Asus Essence STX II

Built in headphone amp for my HiFiMan headphones and better output for my editing surround system upstairs.

Any recommendations for a good digital cable from the card to my NAD receiver?

Also the cable from the soundcard to my headphones (extension cable).

Just printed my biggest picture ever. Had an order for a few 60" x 90" prints. Found a local guy to do the printing (see picture) First one is the print coming off the printer, the second is the actual picture.

Roman Johnston wrote: Asus Essence STX II

Built in headphone amp for my HiFiMan headphones and better output for my editing surround system upstairs.

Any recommendations for a good digital cable from the card to my NAD receiver?

Also the cable from the soundcard to my headphones (extension cable).

Just printed my biggest picture ever. Had an order for a few 60" x 90" prints. Found a local guy to do the printing (see picture) First one is the print coming off the printer, the second is the actual picture.

GORGEOUS picture, again, Roman! You have the touch!

Rick

Great work, Roman! Is that from your recent shoot at the Japanese Garden in Portland? You certainly are an artiste extraordinaire! I'll have to check out your website for the latest. Thanks for sharing!

Cheers,

T Cobe

Regarding cables, I'd hit up your local dealer to demo a few options. I always start with Monoprice and compare options to their cables. You may want to check out AudioQuest cables and their Jitterbug.

Already has anti jitter tech built in. If you read the specs it is pretty impressive. And I have the Dragon Fly already as well. Want to keep that in my pocket as portable. Even has swappable op-amps.

Thanks!! I have been looking at the Autioquest cables. Just looking at what alternatives are out there.

One question I have never seen a definitive answer on is Digital Coax vs Optical...which is better?

Roman

Roman,

I'm no expert on this topic but my guess is that the answer will be dependent on your equipment. Each piece of equipment will vary. The answer to your question will likely vary based on their design. It may require a bit of trial and error to determine which signal sounds better with your particular combination of gear. Besides AudioQuest, there are numerous other brands of cables. I'm fond of Nordost but it really comes down to individual preferences.

Moderator Dude, any input on digital coax versus optical would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

T Cobe

I have to say. I am a computer technician....and this little sound card was TRICKY to get rolling.

It seems that the PCIe drivers....even if correct....might not be "what the card needs". I know this because I updated all the drivers on this PC 6 months ago. So when I first plugged it in, and updated the drivers for the card. I could see it working (the little bars moving on the EQ...etc) but NOTHING...coming out of the headphones or my sound system.

So I was like OK....WTH.

At work I often get paid for not always what I know...but how I can find answers. I dug....took 2 hours combing through forums. I finally got a clue and started upgrading all my motherboard drivers with the Microsoft reccomend, not the manufacturer recommended. That did the trick.

I have to say it was worth the problems. EVERY PENNY. Dayum. If you have a sound system that included a computer...you need this card. And the headphone jacks are ready for up to 600ohm headphones. (hard to drive units) Mind are pretty darned efficient but WOW. Sounds awesome.

Good enough to start me digging into my files to listen to the difference.

Now go to shopping for a better chair. My poor Office Depot chair is about to get 86'ed. Herman Miller...here I come.

Roman