The ST version was always meant for the PCI users however the new design changes are a welcome addition for many users. The addition of the Pin header will allow the Essence ST card to reach a much larger audience and allows the card to perform a wider variety of audio tasks. 

We should note that this design is still on the drawing board and what will or will not be bundled with the final version of the card has not been solidified yet.

The engineering sample was bundled with a H6 DAC board but who knows; maybe ASUS will produce another expansion board for this card with different DAC's or a totally different output card. With the addition of the pin header there are some great design options open the cards designers. We will be further testing this card and offering new information and testing results as they become available.

Now then, I have to get back to listening to the Essence ST :)

-Robscix-

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