It’s been said before on this and other threads, and worth repeating: ASUS Essence STX II owners swapping Muses and other lesser op amps (been there, done that) are simply wasting time and money. To achieve full potential of STX II soundcard, get Burson V6 or V5 discrete op amps (V5i is a...

2x ADAM AUDIO F5 analog-powered nearfield studio monitors mounted on rigid metal stands, driven by ASUS Essence STX II soundcard upgraded with 3x BURSON AUDIO V-6 op amps. Warm, sweet, detailed.

Hello Shredicus, As owner of two defective V5 (both failed after ~200 hours in STXII I/V stages), I'm curious to know whether your V6 order is 1.) new purchase, or 2.) warranty replacement for V5? Thanks.

Hi Ren,   Thanks for sharing your experience and input. My STX II with stock opamps is a disappointment vs. my PC’s onboard RealTek audio, particularly in the areas of bass and soundstaging.  I read virtually all Head-Fi reviews and comparisons of DIP8 swappable op amps, and two weeks ago I...

Hi Renfield1217 and others,   As a STX II and Sparkos SS3602 owner, could you comment on the combo’s bass performance and soundstage?   I ask because I’ve read comparisons of Burson V5 versus Sparkos SS3602 wherein the latter was described as 1.) relatively light in the bass, and 2.) upfront...

Hi IronMan2,   Also a newbie, I’ve read virtually every Head-Fi review and/or comment about DIP8 swappable op amps. To jump-start your own research, here’s an interesting review comparing 3 top contenders (Burson V5 discrete, V5i hybrid, and Sparkos SS3602 discrete) for best sound from ASUS...

  jimwallen,   Thanks for your reassuring words, as I’m eagerly awaiting arrival of Burson op amps for my new STX II. Just to clarify, about how long (years? months?) have you been running trouble-free Bursons in the STX II?

Well, for that kind of money plus a bit of price negotiation, one could buy discrete or hybrid “audiophile designer” op amps which virtually every Head-Fi reviewer says beat the monolithic IC Muses8820/8920/01/02 hands down.  And that's why I considered Sparkos SS3602, Burson V5 / V5i...

th2pun1sh3r,   Since installing the STX II last week, Adam Audio F5 stand-mounted powered studio monitors have been my primary source for near-field critical listening, not headphones. After the Burson op amps (waiting for arrival) are installed and compared, then I’ll learn a lot more about...

NJR's press release re new flagship op amp Muses03, dated Oct 11, 2016:  http://www.njr.com/products/press2016/MUSES03.html _____________________________________________   Damn, I hate reading about V5 / V5i defects and/or incompatibilities.  Last week I ordered Burson op amps for my new STX...

  1.  No, you will not be able to control a USB (Schiit) stack from your keyboard.. 2.  Yes, it will be like optical where you can't.   PC keyboard will control Dragonfly Red's digital volume, Dragonfly Black's analog volume, and possibly a few other similar USB devices. 

seoman, your input has been most helpful.   I’ve learned a few things and finally got it sorted out. I did find an unused SATA, and I’ve ordered an adapter cable (<$5 delivered) to power the STX II which will arrive in a week or so ($232.95 w/ free S&H USA; less $30 mail-in rebate expiring...

Thanks again, seoman.   Well, I opened my Dell XPS 8900 desktop PC and found two 6-pin PCI-E female power connectors available, and ASUS tech support tells me that their sound cards typically have a 4-pin Molex male connector.   QUESTION: Before I start searching for a rare, if it even...

seoman,   Thanks for your helpful reply and the link.    I hoped to minimize downtime by preparing for all contingencies (mailorder parts, if needed) before disconnecting and opening the computer, but I'll just have to dive in and see what power connection is there. 

Hi all,   Anyone here installed ASUS Essence STX II into Windows10/Dell XPS 8900 desktop PC?   As a wary novice (experience inside PC limited to adding RAM), I question two things that I read in the ASUS online installation instructions:   1. “STX requires a 4-pin Molex connection to power...