**Coming Soon ASUS Essence STX II and Essence STX II 7.1 Hi-Fi-Grade Sound **

If it's not for music then there is no point in getting an STX. I'd go with the Creative Soundblaster Z (OEM) which has a decent headphone amp and all the positional audio processing for gaming and movies.
 
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rids57 said:
If it's not for music then there is no point in getting an STX. I'd go with the Creative Soundblaster Z (OEM) which has a decent headphone amp and all the positional audio processing for gaming and movies.
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Either this or the D2X :)
 
I would have to agree this is a pretty bespoke unit I don't expect it to be a huge seller but some people will want it.

The whole kit looks pretty nice I'll get some photos sorted and rjkoneill will be doing a review soon too.
 
I'd be happy to give it a review if you feel like sending out a loaner :p May better cater to those with an interest from headphone POV and vs headphone amps (assuming ofc that you don't have a selection of the above).
 
Do these cards give 5.1/7.1 gaming to a external home av amp and speakers ? as i think they have to convert the gaming sound on the fly ? cant remember what is needed on the soundcard to do this.
 
Been running / listening to one for over a week. Impressions over the STX, the 2 version has better detail, separation, extended highs and bass. Middle range is a little more recessed. I would say overall that the original STX is a warmer Hifi type sound but the new version is more analytical and studio like. (This is without experimenting with the other op amps included). Both are excellent sound cards but the rest of your sound system needs to be good to get the best out of them. I currently use a pair of Adam 7Xs and 7X sub base with software volume on full and passive overall volume control.
 
No I have not tried it with headphones as I do not use them. I am extremely familiar with the sound of the STX and the Adam 7Xs and sub-base so this was a direct comparison with the STX2. The last couple of days I switched out the passive volume control for one with an Alps Blue Velvet Potentiometer and yet again the sound from the STX2 was improved (but it would have been with the STX as well).
 
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I was just asking because the headphone amp is an important feature of the STX and one that they have reportedly improved.
 
Sorry that I cannot comment on the headphone amp side but if it is a similar upgrade to the line out side it will be worth buying over an STX...providing that the headphones are of sufficient quality to warrant it. Now I am thinking should I get some headphones :confused:
 
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