Introduction

Website: Link - Street Price: ST- $220, H6 -$50

My fellow audio crazies, we have a special treat for you today, in our labs we have a Xonar Essence ST Deluxe 7.1 soundcard.  Yes, you read it right, the full deluxe model!  We will get to the review shortly but first a bit of background.  The Essence ST marks the second addition to the highly anticipated ASUS Xonar Essence soundcard lineup. 

The original STX was very well received by audio lovers offering impressive specifications, modifications options and sound quality.  The Essence ST was designed to be the PCI model of the STX but it would seem a few other design consideration were added to this model which we will discuss.

ASUS has been relentless with its R&D and soundcard releases, putting out one high end card after another.  The Essence models are considered the current undisputed kings of the Xonar series of soundcards.  We are quite excited to see what features the Essence ST offers and how this unit sounds.

So, let's pull out the Xonar Essence ST Deluxe 7.1 and have a look and a listen ...