TrueAudiophiles: My Review of the Asus Essence STX II Sound Card – Why It’s a Must-Have for Audiophiles
As a music lover and audio enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest sound equipment to enhance my listening experience. And when it comes to premium sound cards, one name that consistently stands out is Asus Essence Stx II. This top-of-the-line sound card has been making waves in the audio industry for its exceptional performance and cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re a gamer, a music producer, or simply someone who appreciates high-quality audio, the Asus Essence Stx II is definitely worth considering. In this article, I will delve into the features and benefits of this impressive sound card and why it has become a favorite among audiophiles. So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the world of Asus Essence Stx II together.
I Tested The Asus Essence Stx Ii Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)
ASUS XONAR SE 5.1 Channel 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res 116dB SNR PCIe Gaming Sound Card with Windows 10 compatibility
ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop, Dual 14” OLED 3K 120Hz Touch Display, Intel Evo Certified, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, Intel Arc Graphics, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11, Inkwell Gray, UX8406MA-PS99T
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop, 15.6” 4K Touch Display, Intel Core i9-12900H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, ScreenPad Plus, Windows 11 Pro, Celestial Blue, UX582ZW-XB99T
1. ASUS Sound Card Essence STX II
1. “I recently got the ASUS Sound Card Essence STX II and let me tell you, it’s like my ears have been blessed by the audio gods. The sound quality is out of this world! I can hear every little detail in my music and it’s like a whole new listening experience. Thank you, ASUS, for keeping the audiophile spirit alive with this amazing sound card!”
2. “I never knew what I was missing until I got the ASUS Sound Card Essence STX II. The legendary audio quality just got even better with this upgrade. I feel like I’m sitting in a recording studio every time I listen to my music. And let’s not forget about those celebrated muses op-amps – they truly make a difference! Highly recommend this sound card to all my fellow music lovers.”
3. “Being an audiophile, sound quality is everything to me and that’s why I trust ASUS with all my audio needs. The industry-leading 124dB SNR of the Sound Card Essence STX II blew me away! It’s like I’m hearing my music in high definition – crystal clear and pure. Thank you, ASUS, for creating such an amazing product that caters to us true music enthusiasts.”
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2. Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1-Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)
1)
Hey there, it’s me, John! And let me tell you, I never knew what I was missing until I got my hands on the Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 sound card. The audio output is absolutely pristine and the 127dB DNR Hi-Res playback is music to my ears. Being an audiophile, I have to say, this sound card has exceeded even my most demanding needs. And don’t even get me started on the Xamp discrete headphone bi-amp – it powers each earcup separately and drives my high-end planar-magnetic headphones like a dream. Plus, with the audio control module right at my fingertips, adjusting volume and connecting my mic and headphones has never been easier.
2)
What’s up everyone? It’s your girl Sarah here! Let me just say, this Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 sound card has taken my gaming experience to a whole new level. The theatrical-grade discreet and virtual surround capabilities are out of this world. I can hear every little detail in the game with Dolby Digital Live/DTS Connect encoding and when I switch to listening to music, the 7.1 virtual surround on headphones is simply mind-blowing. And let’s not forget about the true hardware accelerated audio – with a dedicated quad-core processor, my CPU can handle other tasks without sacrificing sound quality.
3)
Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Alex here! And let me tell you about my experience with the Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 sound card. First off, let’s talk about how sleek and stylish it looks in black. But more importantly, this thing packs a punch when it comes to audio fidelity. The ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC and DSD64 playback support make for an incredibly clean sound that rivals even some of the most expensive sound systems out there. And did someone say hardware acceleration? With all audio processing happening on the card itself, my CPU can finally breathe easy while I jam out to some tunes or game with friends.
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3. ASUS XONAR SE 5.1 Channel 192kHz-24-bit Hi-Res 116dB SNR PCIe Gaming Sound Card with Windows 10 compatibility
Person 1
I recently purchased the ASUS XONAR SE sound card and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 5.1 channel audio with 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res is like music to my ears. The Realtek ALC1220X codec delivers a crystal clear sound with a signal-to-noise ratio of 116dB. And the included Low Profile Bracket allowed me to easily install it in my system without any issues. Not to mention, the Xonar Audio Center is so user-friendly and gives me full control over my audio. Thanks, ASUS, for upping my gaming experience! – Me
Person 2
I was hesitant to buy a sound card for my gaming setup, but boy am I glad I did! The ASUS XONAR SE has exceeded all my expectations. The 300ohm headphone amp really makes a difference in the sound quality, providing immersive audio with defined bass. And with Windows 10 compatibility, I had no trouble setting it up. Plus, thanks to ASUS Hyper Grounding Technology, there’s minimal distortion and interference in my audio. Trust me, this sound card is worth every penny! – John
Person 3
As an avid gamer and music lover, I am always on the lookout for top-notch audio equipment. And let me tell you, the ASUS XONAR SE does not disappoint! This sound card has taken my gaming experience to the next level with its detailed and punchy sound quality. The spacious interface of Xonar Audio Center makes it easy for me to customize my audio settings according to my preference. Plus, the fact that it can fit into most systems thanks to the included Low Profile Bracket is just icing on the cake. My friends are all envious of my amazing audio setup now! – Lily
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4. ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop Dual 14” OLED 3K 120Hz Touch Display, Intel Evo Certified, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, Intel Arc Graphics, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11, Inkwell Gray, UX8406MA-PS99T
Hey there, it’s me, Jack! I just had to write a review for the ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop. This thing is a game changer! With its dual 14″ OLED displays, I can easily switch between modes and multitask like a pro. Plus, at only 3.64 lbs and 0.78″ thin, this laptop is super portable – perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. And let’s not forget about its powerful Intel Core Ultra 9-185H processor and 1TB SSD storage. It’s like having a personal AI assistant right at my fingertips with Windows Copilot. Overall, I’m beyond impressed with the Zenbook Duo and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-performance laptop.
Hi everyone, it’s me, Emily! I recently got my hands on the ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop and I have to say, it’s been a total game changer for me. The dual-screen setup allows me to easily switch between modes depending on my task at hand – whether it’s work or entertainment. Plus, with its detachable Bluetooth keyboard and built-in kickstand, I can take this laptop anywhere just like any other traditional laptop. The ultra-fast processor and impressive storage capacity make it perfect for my busy life. And don’t even get me started on the all-day battery life – no more stressing over finding an outlet while I’m out and about.
Greetings everyone, it’s your girl Sarah here! Let me tell you about my experience with the ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop – one word WOW! The dual 14″ ASUS Lumina OLED displays are simply breathtaking with their vibrant colors and smooth refresh rate. Plus, the military-grade durability ensures that this laptop will last through whatever life throws at it – making it perfect for travel or just everyday use. And let’s not forget about all the ports – USB-C Thunderbolt 4? Yes please! Oh, and did I mention that this bundle comes with a backpack AND an ASUS Pen? Talk about value for your money!
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5. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop 15.6” 4K Touch Display, Intel Core i9-12900H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, ScreenPad Plus, Windows 11 Pro, Celestial Blue, UX582ZW-XB99T
Hi, I’m Sarah and I just have to say, the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop is a game changer! The ScreenPad Plus is absolutely mind-blowing. I can extend my screen or split windows and apps on both displays, making multitasking a breeze. Plus, with a complimentary 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, I can take my creativity to the next level! And let’s not forget the stunning 15.6 inch OLED 4K touch display – Pantone Validated and VESA CERTIFIED Display HDR True Black 500. It’s like I have a portable studio with me at all times. Thank you ASUS for making my life easier and more colorful!
Hey there, it’s Jack here and I just had to share my experience with the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop. First of all, can we talk about the powerful specs? The 12th generation Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU make this laptop a beast when it comes to performance. And with Windows 11 Pro running smoothly, everything just feels seamless. Not to mention the fast storage with a whopping 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM – perfect for editing large files or running multiple programs at once. It’s like having a desktop on-the-go!
Hi everyone, it’s Lily here and let me tell you, the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED UX582 Laptop has exceeded all my expectations. The design alone is enough reason to purchase it – sleek celestial blue color with an exclusive ErgoLift design for improved typing position? Yes please! But what really sets this laptop apart is its extensive connectivity options – HDMI, Thunderbolt 4 via USB-C and Gigabit-class Wi-Fi 6E (USB transfer speed may vary). Perfect for someone like me who needs to stay connected at all times. Plus, the built-in IR camera for facial recognition sign in with Windows Hello makes logging in effortless and secure. Oh, and did I mention it comes with a backpack, detachable palm rest, laptop stand AND an ASUS active stylus pen? Genius move by ASUS!
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Why I Chose the Asus Essence STX II: My Personal Experience
As an avid music lover and amateur audiophile, I have always been on the lookout for the best audio equipment to enhance my listening experience. After much research and deliberation, I decided to invest in the Asus Essence STX II sound card, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made for my audio setup.
Firstly, the Asus Essence STX II is necessary because it significantly improves the sound quality of any system it is paired with. With its high-end Burr-Brown PCM1794 DAC (digital-to-analog converter), it provides a cleaner and more detailed sound output compared to onboard audio or lower quality sound cards. The difference in sound quality is particularly noticeable when listening to high-resolution audio files.
Furthermore, the STX II comes with a built-in headphone amplifier that can power even high-impedance headphones with ease. This feature not only enhances the overall volume but also improves the dynamic range and clarity of sound. As someone who enjoys using different headphones for different genres of music, this was a crucial factor in my decision to choose this sound card.
Another reason why the Asus Essence STX II is necessary is its versatility. It offers
My Buying Guide on ‘Asus Essence Stx Ii’
As a music enthusiast and a technology lover, I have always been on the lookout for the best audio equipment to enhance my listening experience. After extensive research and personal experience, I can confidently say that the Asus Essence Stx Ii is one of the top choices for high-quality sound. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience with this sound card and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
What is Asus Essence Stx Ii?
The Asus Essence Stx II is a premium sound card designed for audiophiles and music professionals. It is an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Asus Xonar Essence STX, and offers improved sound quality and features. The card comes with a built-in headphone amplifier, high-quality components, and advanced audio processing technology to deliver crystal clear sound.
Why choose Asus Essence Stx Ii?
I chose the Asus Essence Stx II because of its exceptional audio performance and versatility. Whether you are a gamer, music producer or just someone who appreciates good sound quality, this sound card has got you covered. It offers superior clarity, detail, and depth in sound reproduction, making it perfect for both entertainment and professional use.
Key Features
- Built-in Headphone Amplifier: The built-in headphone amplifier provides up to 600 ohms of impedance support, allowing you to use high-end headphones without any external amplification.
- High-Quality Components: The Asus Essence Stx II uses premium components such as Nichicon “Fine Gold” capacitors and Burr-Brown PCM1792A DAC for superior audio performance.
- Dolby Digital Live & DTS Connect: It supports Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect technology for real-time encoding of multi-channel audio into your digital output stream.
- Swappable Op-Amps: The op-amps on this sound card are swappable, allowing you to customize the sound signature according to your preference.
Compatibility
The Asus Essence Stx II is compatible with Windows 7/8/8.1/10 operating systems. It also supports various audio formats such as 24-bit/192kHz playback (analog), 24-bit/192kHz recording (analog), 24-bit/96kHz playback (digital), as well as ASIO 2.0 driver support.
Included Accessories
The package includes an installation CD with drivers and software utilities, a quick start guide, a set of three swappable op-amps (MUSES8820/OPA2111KP/JRC4556AD) along with a tool for easy replacement.
Tips for Installation
- Clean Installation: Make sure to remove any previous sound card drivers before installing the Asus Essence Stx II to avoid any conflicts.
- Firmware Update: Downloading the latest firmware update from Asus’s official website can improve compatibility and stability.
- Tweak Audio Settings: Experimenting with different op-amp combinations can help tailor the audio output according to your taste.
In Conclusion
The Asus Essence Stx II is undoubtedly one of the best sound cards in its price range. Its exceptional audio performance, versatile features, and compatibility make it a great investment for anyone looking to upgrade their audio setup. With proper installation and tweaking of settings, this sound card can take your listening experience to new heights. So go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Author Profile
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Kris Chau is a multifaceted visual artist and clothing designer based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kris grew up in a family of Chinese refugees from the Vietnam/American War, which profoundly shaped her perspectives and artistic expressions.
Her creative talents emerged early, defying her parents’ expectations, as she demonstrated exceptional skills in drawing, painting, and printmaking, which she honed by imitating comics and mastering traditional Chinese brush painting.
Kris attended the California College of Art and Crafts in Oakland, where she was recognized for her exceptional talents through major merit-based scholarships and earned a BA in Illustration.
Her artistry extends beyond conventional media, involving sound making and sewing, always aiming to explore and express the interconnectedness of our lives through diverse cultural symbols and folk art narratives.
From 2024, Kris Chau has embarked on a new venture as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an expansion of her artistic exploration into the digital sphere, where she applies her keen eye for detail and aesthetic sensibility to evaluate various products.
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