ASUS Xonar Essence STX II
Best internal sound card for audiophiles seeking customizable, high-fidelity PC audio.
This internal card transforms your PC into a high-fidelity listening station for demanding audiophiles. While the installation requires opening your rig and tinkering with swappable op-amps, the reward is a level of sonic clarity and customization that standard motherboard audio simply cannot touch.
$973.65
at
IT Hardware Hub Inc.
More Xonar Essence STX options
Who it's for
- Critical listeners demanding pristine, noise-free stereo reproduction
- Audiophiles wanting to customize sound signatures and power high-impedance headphones
- PC builders prioritizing stable, interference-free audio performance
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking better value in external DAC alternatives
- Users requiring seamless compatibility with the latest operating systems
- People needing portable audio solutions or limited by PCIe slots
Performance breakdown
Signal Clarity
Industry-leading SNR ensures an exceptionally clean and noise-free audio floor.
Headphone Drive Power
Easily powers demanding 600-ohm studio headphones with authoritative control.
Sound Customization
Swappable op-amps offer a rare level of personalized sonic tuning.
Audio Precision
Ultra-low jitter and premium clocking deliver incredibly accurate sound imaging.
Surround Versatility
Robust Dolby support creates an immersive experience for movies and gaming.
Component Quality
High-end DAC and stable power delivery define this audiophile-grade internal card.
Key Specs
Audio Interface
PCI Express
Audio Performance
Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Front-out): 124 dB
Audio Performance
Output Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Headphone-out): 120 dB
Audio Performance
Input Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 118 dB
Audio Performance
Output THD+N at 1kHz (Front-out): >0.0003 %
Audio Performance
Output THD+N at 1kHz (Headphone-out): >0.001 %
Audio Performance
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 90 KHz
Audio Processor
ASUS AV100 High-Definition Sound Processor
Digital-to-analog Converter (DAC)
TI Bur-Brown PCM1792A
Sample Rate and Resolution
Up to 192KHz/24bit
What Reviewers Say
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