ASUS Xonar Essence STU

[Limniscate]

http://www.guru3d.com/news_story/asus_xonar_essence_stu_external_sound_card_and_headphones_amplifier.html
 
I wonder if this will be any good.

 

[xeizo]

An ST in a breakout box, with asynchronous transfer and dedicated physical volume controls. Yes, it will be good, how good for the price depends on the price ...
 

 

[ClieOS]

I might be able to get a listen to this before it hits the market. Will post a first impression if I can.

 

[corenewbie]

hmmm, this ASUS DAC seems good and interesting.... maybe i will get in.. 
 
what I heard it has similar performance like Essence one , but a cheaper pricing

 

[dynamics]

More pictures:
 
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0jAGw2CFyI/UX1OjvOKewI/AAAAAAAAd6Y/lznzLsF3OgQ/s1600/asus_xonar_essence_stu_with_stand.png
 
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWUxWiPl6bM/UX1OjUhscuI/AAAAAAAAd6U/mrqJusqgwUY/s1600/asus_xonar_essence_stu_back_panel.png
 
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1R_ptb55i4/UX1OkA0WkbI/AAAAAAAAd6c/pHqpzlUN6yU/s1600/asus_xonar_essence_stu_with_box.jpg
 
 
 
Source:  http://audiolifestyle.blogspot.com/2013/04/asus-xonar-essence-stu-zblizenie.html
 

 

[project86]

Mine just arrived today - will post some impressions as soon as I have a listen. It's a nice looking little box though, very stylish and unobtrusive considering all the features on board. I really like having independent volume knobs for line out and headphone out.

 

[cutegigi]

may I ask how much you pay for it ??

 

[project86]

Quote:

may I ask how much you pay for it ??

 
Mine is a review loaner so I didn't pay anything for it... but the retail price will be $399. 

 

[laon]

Quote:

 
Mine is a review loaner so I didn't pay anything for it... but the retail price will be $399. 

That's a bit more than I hope, actually I could get Essence One here for that much. Not sure if worth it.

 

[project86]

Wow, that's cheap for the Essence One. Around here the One starts at $599 and goes up to $899 with the Muses opamps. So the STU sits comfortably in between the One and their internal soundcard models which are in the $200 range. 

 

[laon]

Yeah, somehow or another Asus priced it at such tempting price here. Guess I'll see how they position STU when it's actually out here (hopefully we'll get it; we still doesn't have MUSE edition).

 

[ClieOS]

I should receive mine by Monday. Can't wait

 

[project86]

Quote:

I should receive mine by Monday. Can't wait

 
Nice. It will be good to bounce opinions back and forth with an experienced person such as yourself. I've been so busy I haven't even found time to listen yet. Maybe tonight. 

 

[ClieOS]

Actually it just arrived ahead of time. I too haven't had time to listen to it now. Will have to wait till tonight.

 

[project86]

So I had a chance to do some listening with the STU. Fed by USB and driving an LCD-2, I wasn't disappointed at all. I used the high gain setting but low gain could probably work too if I cranked the volume higher. Either way, there's plenty of juice for most headphones, so I wouldn't worry. HE-6 is obviously still off limits.
 
I didn't listen long enough to form any significant impressions other than "not crap". Seemed nice and clear but that's as far as I can go for now.