Well, you're talking about 500 mW of power on USB, that is not true. In fact, a USBv2 connexion can output 500 mA (5V), which means it can give the xonar 2,5 W, not 0,5 W. (And 5W for a USB 3 port).

what happened to your old reviewer? it was much more detailed... http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/asus_xonar_essence_stx_soundcard_review,1.html and you don't even compare it to the ST/STX 🙁

When will this be avalible in the USA? I have been seeing the Xonar U7 sporadically for the past 6 months.