Xonar DX+PA2V2 vs. Xonar Essence STX

[Guest]

Hello,
So I've been looking for a sound card & headphone amp to compliment my new headphones, but I'm having trouble deciding what the best price-performance option would be. I'm stuck between either the Xonar Essence STX or the Xonar DX and the PA2V2 amp. Does anyone know how big the difference would be between these two setups? Right now I'm leaning towards the Xonar DX+PA2V2 because it seems that the sound quality would be sort of comparable to the Essence STX, but it is ~$100 cheaper.

 

[astrallite]

The Essense STX is designed for stereo speakers. The large EMI shield is built directly over the two stereo outputs, and they put out a very large SNR (listed at 120). The headphone outs are not shielded and have a much lower SNR. Headphone listening was not the main focus of the STX design, so I would imagine the Xonar DX will fit your needs.

 

[Guest]

First of all, thanks for the quick reply and help. How about the HT Omega Claro Halo? Is it more headphone-oriented, or is it the same as the Essence STX?

 

[saaiello]

The Essense STX is designed for stereo speakers. The large EMI shield is built directly over the two stereo outputs, and they put out a very large SNR (listed at 120). The headphone outs are not shielded and have a much lower SNR. Headphone listening was not the main focus of the STX design, so I would imagine the Xonar DX will fit your needs.

Not sure where you got that info but the Essence STX was built for high end speakers and headphones and should off far superior sound quality then the PA2V2 Headphone Amplifier and the DX.

 

[astrallite]

I didn't say the STX is not good with headphones. But it's not arguable that the stereo outs are far higher quality than the headphone outs. This is due to a combination of EMI shielding and reduced crosstalk.

 

[saaiello]

First of all, thanks for the quick reply and help. How about the HT Omega Claro? Is it more headphone-oriented, or is it the same as the Essence STX?

The HT | OMEGA Claro Halo that will give you some serious audiophile sound too. Between the Xonar and the Claro Halo I would go with the Claro Halo.

 

[saaiello]

I didn't say the STX is not good with headphones. But it's not arguable that the stereo outs are far higher quality than the headphone outs. This is due to a combination of EMI shielding and reduced crosstalk.

OK that I can agree with you on. The essence STX has a very high quality build all around and will offer some excellent sound quality.

 

[Guest]

Not sure where you got that info but the Essence STX was built for high end speakers and headphones and should off far superior sound quality then the PA2V2 Headphone Amplifier and the DX.

What exactly makes the Essence STX superior? I'm not doubting you or anything, I'm just curious. I'm really reluctant about dropping $200 for a sound card.

 

[saaiello]

Here just read this review it will explain it in depth what makes it so great.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-xonar-essence-stx-review/

 

[mosox]

Try the audio subforum.