HT Omega Claro Halo or ASUS XONAR Essence ST

Hi,

I'm trying to decide on a soundcard, and would appreciate some advice. Before I get bashed for this post, I'd like to say that I realize that there are lengthy threads coveing each of these soundcards. I'm tried to read through them, but have been unsuccessful at finding a good comparison. Also, as PCI soundcards, with headphone amps, and geared towards music (vs. games) these cards are clearly direct competitors.

In terms of feature and specs, it would seem that the ASUS wins. From what I can tell, it has better RMAA results. Also, it offers software controllable headphone gain, an EMI shield (which may or may not help), a direct Molex connector to the power supply.

While this all sounds nice, what I'm really after is the best sound possible at this pricepoint. I've read posts that the ASUS is fatiguing, and rolled off in the high end.

In terms of musical preference, I'm looking for detail, resolution, and neutrality. Also, I'd be using both the headphone output as well as the RCA's. Finally, I'd really like to see a comparison both with stock opamps as well as with upgraded opamps. I'm not really interested in any other mods, as rolling the opamps is the most I would do (and even then, not right away).

I hope that others will find this post helpful, and so perhaps that will encourage some activity on this thread. Thank to all those who reply. Cheers.

Thought I'd try one more time. I'm appealing to anyone out there who has listened to both the Claro Halo and Essence ST, or better yet, been able to A/B them.

Does one offer better overall sound quality? Is any one more detailed, more analytical, has a smoother top end? If it's a matter of subtle differences, I'd really appreciate knowing what they are.

Also, this will be running in a low performance PC. Do the ASUS drivers tax the CPU a lot?

Sonci,

What I'm trying to do is put together a high quality digital source. I want it to be more than a transport. It's going into a low power passively cooled Atom ITX system. I've made sure to get a decent power supply.

Initially, I want a 1 box solution. So I plan to use the headphone amp to drive my phones: Sony SA-5000, Grado SR-225, AudioTechnica AD700 and a few others.

In the near term, I plan to add a small amp and speakers to add a nearfield listening setup. Looking at the new Icon Amp and haven't made a call about bookshelves.

Longer term, I plan to pull out my single ended amp and get some quality single driver speakers for nearfield, and a dedicated headphone amp.

Because of my longer term plans, I'm more concerned with any sound quality differences in the RCA's than the headphone amp.

Anetode,

I agree that these are similar card. Yet time and again, I read reviews of similar components. It's often in the details where components differentiate themselves. And as for connectors, I'm mainly going to be using the RCA's and the headphone out.

For example, I like the quality of the DIP sockets and RCA connectors on the Halo. Also, the extra opamp in the analog output section should only help to reduce crosstalk. HT Omega's customer support is excellent, and it seems like a good card.

However, I like that the Essence is externally powered, and has a Faraday cage. (I know there are some who believe it's nothing more than marketing, but the physics can't be denied, and all surface routes and surface mounted components are susceptible to noise.) Also the higher specs seem to be a good indicator.

I really want sound quality to be the determining factor. That's really why I'm soliciting the advice of those who have more insight and experience than I.

Jenneth,

Thanks for the info. I has in fact read the post you reference. I have to admit that I'm a little fuzzy on what you're referring to when you talk about quality. I made the assumtion that you're referring to overall sound quality on the RCAs. Since the concensus seem to be that these cards are too close to call a clear winner, I was wondering if there was anything you could add about differences between the cards. After all, a general subjective measure such as sound quality is, by definition, a matter of taste.

As so, perhaps a better way to look at it is in terms of differences. Is either card warmer, more analytical, etc.?

Also, does anyone know if there's any noticible difference between the ST and STX? I know that the clocks are difference (or rather the jitter reduction in the clocks) but does that translate into a noticible difference in the sound?

If I might ask... what didn't you like about the dual opamp, dual polarity opamp design?

So, does anyone know whether the Essence ST sound different than the STX? If so, can you describe the differences.

It sounds like the ST doesn't measure as well as the STX.

front panel amp'd?

Here's another question, and a potential deal-breaker for me: Is the front panel headphone out (header) amplified by the same TI headphone amp and opamp gain stages as the rear jack?

I ask this about the Halo and Essence ST? While I plan to use the read jack, I have some space limitations and want to be able to get the same signal out of the front panel too.

Does anyone know?