Asus Essence STX II --Audiphile sound gameing. Connections.

[HHocker]

Hi,

I've realized it is a bit pointless to buy an adapter to try and get my Auzentech Prelude PCI sound card to work on my new Asus Z97 WS which has zero lanes to install it. Pointless from the driver support level -there is none.

ASUS Sound Card Essence STX II is what I've chosen to replace the Auzentech Prelude I've got but the connectors to appear to accept the standard 3 connection (green, black, orange) analog connectors I use with my Klipsh 5.1. My speakers are aged and analog so maybe time to upgrade but I don't really want to.

The onboard sound is just OK.

Does the ASUS Sound Card Essence STX II card not work with these old connections? Must I buy new speakers also?

 

[skaarsgard]

I am an owner of the Essence STX (first version) and can speak to it for the most part.

One thing, is it's made for Audiophiles (an expensive habit) who usually have fantastic speakers and/ or serious headphones. Not saying that your speakers are bad (I had the ProMedia 5.1 Ultras back in the day myself - great gaming speakers) but the card seems to be overkill for your set. If your speakers had a native Optical SPDIF port, they'd match well but iirc, they didn't - only the analog three cord connectivity (front, back and center).

What are you looking to do with the speakers mostly? Music? Gaming? Movies? All of the above? Are you hellbent on the ASUS Essence STX? With your speakers it's not easily compatible and may be overkill.

You can buy adapters to *hopefully work with the STX 2's daughter board. I have always used the Optical connection for 5.1 gaming myself but these *should work for your connectivity:

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/dynex-dynex-1-8m-6-ft-mini-to-rca-cable-dx-ad104-dx-ad104/10121611.aspx

If not hellbent on that specific card, a quick search found a Creative Sound Blaster Z 5.1 24bit card for around $75 American that looks to be able to accommodate your speaker set via mini connections.

Good luck.

(Moderators: apologies in advance if linking is frowned upon - just wanted to show the poster the cable type he should seek)