Audioengine A5 + Xonar Essence STX = Overkill ?

[megtheabyss]

I currently own a pair of the Audioengine A5's which i run off my onboard Realtek ALC888.I've heard that the A5's are very much source-dependent and the slightest improvement in the source would reflect itself in the overall reproduction.While digging threads up in here,the Xonar Essence STX seems to be the best option for a stereo setup intended for music (which is my exact situation).But considering the SNR of A5 (>95dB) and Essence STX (124db),are the A5's really capable utilizing the potential of the Essence STX,or should I just get a Xonar DX/D2X(116dB/118dB SNR) to suffice without sacrificing much? I'm trying to avoid external DAC's unless they make that big a difference as compared to the Xonars.My usage is 70% music and 30% gaming and movies.What then would be the best choice to exploit the A5's to the max while staying under 200$. Any advise is appreciated

 

[JRG1990]

The A5's are >95dB,  > means greater than so greater than 95db, also signal to noise ratio isn't everything , what about how the card actually sounds, sound colouration , soundstage , etc , the Xonar Essence STX  is a good choice go with it.

 

[drewfus420]

My A5's sound great out of my STX, almost indistinguishable from STX toslink out to my Concept DAC with stock opamps. With HDAM's in place in the STX (OpaMoons) it has a nice warm sound.

 

[KLJTech]

To get the most out of any speaker you want to feed it the best signal/source possible so if you're going to use a sound card buy the best one you can. I used the ASUS STX for several months (very nice card) in my office PC and then later added a DAC via the cards coaxial digital out.
Good luck.

 

[megtheabyss]

I think it would be better to get the Essenxe STX cuz of the interchangeable opamps,and then add an external DAC from the toslink of the Xonar when I can.Anyways,thanks for the response fellas.