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The Xonar Essence STX Q/A, tweaking, impressions thread
Oct 27, 2011 at 1:35 PM Post #2,701 of 5,722
The electric circuit of the xonar must be close to the PCM1792 and TPA6120 datasheet's, something like this:
 
From the PCM1792 datasheet:
 

From the TPA6120 datasheet:

 
So, taking the signal from the marked red spots, just before the buffer opamps, we can get balanced signal from the card. Thats correct?
 
Or just replace the buffer opamp with an opamp socket with wires solder in the pins 2, 3, 5 and 6 (opamp inputs).
tongue_smile.gif

 
PD: sorry my bad english.
 
Oct 27, 2011 at 1:50 PM Post #2,702 of 5,722
Also looking at the TPA COD schematic, that use PCM1794, wich is very close to the PCM1792, I think it can be done, its almost the same circuit, but maybe I'm totally wrong in my statements.
 
The balanced amp stage that I'm thinking, it's somethig like this:
 

 
Oct 27, 2011 at 2:28 PM Post #2,703 of 5,722


Quote:
phiton said:
Hi,
Figured out the output. 1792A --> 2x dual opamp for I/V conversion and the other ompamp for buffer/low-pass. Was in the manual :wink:
I also removed the 'C'  opamp and just took the balanced signal (L+/L- ; R+/R-) from the IC-socket. It is now turning into a real killer.
I used a BrownDog adapter with Gigabit ethernet cable to connect to my Nelson Pass preamp Balanced in.
 
My setup:
Dell Precision Workstation 390 for streaming
Marantz SA-7S1 SACD-player
Nelson Pass Balanced Line Stage with Mundorf silver oil --> DACT --> Nelson Pass jFet Buffer
Marantz PM-94 modded as dedicated power amp
DIY Speakers (dipole) with Fostex and Philips foil transducers.
 
But now for my initial and shocking impressions.
With redbook audio it kicks my top of the bill Marantz Flagship (SA)CD-player....
I run with the Asus on 24-bit/192kHz with master volume @ max, but the mixer setting on 76 (stock). I really hear a distortion with mixer > 80 or so.
Furthermore there is wide spread in output quality between ASIO, Wasapi and Windows Layer (WM-player).
I can clearly say that foobar with either ASIO or wasapi sucks, to my ears. The clear and absolute winner is Stealth Audio Player 1.9.
It has no clear interface, but it rocks as nothing i heard before. A good second is Cplay, with Pure Player comming in third. Foobar was just utterly disappointing.
 
So far for my impressions. And as far as clock upgrade goes; i read the 1792a documentation and found that it rejects clockjitter very well. Second change will be some diy discrete opamps as replacement for the I/V stage (as being the only non-discreet component in the signal line).
 
 
Click to expand...

Oh! It was done before! So I'm going to do it.
biggrin.gif

 
 
 
Oct 28, 2011 at 8:11 AM Post #2,706 of 5,722
Hello there,
 
i am using the Xonar Essence STX together with a Sennheiser HD650...so far, so good...i changed the JRC 2114D's for LME49860NA,
but unfortunately for my Ears it doesn't sound better...maybe because i just got the flu... :wink:
 
But i noticed in a short comparison to the stock JRC Setup that these sound a bit more impulse, but the HD650 also something darker
with these OpAmps...i`ve read some years ago before about the HD650 that it'll need a decent Headphone Amp in order to sound good...
 
Greetings from germany. :)
 
 
 
 
Oct 30, 2011 at 10:33 AM Post #2,708 of 5,722
Hi,
Reporting my observation for the some op-amps with Essence ST. I use AKG702 as my main can, connecting right through the headphone amplifier port directly. I mainly listen to classical.
 
Comparison will be given in accordance to the previous chip used. - I didn't AB much, but rather put the chip in, listen for a couple weeks, then change to the next one..
 
The order I roll those AMP are as follow: JRC 2114D (stock) -> LME49720 -> LME49860.
 
LME49720 - Its an upgrade for JRC 2114D
  1. Detail - Better
  2. The sound actually go more analytical
  3. Bass - punchier
  4. Wider sound stage and imaging
  5. I think this will goes with warm cans actually, like HD650.
  6. Listening is best at extra high gain - JRC 2114D has a harshness and sight distort sound at highest gain for AKG702.
 
LME49860 - Also an upgrade for JRC 2114D, arguably for LME49720, in most cases.
  1. Detail is almost same as LME49720, other wise slightly less, but still better than JRC 2114D.
  2. This is where the fun begin - the sound is hmm... "organic". Everything seems to smooth a bit compare to LME49720, a very subjective word... "musical"? Also I hear more dynamics.
  3. Sound stage and imaging actually decreased compared to LME49720,
  4. Listening is best at extra high gain. Upon switching from LME49720, I actually hear a high volume on LME49720 and had to tone down, and switch to high gain for LME49860. However lately I have switched back to extra high gain.
  5. Its still pretty new, about 30 hours break in, maybe it will still change, I'm not sure.
  6. Right now I think this has the best synergy with AKG702, and prefer ed over LME49720. I dont think it will suite warm (slow decay) cans.
 
So far with my setup my preference is
LME49860 > LME49720 > JRC2114D.
 
I hope I dont burn my 702 with extra high gain lol. I will come back more with OPA2604, LM6172 in a couple more weeks.
 
I would be very interested in trying out discrete OP-AMP, but they are overly expensive, and defeat purpose of going for this sound card (PRICE!!). If I invest in an AMP (which I'm planing to do), I might. However if any can find cheaper discrete OP-AMP below 20ish do let me know :)
 
 
Oct 30, 2011 at 5:32 PM Post #2,709 of 5,722
 
Quote:
onesec said:
Hi,
Reporting my observation for the some op-amps with Essence ST. I use AKG702 as my main can, connecting right through the headphone amplifier port directly. I mainly listen to classical.
 
Comparison will be given in accordance to the previous chip used. - I didn't AB much, but rather put the chip in, listen for a couple weeks, then change to the next one..
 
The order I roll those AMP are as follow: JRC 2114D (stock) -> LME49720 -> LME49860.
 
LME49720 - Its an upgrade for JRC 2114D
  1. Detail - Better
  2. The sound actually go more analytical
  3. Bass - punchier
  4. Wider sound stage and imaging
  5. I think this will goes with warm cans actually, like HD650.
  6. Listening is best at extra high gain - JRC 2114D has a harshness and sight distort sound at highest gain for AKG702.
 
LME49860 - Also an upgrade for JRC 2114D, arguably for LME49720, in most cases.
  1. Detail is almost same as LME49720, other wise slightly less, but still better than JRC 2114D.
  2. This is where the fun begin - the sound is hmm... "organic". Everything seems to smooth a bit compare to LME49720, a very subjective word... "musical"? Also I hear more dynamics.
  3. Sound stage and imaging actually decreased compared to LME49720,
  4. Listening is best at extra high gain. Upon switching from LME49720, I actually hear a high volume on LME49720 and had to tone down, and switch to high gain for LME49860. However lately I have switched back to extra high gain.
  5. Its still pretty new, about 30 hours break in, maybe it will still change, I'm not sure.
  6. Right now I think this has the best synergy with AKG702, and prefer ed over LME49720. I dont think it will suite warm (slow decay) cans.
 
So far with my setup my preference is
LME49860 > LME49720 > JRC2114D.
 
I hope I dont burn my 702 with extra high gain lol. I will come back more with OPA2604, LM6172 in a couple more weeks.
 
I would be very interested in trying out discrete OP-AMP, but they are overly expensive, and defeat purpose of going for this sound card (PRICE!!). If I invest in an AMP (which I'm planing to do), I might. However if any can find cheaper discrete OP-AMP below 20ish do let me know :)
 
Click to expand...



Nice "review"! I'm basically in the same situation as you, I have a pair of K701 that I run straight out of my Essence ST and I'm planning on eventually buying an external amp since I feel as if the Xonar's amp isn't really doing the K701 justice. I do think the Essence+K701-combo sounds amazing, but I would like a little warmer/softer sound and a bit more bass impact. Before I buy an external amp though, I'm also gonna try out some different op-amps :) I've ordered a pair of LME49720 that I'm eager to test :) Hopefully they'll be arriving tomorrow!
 
 
Oct 30, 2011 at 6:22 PM Post #2,710 of 5,722


Quote:
onesec said:
Hi,
Reporting my observation for the some op-amps with Essence ST. I use AKG702 as my main can, connecting right through the headphone amplifier port directly. I mainly listen to classical.
Comparison will be given in accordance to the previous chip used. - I didn't AB much, but rather put the chip in, listen for a couple weeks, then change to the next one..
The order I roll those AMP are as follow: JRC 2114D (stock) -> LME49720 -> LME49860.
LME49720 - Its an upgrade for JRC 2114D
  1. Detail - Better
  2. The sound actually go more analytical
  3. Bass - punchier
  4. Wider sound stage and imaging
  5. I think this will goes with warm cans actually, like HD650.
  6. Listening is best at extra high gain - JRC 2114D has a harshness and sight distort sound at highest gain for AKG702.
LME49860 - Also an upgrade for JRC 2114D, arguably for LME49720, in most cases.
  1. Detail is almost same as LME49720, other wise slightly less, but still better than JRC 2114D.
  2. This is where the fun begin - the sound is hmm... "organic". Everything seems to smooth a bit compare to LME49720, a very subjective word... "musical"? Also I hear more dynamics.
  3. Sound stage and imaging actually decreased compared to LME49720,
  4. Listening is best at extra high gain. Upon switching from LME49720, I actually hear a high volume on LME49720 and had to tone down, and switch to high gain for LME49860. However lately I have switched back to extra high gain.
  5. Its still pretty new, about 30 hours break in, maybe it will still change, I'm not sure.
  6. Right now I think this has the best synergy with AKG702, and prefer ed over LME49720. I dont think it will suite warm (slow decay) cans.
So far with my setup my preference is
LME49860 > LME49720 > JRC2114D.
I hope I dont burn my 702 with extra high gain lol. I will come back more with OPA2604, LM6172 in a couple more weeks.
I would be very interested in trying out discrete OP-AMP, but they are overly expensive, and defeat purpose of going for this sound card (PRICE!!). If I invest in an AMP (which I'm planing to do), I might. However if any can find cheaper discrete OP-AMP below 20ish do let me know :)
Click to expand...


I've been told the LME49860NA is the cherry pick of the LME49720NA chips.
In other words, the LME49860NA is a LME49720NA that can take more voltage.
Unless someone else has heard something different.
 
 
 
Oct 30, 2011 at 6:39 PM Post #2,711 of 5,722
Originally Posted by OneSec /img/forum/go_quote.gif

  1. This is where the fun begin - the sound is hmm... "organic". Everything seems to smooth a bit compare to LME49720, a very subjective word... "musical"? Also I hear more dynamics.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. They seem a little warmer, a little less analytical sounding. Wasn't sure if it was just placebo or not. Some say that there shouldn't be any audible difference between the two. I preferred their sound to that of LME49720s, coupled with LM6172 in buffer. I'm trying out a different combo now, 2xLME49860 + LME49720. To my ears, it actually sounds much better than the previous combinations, bigger soundstage and, surprisingly, more bass, though it kind of seems a little less, umm, tight?
 
Oct 31, 2011 at 12:34 PM Post #2,713 of 5,722
I'm rolling opamps in mine using K701 and my favorite until now is the stocks JRC2114
confused_face_2.gif
. Maybe lack of burning in the new opamps?
I tested OPA2107, OPA2132, LM4562 and LME49860, I'm now waiting some LME49720HA's (metal can) for testing. Will post my impresions.
 
Nov 1, 2011 at 7:18 PM Post #2,714 of 5,722


Quote:
onesec said:
Hi,
Reporting my observation for the some op-amps with Essence ST. I use AKG702 as my main can, connecting right through the headphone amplifier port directly. I mainly listen to classical.
 
Comparison will be given in accordance to the previous chip used. - I didn't AB much, but rather put the chip in, listen for a couple weeks, then change to the next one..
 
The order I roll those AMP are as follow: JRC 2114D (stock) -> LME49720 -> LME49860.
 
LME49720 - Its an upgrade for JRC 2114D
  1. Detail - Better
  2. The sound actually go more analytical
  3. Bass - punchier
  4. Wider sound stage and imaging
  5. I think this will goes with warm cans actually, like HD650.
  6. Listening is best at extra high gain - JRC 2114D has a harshness and sight distort sound at highest gain for AKG702.
 
LME49860 - Also an upgrade for JRC 2114D, arguably for LME49720, in most cases.
  1. Detail is almost same as LME49720, other wise slightly less, but still better than JRC 2114D.
  2. This is where the fun begin - the sound is hmm... "organic". Everything seems to smooth a bit compare to LME49720, a very subjective word... "musical"? Also I hear more dynamics.
  3. Sound stage and imaging actually decreased compared to LME49720,
  4. Listening is best at extra high gain. Upon switching from LME49720, I actually hear a high volume on LME49720 and had to tone down, and switch to high gain for LME49860. However lately I have switched back to extra high gain.
  5. Its still pretty new, about 30 hours break in, maybe it will still change, I'm not sure.
  6. Right now I think this has the best synergy with AKG702, and prefer ed over LME49720. I dont think it will suite warm (slow decay) cans.
 
So far with my setup my preference is
LME49860 > LME49720 > JRC2114D.
 
I hope I dont burn my 702 with extra high gain lol. I will come back more with OPA2604, LM6172 in a couple more weeks.
 
I would be very interested in trying out discrete OP-AMP, but they are overly expensive, and defeat purpose of going for this sound card (PRICE!!). If I invest in an AMP (which I'm planing to do), I might. However if any can find cheaper discrete OP-AMP below 20ish do let me know :)
 
Click to expand...




+1.
 
For me, though, the 49860s actually had a lot more detail compared to my 720s.
 
Nov 4, 2011 at 4:31 AM Post #2,715 of 5,722
well, technically, the LME49860NA is quite the same like the 49720NA, the only difference is that the -860NA covers +/- 22 V max, and the -720NA +/- 17 Volts.
But the -860NA sounds a bit different, maybe because of extra resistors inside the OpAmp? who knows...i like the sound to be more analytical, and the 860NA
also took of the tendency for my HD650's to sound darker...which is appreciated. i'll check out the 49720HA TO99 Version for sure, but i dunno where i can
buy here in germany these browndog DIP8 to TO99 adaptors...and i don't know also *if* the shielding of my STX still match then...
 
 
 
 
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