Xonar Essence ST features

The New ST's main feature is the new pin header which allows the card to connect to the H6 DAC expansion card which can currently be seen bundled with the HDAV 1.3 Deluxe.

With the addition of this pin header the new ST has more diverse repertoire of features and output audio options available to users. Between the STX and the upcoming ST, the Xonar sound machine will become much more diverse for headphones users and high end speakers users alike. Let's have a look and see what we have under the shielding.

There are some basic differences between the two cards but it seems what makes the STX a serious audio card is also present on the Essence ST.

Let's have a closer look at this new card to see what it has to offer.

We have the high quality Burr Brown DAC on the base card and the exact opamp configuration which has been happily received by the serious and novice modders in the community. We can see high quality Nichon and Os-con audio capacitors used throughout the design.

The H6 DAC card has a different DAC measured for about a 120 SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio). The entire card has the three opamp configuration per stereo pair. Stock, this card offers two JRC 2114D opamps used for a differential input Current to Voltage (I/V) converter section followed by a LM4562 used as a single ended buffer amplifier.

This opamp configuration not only allows you to install higher quality units but also allows you to tune certain channels more to their duty. For instance there is a separate I/V opamp for the center and subwoofer outputs. You could use a 2107 for increased clarity on the center channel and install an OPA2227 for better bass response for the subwoofer channel. You could use your personal favorites for these positions as those are just suggestions but you can see the possibilities for fine tuning this card.