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Xonar STX as a DAC

post #1 of 5
5/14/11 at 5:31pm
Thread Starter 

So I'm looking into entering the world of hi-end headphones but I am kindof a noob.  After hearing a setup that one of my friends has, I have decided to purchase a pair of Sennheiser HD650s and a Woo Audio WA3 amp with built in preamp (I'm getting a great deal on the amp, $400).  However, I don't really have room in my budget to purchase a dedicated DAC as well.  Will the DAC on my Xonar STX sound card be sufficient for my setup, or is it absolutely necessary to buy myself a dedicated DAC?  Thanks in a advance for the help.

 

Also, if anyone has other suggestions as to my headphone or amp choice, I am all ears.  I listen mostly to rock, jazz, metal, techno, and the occasional hip hop.  My source will be FLAC files from my computer primarily.

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post #2 of 5
5/14/11 at 7:22pm

being an ex STX player, i can certainly attest to the prowess of its DAC section. IMO it would take anywheres of a few multiples of its RSP to top it. i certainly wouldnt bother til i can replace it with something in the order of a Benchmark DAC1, Anedio or a Lavry. OTOH the amp section though powerful, leaves a few to be desired. YMMV

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post #3 of 5
5/15/11 at 4:37am
It really depends on how your computer is built. If it's electronically noisy inside and you have a huge power sucking video card sandwiched next to your STX, and you notice the video card causing interference with your STX, then you can definitely benefit from the DAC.
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post #4 of 5
5/15/11 at 4:57am

I've read here that the HD650 and Woo amp it's a great match.

 

I'm using a Essence ST myself and it's definitely a decent DAC. An inexpensive way to change the sound is to put in new opamps. It's not flawless though, things can get a bit muddy with complex music and vocals can sometimes have a tendency to distort a bit. So I'm about to upgrade to an external DAC (Anedio D1 I think). The ST has served me well for a couple of years though.

 

As for an alternative suggestion to your headphone and amp, I have to say that the Hifiman HE-6 is on a completely different level than the HD650. Maybe you could consider checking out the HE-4, I think it's priced pretty close to the HD650 and from what I've read it should top the HD650. I haven't heard it though.

 

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post #5 of 5
5/15/11 at 6:41am

I think based on your music preference the STX should be adequate. You could stick with that for a while and see if you are satisfied with that combo. Don't know what D/A chip Xonar is using, though.

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