[Alexi384]

Drivers on website also now.
 
Xonar Essence STX driver for Windows 7 32/64-bit Version: 7.12.8.1793
1. Fix: When first open ASIO Panel, the Bit info is not shown correctly issue.
2. Fix: Pop sound issue when play system test sound with DTS interactive enabled.
3. Fix: When open Xonar AP and Xonar ASIO at same time, moving Xonar AP will cut the Xonar ASIO window.  Drivers are also on the Website now.

 

[walsh]

These new drivers seem to have increased the volume output somehow. Not that I'm complaining, I just noticed my amp doesn't need to go as high when i'm playing music or watching videos.

 

[jdsuowner]

Hey what opamp combos are you guys using nowadays? What seems to be the most popular opinions after all the testing that has gone through?

 

[chinesekiwi]

OPA 2107 / OPA2111KP's in I/V. Dunno about buffer opamps though. You only need to switch the buffer opamp if you use the line out. I use the headphone out to my amp (with the Asus headphone amp set to no gain) to bypass the average quality capacitors that degrade the sound.

 

[Angelbelow]

Not sure if this is the right thread for this, but I have the essence stx, windows 7, and using winamp. should i be worried about incorporating asio with my winamp/foobar?

 

[derbigpr]

Quote:

Not sure if this is the right thread for this, but I have the essence stx, windows 7, and using winamp. should i be worried about incorporating asio with my winamp/foobar?

If you're using Winamp, dont bother with asio, since it wont work propertly. What you want with Winamp is a Kernel Streaming plug in (google it, download it) , which is basically the same thing.
If you use Foobar, then go for ASIO.   I have both, but i cant notice absolutely any difference between the 2 players even when doing blindfolded A-B tests, with any type of music (from mp3 to 96khz flac).
 

 

[Angelbelow]

cool, thanks for the reply. I went ahead and downloaded kernel streaming. not sure if its a placebo but it the sound feels a little richer.

 

[derbigpr]

Quote:

cool, thanks for the reply. I went ahead and downloaded kernel streaming. not sure if its a placebo but it the sound feels a little richer.

Well, it depends a lot on your music. If you're listening to 44khz flac then you wont notice much difference, try downloading some REALLY high quality music, like Miles Davis Kind of blue 96 khz album, where one track is 200mb in size. Then you will notice the difference

 

[chinesekiwi]

Quote:

cool, thanks for the reply. I went ahead and downloaded kernel streaming. not sure if its a placebo but it the sound feels a little richer.

ASIO works fine with Win 7...as does WASAPI......

 

[Spike8585]

Sorry if this is out of place, but I didn't know where to ask.
 
Do you think it would be possible to run this card externally? 
As in, independant of the computers PCI slot?
 
I only use the 2 channel analog outputs, but would like to free up my single pci-e port (mini-ITX motherboard only has one port).\
 

 

[derbigpr]

Quote:

Sorry if this is out of place, but I didn't know where to ask.
 
Do you think it would be possible to run this card externally? 
As in, independant of the computers PCI slot?
 
I only use the 2 channel analog outputs, but would like to free up my single pci-e port (mini-ITX motherboard only has one port).\
 

 
 
Nope, of course not. You need some input into the card.   
It cant work without the PCI slot and additional power connection.

 

[walsh]

Quote:

 
 
Nope, of course not. You need some input into the card.   
It cant work without the PCI slot and additional power connection.

Surely you could use an extension lead to the PCI slot?
 

 

[derbigpr]

Quote:

Surely you could use an extension lead to the PCI slot?
 

Not really sure if such a thing exists. But even if it did, that would mean that the card is plugged outside of the PC, and then into the
internal PCI slot by some cable?

 

[genclaymore]

same Asio plugin works without issues for me in winamp,Kernel Steaming usually give me issues in winamp when it some times make my sounds speed up and sound like chimpmucks. As for Op-amps I been using 2x OPA2107APs in my I/v for a while now. I using Uni Xonar 1793 drivers but I notice the volume being boosted too.

 

[fallingreason]

I have a quick question.
 
Does the Essence STX make an exceptional digital source?  Or, will my motherboard coaxial out be just as good if I am using an external dac/amp?