Xonar Xense Preview

[ROBSCIX]

Hey guys, We released some exclusive information on the Xonar Xense the I figured some of you might be interested in.  We included a full look at the card, drivers, Specifications...  The works.  Have a look here-> Xense Preview
We had a chance to listen to a engineering sample for the last little while and we used this working model to make the preview.

 

[Hybrys]

Looks like... PCM1796 as the stereo DAC, and the same integrated amp as the STX.  Nifty.

 

[ROBSCIX]

There are some similarities between this card and the Essence series but there are also some differences.  This card sports two DAC's one for the heapdheons output and a seperate unit for the surround sound outputs.

 

[Bojamijams]

So it is the 350 thats bundled with it.. any more information on what exactly about the headset is modified? And have they given any idea on pricing?
 
Finally, on paper at least, which has the better DAC, the Xense or the STX/ST?

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

So it is the 350 thats bundled with it.. any more information on what exactly about the headset is modified? And have they given any idea on pricing?
 
Finally, on paper at least, which has the better DAC, the Xense or the STX/ST?

The card has a special setting for gain for the PC350 "Xense Edition".  I have heard the PC350's before and these do not sound the same.  As to if that is just proper amplification or some other circuitry magic is the question.  There is no official MSRP announced as of yet...  Basically, for their headphone section they are all very similar but the surround section is more of a design similar to the D2.
 

 

[Hybrys]

Quote:

So it is the 350 thats bundled with it.. any more information on what exactly about the headset is modified? And have they given any idea on pricing?
 
Finally, on paper at least, which has the better DAC, the Xense or the STX/ST?

On paper, the STX's PCM1792A is superior to the Xense's PCM1796.

 

[ROBSCIX]

Yes, IIRC the PCM1796 is spec'd for about 123dB when using this chip in dual configuration.  The PCM1796A is spec'd for 127dB when used in dual channel configuration.
 
So if you apply the -3dB rule for realworld performance, you get the STX/ST performance of 124db and the Xense should measure around ~119dB, unless they used something to lower it.

 

[isaac1417]

Looks great~ the impedance is incredibly as high as 600ohm, I think Xense is totally coming for Sennheiser hi-end headsets.

 

[Hybrys]

Quote:

Looks great~ the impedance is incredibly as high as 600ohm, I think Xense is totally coming for Sennheiser hi-end headsets.

They only say they can drive that high of a phone, because I don't believe any phones go past that.  Plus, none of the Senns go past 300.  <_<
 
Edit: I said 250, but, the HD650+800 are 300.

 

[Steve-o27]

I believe the HD650 and the HD800 are 300Ω headphones, anyway, I doubt anyone buying an HD800 will use the integrated amp from the card... When can we expect a full size review? Will you review the new Creative cards ROBSCIX?

 

[ROBSCIX]

Quote:

I believe the HD650 and the HD800 are 300Ω headphones, anyway, I doubt anyone buying an HD800 will use the integrated amp from the card... When can we expect a full size review? Will you review the new Creative cards ROBSCIX?

If I get the opportunity to review them I will.
 

 

[powerarron]

I notice ASUS guys tune up a new Gain Level for Xonar Xense. Although I don't have any chance to test it, this new setting could be more convinced for this bundle.

 

[ROBSCIX]

There is a special gain setting for the bundled headphones, yes.

 

[isaac1417]

I heard form a reliable media saying that this Xonar bundle will be released just after Computex, is it the truth? 

 

[ROBSCIX]

I guess we will have to wait and see.  Usually newer products show up at the shows...