CURRENTLY SOLD OUT
About this product
Product Information
The Essence STX II PCI Express X1 Interface is a Hi-Fi sound card from ASUS. It is a PCIe x1 solution that was specifically engineered for audio purists demanding quality sound from their computers. The sound card produces 124dB SNR clarity, and the headphone output reaches a 120dB SNR. It features a consistent power supply as well as a low jitter clock source. It utilizes MUSES op-amps that work together to produce a true-to-life replication of spacing and tonality.Product Identifiers
BrandASUS
GTIN0801940483034, 5054484606628, 0886227682638
UPC0801940483034, 5054484606628, 0886227682638
eBay Product ID (ePID)710197078
Product Key Features
Audio Ports3.5 mm Output, S/PDIF Output, 3.5 mm Input, S/PDIF Input
Channels7.1
Form FactorPlug-In Card
ModelEssence STX II
Compatible PortPCI, PC Card, PCI Express, PCI Express x1
Dimensions
Item Height6.6"
Weight1.7 lbs
Width4.2"
Ratings and reviews
Most relevant reviews
- 27 Apr, 2016Most favourable review
Even a klutz like me can do this
This was my 2nd Essence sound card ... I use twin PC towers for onstage music synthesizers ... and I LOVE the improvement in sound quality as compared with the default motherboard sound ... online video instructions made installation easy. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- 16 Feb, 2022Most critical review
Shame...driver issues
I bought an STX II many years ago. Fabulous sound, easy install, a real ear pleaser. The card is getting a bit long in the tooth now and ASUS has not kept up with its update needs for the operating systems that most of us use now. Shame...Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- 20 Sep, 2017
Awesome Audio Card
This is by far the best sound card with software I have ever heard. I have it hooked up to my home audio system playing songs youtube and it sounds great. Had no trobles installing the drivers on windows 7 Pro, 8.1 Pro and windows 10 Pro. Definantely worth th money.Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
- 14 Mar, 2018
Excellent audio card.
Excellent audio card, I've read about these things for years since the original Essence a few years back. Great product if you prefer all your equipment to be housed in your tower, I don't have extra desk space for an external DAC. The audio quality is far superior to the built in DAC on my motherboard. I primarly use the system with a set of closed back studio headphones and the sound stage is wider than before. Little disappointed on how many clicks are involved in switching between the 1/4" jack and RCA output, it would be nice if Asus provided a quick switch from the task bar. They also need to manufacture these things with a SATA power plug, or at least come with an adapter.Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
- 21 Dec, 2021
Old card caught fire
Item arrived well packaged Installed unit worked great This is a replacement.The other on caught on fire. Luck would have it I was standing right there when it happened. Anyway it was a great sound board.I had to have another so I went for the upgraded model. I'm sure glad I did.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- 01 May, 2018
don't install near a video card
The sound card worked well enough, but there was a distinct, low pitch humming from the loudspeakers, especially noticeable when other sounds were muted. After a quick look see on the web, I discovered that others had a similar problem. The sound card apparently picks up signals from nearby video cards. I reinstalled mine as far away from the video card as poss, and the humming, while still registered by an audio editing program like Goldwave, is virtually inaudible to the human ear - especially mine which have lost much of their upper range sensitivity, but that's another story.Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
- 05 Sep, 2019
When the sound REALLY matters
The GOOD Sound quality is supreme Interfaces are simple Software controls are comprehensive THE BAD Installation can be tricky Software not included with the product Reliability is suspect (my original one failed at 3 months old) Limited or no manufacturer's product support or warranty It's EXPENSIVE (the sound quality is what convinced me, if you care, after you've listened for a while, you forget about the cost)Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
- 13 Jan, 2020
The best for metal.
Super card, for my headphones AKG K612 Pro and speakers Edifier R1280DB. Yes, yes, speakers are very budget, half a price of this card, but they play metal simply fantastic together! Recommend this card for speakers and headphones with strong heights, first of all. It is the best card for hard and heavy music, and bor bass lovers.Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
- 15 Jan, 2023
best soundcard I've ever heard for internal audio
bought this to replace same card I've had since it was originally released that I damaged during my recent upgrade rebuild. over the years I've tried a number of options from Asus, the big competitor in audio cards or onboard audio and, especially for headphones, have never been able to enjoy the sound quality as much as using the essence stx ii. I game and listen to music on this system with definitive technology speakers and subwoofer. I highly recommend this soundcard.Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- 29 Nov, 2017
The best sound card for the money
I bought this card so i can transfer vinyl records to digital hi-res and it does the job perfectly, i will recommend this card to anyone who wants a clean sound. A+++Verified purchase: YesCondition: New
