Soundcard upgrade from Xonar DX?

Marine-RX179

Marine-RX179

Marine-RX179

Soldato
Joined
6 Feb 2010
Posts
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I'm currently considering may be investing in a better soundcard.

Currently have the following:

Headphones (for gaming and music):
Philips Fidelio X1
Sony MDR-MA900

5.1 Speakers (for watching movie on TV):
Fronts: Microlab Solo7C
Center/Sub: Corsair SP2500
Sides: Edifier R1600T Plus

2.0 speakers for use with PC (general usage and gaming):
Creative GigaWorks T40 II


So I was wondering, between the Creative Sound Blaster ZxR and the Asus Essence STX II 7.1, which one would be more suitable for me?
 
not used the ZXR but the STX II is a great card you will not be dissapoint

I'm currently shocked how well they are selling too.
 
Im using the ZxR with X1s and it sounds brilliant! Cant comment on the comparison to the STX though I'm afraid
 
TwsT said:
not used the ZXR but the STX II is a great card you will not be dissapoint

I'm currently shocked how well they are selling too.
Click to expand...
If the descision was just for 2.0 or stereo, I'd probably just go for STX or STXII; however as it is for 5.1 as well, so I'm a bit concerned, particular because I read that ZXR have equally good parts for all channels, where as the STX II 7.1 only has good parts for the front channel, but average parts for the other channels (i.e. center and sides etc)...
 
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not heard anything bad about them but all you can do is ask around and read reviews :)
 
The only thing I don't like about the ZxR is the ridiculously high (38ohms) output impedance of the headphone amp.

The Philips Fidelio X1 has a nominal impedance of 32 ohms but around 90Hz it spikes to around 45 ohms, which is an increase of around 30%. This means they are somewhat sensitive to a low damping factor and should ideally be used with an amp that has an output impedance of less than 4 ohms.

Using them with the ZxR won't make the X1's sound terrible but it will leave the bass sounding looser and imprecise due to the lack of control over the voice coils at low frequencies (70Hz~110Hz)
 
By the way, how does the old ASUS Xonar Xense comparing to the two soundcard above, or even the Asus Phebus Solo 7.1? Anyone knows?

Edit: NVM, just read some reviews and the Xonar Xense is no good in pairing with different range of headphone comparing to the STX :o
 
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