[cladisch]

Quote:

 
ROBSCIX's review http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-xonar-xense-71-soundcard-review/

which says:

CS 5381 DAC

This stereo DAC chip is the source used for the headphone stage and for the front stereo channels.

 
Surely you're joking? Or your test card didn't have the PCM1796 and CS2000 chips?

 

[scytheavatar]

So, could anyone give a tl;dr response for whether this is significantly better than the ST/STX or not?

 

[cladisch]

The ST/STX have slightly better speaker/HP outputs, but the only significant difference is the number of analog outputs.

 

[ROBSCIX]

 
Quote:

 
Surely you're joking? Or your test card didn't have the PCM1796 and CS2000 chips?

 
I reviewed a mass production sample.  Nothing different between the review card and what you can buy in a store. 
Quote:

So, could anyone give a tl;dr response for whether this is significantly better than the ST/STX or not?

The specs of the Xense are lower in comparison to the ST(X) series cards, I would say they are all excellent cards but different in signature.  Just like DAC's or other audio gear, you get different "flavors".  The Xense is aimed at a different market and user group then the Essence series cards.

 

[germanium]

 
Quote:

 
Surely you're joking? Or your test card didn't have the PCM1796 and CS2000 chips?

 The card does have the PCM 1796 DAC. The CS 5381 is the ADC chip , not the DAC. http://www.digchip.com/datasheets/parts/datasheet/096/CS5381.php

 

[germanium]

It appears that Rob has updated his review with accurate information.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Still using my old bought in March of 09' pair of Sennheiser PC350's with no mod of any kind paired with my Claro HaloXT sound card.
I cant imagine a better sounding headset for "gaming".
Apparently the difference between those that claim they are crap Vs those like me that love them is the way they are powered.
I actually think the Claro HaloXT is a bit better sound card than the Asus but apparently both are well suited for the PC350.
For those that do not like the PC350's maybe the PC360's might be better suited to the sound you prefer and your sound card or lack of Amp.

 

[TheSlinky]

Not sure whether the PC 350 that comes with the Xonar is any different to the ones sold individually. If so, then I would strongly recommend against getting it. I used to own a pair of those 'phones and they're absolutely horrible, they sell for about $60 brand new on eBay. Hardly even worth that much money, imo. The sound is extremely dull and boxed-in, you'll be very disappointed.

 

[Nunyabiz]

Utter nonsense.
Nothing wrong with the PC350s of any kind.
Just need to pair them with a quality headphone amp.

 

[TheSlinky]

Dude, what's your problem? Can't anyone have a contrary opinion to yours?

 

[Nunyabiz]

Sure thing, when the opinion is valid in anyway.
Here is what an "opinion" looks like.
 
I love Mac & cheese
 
Here is what utter nonsense looks like
 
I hate Mac & Cheese and everything that touches it because all of it is made out of the milk of infected rats and the noodles are rolled on the naked thighs of ugly fat men.
 
 
Saying this headset is "absolutely horrible, dull & boxed in and not worth $60" is utter nonsense. 

 

[TheSlinky]

In my opinion they sound horrible, if sound weren't subjective then everyone would like the exact same headphones. Saying that your opinion is the only valid one and anything that contradicts that is "utter nonsense" is utter nonsense.

 

[mathewst]

read whole thread, here my POV
 
just bought xense set, initially i wasnt impressed at all, well nothing outstanding, was listening to AKG-K240 (55ohm version) studio past 5 years, those died recently
i changed opamps chips to LME42..20 something, they costed like 10eur, seriously guys, comparining to ANYTHING, after upgrade xense set
KILLS anything I ve ever heard, those 10 eur was for me unimaginable sound upgrade hehe, as big as from 10eur panasonics to AKG's or even better.
whole soundstage opened, bass is supertight and strong, highs clear and eteric, just plain WOW, worth every cent.
 
though havent heard anything with impendance higher than 60 and amplified before (heard grado sr60 not i version, disliked it).
just thinking about getting sennheisers hd800, seriously would it be any difference? (got almost infinite funding source, so money isnt a problem), akg 240s didnt sound any better after opamp upgrade, i mean not any significant