New sound card. X-FI Titanium HD or Xonar Essence STX?

[vhx]

I am looking to pick up a new sound card to replace my Audigy 2ZS. I've had a few problems with it before and am looking to replace it now that I am getting some better headphones.

I have searched quite a bit and have seen two sound cards that people give high praise about: X-FI Titanium HD and Xonar Essence STX.

I was ready to get the Xonar since it got great reviews until I discovered talk about the Titanium HD. Apparently it also has a built in amp (like the essence) and is cheaper. Now I was trying to steer clear of Creative since their driver support was abysmal to non-existent for Vista. However from reviews it seems they have picked up their slack since then? I plan on using it for movies, music, and of course gaming. If anyone could give me input and/or experiences about these cards I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[stahlhart]

Absolutely zero problems with the drivers here. The card has been working flawlessly since it was installed, no issues whatsoever.

 

[theevilsharpie]

I recently purchased a Xonar Essence STX, and couldn't be happier. I thought the drivers might be an issue because of issues I've read about other Xonar cards and the amatuerish-looking interface, but I've been pleasantly surprised by its quality and stability. It's certainly been a better experience than I've had with past Creative products.

The one thing that I kind-of miss is a hardware MIDI synthesizer, since I still play a few older games with MIDI soundtracks, but that's a minor quibble.

 

[videogames101]

Do you have high end headphones? Then get the Essence. Otherwise, It really doesn't matter, go for the cheaper one.

 

[AdamK47]

If you primarily use headphones then get the Xonar Essence STX. Dolby Headphone with 8 channel positioning combined with clean/clear headphone amplification is amazing.

 

[Cerb]

Do you just use stereo? Then, assuming you have headphones worthy, get yourself an amp. No integration: a stand-alone amplifier, that takes a single-ended stereo input. Then, weigh affordable DAC options (you never know, you could even have good enough on your mobo).

If you want to get EAX in games, then consider the Creative. If you want surround, as well, either it or the Xonar.

 

[ripster55]

The HT Omega Claro Halo XT provides a very nice 7.1 solution.

Details here.

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?...d-Build-Advice&p=357539&viewfull=1#post357539

 

[stahlhart]

The HT Omega Claro Halo XT provides a very nice 7.1 solution.

Details here.

Side question -- do you have more detail (or a link) about the "oil based black paint over MDF and then a few coats of truckbed liner" job you did on the speaker cabinet?

What is MDF? Which oil-based paint and truckbed liner did you use?

From the photos you posted, that came out really great, and I think I've got a use for it for a project here at home --thanks much...

 

[Karstein]

I have the STX and can't say anything bad about it. I use Sennheiser PC350s and it's great for music, movies and gaming.

 

[vhx]

Thanks for everyone's opinions, picked up the Xonar Essence STX and love it so far. No problems yet.