Hello Head-Fi
 
I need your help, I want to upgrade my soundcard but I don't know which one is better.
Currently I have my ESI Juli@ which had served me quite well for the last couple of years. I'm not going to get an external DAC, so I'm looking for an internal solution.
 
Which of these two cards would you say is the better option? (1212m vs Xonar ST)
 
I'm mainly listening through my K701 plugged to my Heed Canamp - so only stereo.
 
Would love to hear your opinions!

You should consider even Lynx ONE.

Quote:

knopi said:

You should consider even Lynx ONE.

Click to expand...

"Does not support 64-bit or Vista."
 
*EDIT*
Whoa, I just checked the prices for the newer Lynx, they're insanely expansive where I live. Will the soundcards in my original post make any noticeable improvement with my system?

Lynx ONE is for very good price on ebay, check it. Both Juli@ and ONE is excelent for the price as transport or as soundcard. Lynx is better.
On the other hand I don't understand why you consider 1212m and Xonar ST? I didn't hear them but I don't think that it will be improvement or right way.

Lynx ONE is more of a professional audio production card. The ASUS Xonar Essence ST on the other hand is perfect for stereo music listening card, either through the RCA line out or the 6.3mm headphone out (amped). It's got a really good DAC (BB PCM1792A), and a pretty good headphone amp chip. Also the ST is definitely the best card out of your choices for music listening, based on specs/stats.

He don't need headphone output or amp chip he has amp. No matter if Lynx is more of a professional card, important is it is very good sounding card for money, isn't it?

Actually I purchased the Xonar ST this morning, I listened to it for a few hours today. Its a pretty remarkable card. Sound quality is actually much better than what I had expected (I didn't expect much of a change in the first place and was just trying my luck).
In my opinion it is better than the Juli@, sound is smoother, bass extends lower, and overall it seems the music is less sterile (I didn't even realize the sound was "sterile" from my Juli@ until I the tried this card).
Not to say Juli@ isn't a good card, it is a great card and was the best card I could afford 4 years ago.
I'm using the ST's line out (not amped socket).
 
Overall its a keeper, now all is left is to find someone who will buy my Juli@