[Vandal]

I'm looking at a source upgrade and have settled on the Xonar STX after reading owner impressions and its specs on head-fi.

I'm also looking at an amp purchase - either the WA 3+ or the WA 6. Now my query is will the Essence drive the HD 650's sufficiently well on its own? How well will this card drive these cans without an amp?

Will I not need an amp with this SC with the my SR 225 and A900?

 

[Woodsmith]

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/up...ne-amp-400417/

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vandal /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm looking at a source upgrade and have settled on the Xonar STX after reading owner impressions and its specs on head-fi. I'm also looking at an amp purchase - either the WA 3+ or the WA 6. Now my query is will the Essence drive the HD 650's sufficiently well on its own? How well will this card drive these cans without an amp? Will I not need an amp with this SC with the my SR 225 and A900?

The Essence STX can drive the HD650's No problem.

 

[Vandal]

Can I use an amp like the WA3+ coupled with the STX for even better performance? Will the SC act as a preamp in that case?

 

[audionewbieyao]

Yes, just attach the WA3+ to Xonar Essence' RCA stereo output and it's done! You can still benefit from the BB1792A DAC for sure.

However, it'll be a bit waste of the headphone AMP on Xonar Essence.