Asus Xonar DX worth it?

mjw21a · Aug 18, 2009

Hey guys, just built a new system recently and I'm currently running the integrated HD audio. I've found the sound of the integrated audio is a big step up over the old Creative Audigy I had in my old rig but still nothing blows me away like the old integrated nVidia SoundStorm did years ago in the Asus A7N8X Deluxe.

I run my current system though a low end Sherwood amp and Steinman Audio Labs THR2 speakers, will there be a noticeable difference if I upgrade to the Asus Xonar DX?

I primarily use my system for music and wear headphones for games.

Theocnoob · Aug 18, 2009

Id go D2X rather than DX and yes there is a big difference. I imagine you're porting digitally to your amp? No preamp from the computer?

How exactly are you exporting the signal to the amp right now?

mjw21a · Aug 19, 2009

Good ol RCA inputs, no digitals. I figure its a waste of time unless I go surround sound.

EDIT: Actually, its just occurred to me that I've got a Behringer FCA202 on the way for recording purposes. Maybe I should use this as my primary soundcard for playback as well??

Theocnoob · Aug 19, 2009

mjw21a said:
Good ol RCA inputs, no digitals. I figure its a waste of time unless I go surround sound.

EDIT: Actually, its just occurred to me that I've got a Behringer FCA202 on the way for recording purposes. Maybe I should use this as my primary soundcard for playback as well??

Im not familiar with that hardware but I'm pretty sure SPDIF is way better than RCA for sound

mjw21a · Aug 19, 2009

Built primarily for recording: http://www.tcmagazine.com/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=194

ratbuddy · Aug 19, 2009

Theocnoob said:
Im not familiar with that hardware but I'm pretty sure SPDIF is way better than RCA for sound

Depends on the DACs. If the onboard one is better, then the stereo/RCA outputs are going to sound better. If the outboard one is, then whatever form of digital output will be best.

Theocnoob · Aug 19, 2009

ratbuddy said:
Depends on the DACs. If the onboard one is better, then the stereo/RCA outputs are going to sound better. If the outboard one is, then whatever form of digital output will be best.

Guaranteed someone who is outputting to a real standalone AMP will have WAY better DAC's and everything else than on his soundcard. :bday:

Neuromancer · Aug 19, 2009

If using SPDIF/COAX stick with onboard and just use pass through and let your receiver handle the DAC

MadMan007 · Aug 19, 2009

Theocnoob said:
Guaranteed someone who is outputting to a real standalone AMP will have WAY better DAC's and everything else than on his soundcard.

I wouldn't say that's a guarantee given the mediocrity of lots of inexpensive HTIB-type receivers that are around. (Now you said standalone AMP which technically wouldn't have DACs anyway so I figure you're talking about some sort of home theater amp or receiver.)

ratbuddy · Aug 19, 2009

Theocnoob said:
Guaranteed someone who is outputting to a real standalone AMP will have WAY better DAC's and everything else than on his soundcard.

My NAD integrated certainly has no DAC built in. I think you might be talking about a receiver or similar component, and the DACs in those are hit and miss..

mjw21a · Aug 19, 2009

Yup, low end Sherwood home theatre reciever, AMP + stereo speakers = ALWAYS better than running computer speakers.

Freezer7Pro · Aug 20, 2009

Theocnoob said:
Guaranteed someone who is outputting to a real standalone AMP will have WAY better DAC's and everything else than on his soundcard.

Actually, the DAC sections of mid/mid-high-end amplifeirs are often cut back on in favour of a better analogue section. A Xonar DX will usually perform far better than most DACs integrated in receivers, much due to the lack of jitter that comes with S/PDIF.

mjw21a · Aug 20, 2009

Freezer7Pro said:
Actually, the DAC sections of mid/mid-high-end amplifeirs are often cut back on in favour of a better analogue section. A Xonar DX will usually perform far better than most DACs integrated in receivers, much due to the lack of jitter that comes with S/PDIF.

Its decided then. The Xonar DX is the way to go for playback with my FCA202 for recording purposes.

I only ever use digital when it comes to full surround, fewer cables to worry about. I don't need surround for the computer, headphones are better for gaming.

MongGrel · Aug 22, 2009

Little late I guess but I've been using one of these quite awhile now and I love it at any rate.

http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_prelude.php

http://www.guru3d.com/article/auzentech-xfi-prelude-71-review/

And this looks like might be interesting in the future, but not sure I'll go there, but is supposed to do Blu-Ray without downsampling etc. And I might even, have to see. Looks a good HTPC card to me if it does as well as the Prelude has for me.

http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-fi_hometheater_hd.php

http://www.hometheatermag.com/advicefromtheexperts/508audio/

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/s...igh-Def_FAQ:_Is_HDMI_1.3_Really_Necessary/853

:beer:

Asus Xonar DX worth it?

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