually there just because we expect there to be a difference
No blind test back and forth but I don't exactly have bad hearing either and since I listen to music daily, the same music in fact....the difference is (was) noticeable. The OpAmps I mentioned cost so less that it's throwaway money, if someone doesn't notice any difference then there's no great loss money wise. If they do then awesome, join the club.
Yes, not everyone will be able to tell the difference without a side by side test and even then it's down to the sensitivity of their ears.
If I didn't trust my ears I'd not even bother going from onboard to dedicated and then buying speakers, amps, and upgrading soundcards and components as time went on.
I'm wanting to give this a try as I've never been very satisfied with my Xonar Essence ST sound, it's too harsh... onboard Realtek seems to sound much softer and easier on the ear if that makes sense.
Is there a concensus on which Op Amps are the best to use? I noticed that Asus recommended the LME49720NA in their testing and they even sold an 'upgrade kit' containing two of them. From what I've gathered the LM4562NA used as buffer is already one of them and doesn't need replacing...?
Is there a concensus on which Op Amps are the best to use? I noticed that Asus recommended the LME49720NA in their testing and they even sold an 'upgrade kit' containing two of them. From what I've gathered the LM4562NA used as buffer is already one of them and doesn't need replacing...?
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Depends really on what you're connecting (and where on the soundcard ).
But....
Many people have tended to put 2x LM4562NA in the I/V stage and replace the buffer one with something else of their choice. I used a 6172IN as per various feedback posts on AVforum having done some research. I also had the same on the HDA and liked the sound.
Also depends on what kind of sound you like, more bass? More treble and clarity? I like the best of both and that combo^^ seemed to be the trending option among many people before so I just stuck to that and have been pleased especially where string instruments and vocals come together in music compared to the stock opamps.
).But....
Many people have tended to put 2x LM4562NA in the I/V stage and replace the buffer one with something else of their choice. I used a 6172IN as per various feedback posts on AVforum having done some research. I also had the same on the HDA and liked the sound.
Also depends on what kind of sound you like, more bass? More treble and clarity? I like the best of both and that combo^^ seemed to be the trending option among many people before so I just stuck to that and have been pleased especially where string instruments and vocals come together in music compared to the stock opamps.
BurrBrown are supposed to have a more laid back sound with softer HF hence why i fitted the OPA2134 in my buffer. It worked brilliantly in my phonostage and made an audible difference there. (probably, in part, due to the gain involved, plus it is getting 36V supply) On the ST it made so little difference i wouldn't have realised i'd made the changes. Potentially the really high end opamps might make a more noticeable difference, but i'm not prepared to plough the cash into it to find out.
List of common changes I've seen are:- (and there are many more)
OPA2107, OPA2134, OPA2227, OPA2111
AD797
LME49720, LME49710
THS4032
List of common changes I've seen are:- (and there are many more)
OPA2107, OPA2134, OPA2227, OPA2111
AD797
LME49720, LME49710
THS4032
