[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Essence STX can drive the HD650's..

So can a portable amp, the question is where will it drive them

 

[Bojamijams]

Aw nuts. And I thought I was smarter then mr. FallenAngel.. well that'll teach me to dream big

 

[finaxe]

One thing is sure is that I will knowing it this weekend...

I'll put to the tests my new Xonar Essence STX and my modded X-Meridian against the gears of Pompon: SinglePower Dragon, SinglePower MPX3 Slam, AudioResearch CD3 MK2, HD650 recabled with Equinox LE...

Wait for our review...

 

[audionewbieyao]

Remember to test with high imidence headphone where Xonar Essence STX really shines...

 

[Woodsmith]

Quote:

Originally Posted by audionewbieyao /img/forum/go_quote.gif Remember to test with high imidence headphone where Xonar Essence STX really shines...

My understanding of this is that it would be best to have lower impedance headphones for the STX because of the lower voltage swing. Will anyone else clarify?

 

[ROBSCIX]

What lower voltage swing?
The amplifier on the Essence swings from -12 to +12.

 

[ROBSCIX]

As for the STX powering the HD650's. Info verified by trusted freind who owns both the HD650's and the STX.
I asked simple question "Can the STX power your HD650's"
He said "No Problem"

Take it as you will.

 

[moonboy403]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBSCIX /img/forum/go_quote.gif As for the STX powering the HD650's. Info verified by trusted freind who owns both the HD650's and the STX. I asked simple question "Can the STX power your HD650's" He said "No Problem" Take it as you will.

Is it as good as the better desktop amp though? That's the million dollar question.

 

[exe163]

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonboy403 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is it as good as the better desktop amp though? That's the million dollar question.

If it could desktop amp business will be down soon?

 

[Bojamijams]

Desktop amps usually have multiple outputs (not the least of which is XLR for the good ones) and multiple inputs.

For those very reasons, no sound card will be replacing them

 

[FallenAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bojamijams /img/forum/go_quote.gif Desktop amps usually have multiple outputs (not the least of which is XLR for the good ones) and multiple inputs. For those very reasons, no sound card will be replacing them

I really don't think that's the reason.

Ok, this seems card seems to be getting into religious war territory, guess it's going on my "not going to bother commenting" list along with a few others FOTMs.

Updated a little info:
Headphone driver is TPA6120, a fairly interesting chip (monstrous slew rate, but requires input buffer or DC servo). I'm guessing the input buffer is the NE5532 beside it. Not bad, but hey, people actually think the Benchmark DAC-1 had a good headphone amp too

 

[jenneth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif I really don't think that's the reason. Ok, this seems card seems to be getting into religious war territory, guess it's going on my "not going to bother commenting" list along with a few others FOTMs.

Heh, yeah, that's the impression I was getting too.

 

[audionewbieyao]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FallenAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif I really don't think that's the reason. Ok, this seems card seems to be getting into religious war territory, guess it's going on my "not going to bother commenting" list along with a few others FOTMs.

Perhaps that's the normal response when people experiencing shockingly huge difference based on originally low expactations from a "sound card".

Give it some more time man, if more reviews keep pour in and still with positive results, perhaps this card is really writing a new page in the sound card history.

 

[moonboy403]

Quote:

Originally Posted by audionewbieyao /img/forum/go_quote.gif Perhaps that's the normal response when people experiencing shockingly huge difference based on originally low expactations from a "sound card". Give it some more time man, if more reviews keep pour in and still with positive results, perhaps this card is really writing a new page in the sound card history.

Not to be harsh on the Essence, however, most of the raving reviews are from newer members who have little or no experience in a desktop amp. That's why I keep hoping more experienced members would take a good look at the Essence and see if they're just FOTM or the real deal.

 

[Shahrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonboy403 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Not to be harsh on the Essence, however, most of the raving reviews are from newer members who have little or no experience in a desktop amp. That's why I keep hoping more experienced members would take a good look at the Essence and see if they're just FOTM or the real deal.

agreed. i've tried a lot of soundcards and even though they're great value for the money, they just don't match good desktop amps. if i ever upgrade to the STX from the claro plus+ i would do it only for the slight improvement of the DAC section.