Quote: Originally Posted by Shike In terms of performance look at the specs. In terms of sound you're asking for listening impressions. If you're into that I'd suggest you listen to them yourlsef . . . no one has your hearing but you. Man can't agree on that more. +1

So it's been a while, any progress on the power side? Lots of my friends are asking about this recently.

A good PSU seems does make lots of improvements, but I don't thing you need to worry about it at this stage now. I mean, your friend can always do a upgrade just like people doing the OPAMP upgrade, you don't have to everything in one shot.

how about just pull the triger and give it a try... Listening is believing... it's not too expansive after all

Here's the latest review from Xbitlabs. I think it says a lot regarding OP's question. Gaming Test of Xonar Essencce STX vs Auzentech PreludeTwo in One: Asus Xonar Essence STX Sound Card Review (page 6) - X-bit labs Coclusion: Anyway, today, the Xonar Essence STX is the best choice for a...

Here's the latest review from Xbitlabs. I think it says a lot regarding OP's question. Gaming Test of Xonar Essencce STX vs Auzentech PreludeTwo in One: Asus Xonar Essence STX Sound Card Review (page 6) - X-bit labs Coclusion: Anyway, today, the Xonar Essence STX is the best choice for a...

So what's the status now? Is it done and being tested now?

Quote: Originally Posted by leeperry well the current ST drivers work on the WHOLE Xonar line, D2, D2X, STX, whatever....why no unified drivers? why do they force us to modify the .inf file? could you imagine nvidia or ATi doing that? even Creative has unified drivers I think...

+1 Asus Xonar Essence ST

Compatibality iissue? Did you buy and returned the card beacuse of the issue?

Why not jut go with Xonar? still don't get it since the GX usually works, and EAX is less and less being used anyway..

Dolby Headphone is still by far the best implimentation of the HRTF IMO. BUT again, it's down to personal taste and very subjective...

Just curious, why not use high gain for the burn-in?

New review Asus Xonar Essence STX Review - Overclockers Club Conclusion: As with most products, I was slightly apprehensive about the Xonar Essence STX before I heard it. I asked myself, how could a small, simple amplifier on a soundcard perform anywhere near as well as a standalone...

I suggest you change a PCIE slot and try again, it usually helps. It's a typical MB problem that certain slot has inferior quality than others.