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Auzentech X-Meridian VS Asus Xonar Essence ST/STX ?

post #1 of 6
11/30/11 at 4:32pm
Thread Starter 

Hey guys, im about to start ordering parts for a new pc, and was wondering what to do in the audio department..

 

At the moment I have a 5year old Auzentech X-Meridian sound card, paired with Audio Technica ATH-A900 cans

 

I am happy with the sound (although the thin shiny material cover to each foam cup has come away :( ), but having heard about the Asus sound cards, it makes me wonder if I should upgrade the audio too!

 

I am a hardcore gamer, but also spend a lot of time, and love listening to music on youtube and mp3, and have my headphones on most of the time

 

 

Would I hear any difference between these cards?

 

Also which Asus would be the better option?

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post #2 of 6
12/1/11 at 10:53am

The Original XM 7.1 was a big step forward int he PC audio dept but many soundcards have been released since those days.  I would suggest that if you are considering changing your audio, buy the card, try it out and if it is not what you want, return it for a refund.

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post #3 of 6
2/28/12 at 6:28pm

I'm having this question too, and it's surprisingly difficult to pin down an answer. I have a Prelude and wonder what I'd be gaining and losing in terms of stereo sound quality with the Xonar Essence. Including upgrade-wise, where it's clear the Auzen will accept OPA 627SM's and not quite clear how the Asus may respond to them.

 

Edit: As well I have an X-Meridian, I'm surprised I mixed them up for this thread though. That said I've always leaned towards the Prelude, but sometimes wonder what would happen if I upgraded the X-Meridian's op-amps, and indeed how that would compare to the Prelude and Xonar too.


Edited by Pixel Eater - 2/29/12 at 3:34am
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post #4 of 6
2/28/12 at 11:53pm

I really like my Essence STX, but can't see any good reason to replace the X-Meridian.

They both have the same audio processor, the C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788.

Besides, C-Media just came out with the new CMI8888 audio processor, it is a native PCI-Express audio processor.

Asus is using it in their new sound card, the Phoebus, which should be out soon.

so hopefully there will other new sound cards coming out soon.

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post #5 of 6
2/29/12 at 2:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by PurpleAngel View Post
They both have the same audio processor, the C-Media Oxygen HD CMI8788.

 

Having the same DSP chip does not mean identical analog performance. It still depends on the DAC, op-amps, etc. used, and (quite importantly) how well these are implemented on the card.

 

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post #6 of 6
2/29/12 at 7:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stv014 View Post
Having the same DSP chip does not mean identical analog performance. It still depends on the DAC, op-amps, etc. used, and (quite importantly) how well these are implemented on the card.

I was just using the audio processor as one example comparing the two cards, did not feel like going over every little detail of the two cards.

I was more trying to point out that new cards are coming out and XenatR should hold off buying something right now.
 

 

 

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