Asus Essence STX II Or ROG Phoebus ?

Dicehunter

Dicehunter

Dicehunter

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Building a complete system for a work friend and he has the chance of getting some decent audio gear, Either the Xonar Essence STX II or the ROG Phoebus.

Now the reason for the question is that the Phoebus he can get pre-owned for £40 and the STX II pre-owned for £95.

I only have experience with the Phoebus but sold it to buy myself an Aune T1 MK II Tube AMP/DAC so can't comment on the quality of the STXII.

Should he pony up the extra for the STXII or get the Phoebus ?

He's currently running some Beyerdynamic DT 770's I talked him into getting.

Any input is appreciated :)
 
I'm actually running a Phoebus and DT 770s myself haha, I can't comment on the STXII but I'm incredibly pleased with my setup. My DT 770s are like a new pair of headphones since getting a good sound card.
 
powelly2010 said:
I'm actually running a Phoebus and DT 770s myself haha, I can't comment on the STXII but I'm incredibly pleased with my setup. My DT 770s are like a new pair of headphones since getting a good sound card.
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Yeah the Phoebus really is a good product I just wanted to move onto something slightly better hence the external Tube AMP/DAC :)
 
I have the phoebus but I have to recommend against getting one atm, currently only have beta drivers with no real estimate of when they will be officially released, and it also seems that support
For the card has been weak for a while (could do with the c-media chip they use in it ive read)

Im currently using the windows 8 driver (im on win 10) because I had issues using the beta ones, I cant comment on the other product as Ive no experience with it, the phoebus is great when its working but atm ther are some issues, just my 2 cents
 
I think it's worth paying the extra for the Essence in my opinion. They are very good cards, and I've seen too much criticism of the Phoebus to think it would be the better purchase; even at £55 less.

Reason why I asked whether he would be into gaming, is because, if he was going to use it just for music, as external DAC/amp would be a good buy.
 
Marsman said:
I think it's worth paying the extra for the Essence in my opinion. They are very good cards, and I've seen too much criticism of the Phoebus to think it would be the better purchase; even at £55 less.

Reason why I asked whether he would be into gaming, is because, if he was going to use it just for music, as external DAC/amp would be a good buy.
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Thanks for the reply, He does listen to a lot of music so I'm guessing the STX II would be the better choice :)

rids57 said:
STX II - the best sound quality available in a sound card
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Just looked at the specs of the new Strix Raid Deluxe and that looks to be the new king of the hill when it comes to internal soundcards unless I'm reading the specs wrong, Happy to be educated :)
 
I would imagine that the Strix sound cards will possibly replace the Phoebus. They are cards aimed at gamers, so the DLX might be the new king of the hill for gamers.

For people who are concerned with stereo sound quality above all else, the Strix DLX won't match the STX II. The STX II alone costs more than the DLX does, which includes an external control box. The STX II uses all Nichicon fine gold caps, whereas the Strix DLX uses some that I can see, but also some cheaper caps; which helps to price the card lower.

They are aimed at different users though. Those who want gaming performance firt and foremost, will choose the Strix; those who want the best stereo sound they can get from an internal card will go for the STX II.
 
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