ok, well it's not the 7.1
version of the STX, but it's basically still the mighty headphone amp soundcard that we witnessed as the STX, but with the capacity to output to 8 channels via analog output - yes?
also, in relation to the AV100 vs AV200: surely since this card is now a multichannel card, it should utilise the AV200 as in the HDAV and D2X cards, as opposed to the AV100?
is it
predominately the fact that the STX has a dedicated headphone amp that makes it that much better than other soundcards we've seen to date?
for all intents and purposes the ST really does look to lend itself as being called an 'Essence ST Deluxe' - but I guess we'll have to wait and see.
the whole point of the new card is such that end-users can hook up their multichannel speakers - to what is an awesome headphone soundcard (the STX) that now caters for multichannel setups as well (in the form of the ST), and to a (much) lesser extent, for those who want a PCI card.
i wonder whether asus will in fact produce an Essence STX Deluxe in addition to the Essence ST Deluxe (forgive my preliminary naming of the cards - but I think you get my drift), that is to say, will Asus produce a PCIe version of this card we have witnessed in the sneak-peak?
i, for one, seem to think it might be worth the wait over getting a D2X for those multichannel setups, or perhaps even an Auzen Forte for the same reason - but as I said - we'll have to wait and see.
PS. whilst understanding that you can't do a 'test' against the Auzen Forte or other such cards, Robscix, perhaps you can tell us in your opinion how it
might compare to the likes of said cards?