Creative was for long the undisputed lords of the sound card market, but the lordship has been invaded and its latest X-Fi audio processor will soon enter its fourth year on the market. When Creative became passive, others saw the chance to shake things around. ASUS launched the Xonar series of sound cards and in a flash it had a whole bunch of cards out on the market that showed fresh thinking combined with good performance. One of ASUS’ latest sound cards is called Xonar Essence STX and is geared toward the real PC audiophiles.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX use the PCI Express interface and through high-quality components for both digital and analog playback ASUS has a product for the most fastidious of audiophiles. Over the last few weeks a number of reviews of Xonar Essence STX has surfaced and they all speak the same language, it’s sure purchase. Those who are looking for a competent sound card for music listening with lots of features it might be worth paying the close to $180 the card costs.
“The PC has long been maligned as a sub-par audio source, unable to deliver the resolution, clarity, and richness of analog media like LPs or digital media like CDs, SACDs, or DVD-Audio. With hardware like the ASUS Xonar Essence STX coming onto the market, keep an eye out – that’s all about to change.” – Techgage
ASUS Xonar Essence STX reviews;
- Overclock3D.net (Best in class, Innovation award)
- Elite Bastards (Elite Innovation)
- The Firingsquad (91%)
- Digital Trends (9/10, Editors choice)
- Techgage (9/10, Editors Choice)
