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Asus Xonar Essence STX - Page 3

post #31 of 34
6/6/09 at 1:20pm
thats interesting. I was very impressed with the sound the STX was putting out, but I prefer the clip now and have put the STX to bed - possibly for good for music listening.
The clip sounds more musical and more flat for some reason (from 4p, 770 and 880) even though it clearly shouldnt given its price.
I'm not suggesting the clip is better, only it sounds better to me....
I dont suspect i'll have trouble usurping the clip with an external dac that was over $100 though.
As far as a soundcard dac/amp combo goes I think the STX was great, but no where near the best (obviously).
It was very good at adding "magic" to some tracks, but the clip to me is a better all-round performer.
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post #32 of 34
6/6/09 at 8:39pm

Fzman re outboard power supply

I am very interested in a quality outboard power supply for my STx. Does anybody sell them (230Volt) ? I have no electronic skills.

I use my STX digital output to feed my Cambridge 840C. The sound quality is a little less sweet on analogue output than the 840C although I prefer the STX to my Cambridge Dacmagic which I find a bit dull but fine for the ps3 and sky tv decoder.

Regards

Andrew
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post #33 of 34
6/6/09 at 10:48pm
@macrog:

If you're using strictly the digital out on the STX, there is no point in upgrading to a better power supply. For one, only the analog section uses external power. Two, the digital out can't really improve (unless referring to jitter), it either works or it doesn't.

I'm interested in your comparison of the STX to the Dacmagic which is of course a $429 external DAC. Can you elaborate on what is 'dull' about the Dacmagic (Cold, neutral?)?
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post #34 of 34
6/7/09 at 1:30am

Dacmagic vs 840c vs stx

Dacmagic appears to lack treble detail and you cant hear notes decay as much. The 840c presents a much deeper image than the Dacmagic (and far lower bass). The STX is to me a bit more detailed in the treble than the dacmagic but an equal amount behind the 840c in every area.

I have an Asus D2, D2X and STX and the sound quality is noticeably improved through the digital output on the D2X compared to the D2 and the STX sounds better again through the digital output as well. I'm using an Eichman digital interconnect (have also tried a kimber ks2020).

I am using a lin preamplifier and 2 linn power amplifiers to biamp my monitor audio pl300 speakers. I also have a hifidelio and wadia idock as sources.

Regards

Andrew Watson
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