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ASUS Xonar Essence vs Creative Sound Blaster Z

Tags:
  • Components
  • Sound Cards
  • Sound Blaster
  • Asus
  • Creative
Last response: in Components
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July 26, 2014 8:29:06 AM

Which card is the best out of the 2? I have a nice pair of headphones that i want to take advantage of.

More about : asus xonar essence creative sound blaster

July 26, 2014 8:55:53 AM

I'm a fan of the Xonar. I'd go with it. Just to make sure, your headphones are corded and fully analog, right?
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July 26, 2014 8:58:28 AM

I'm not sure what that means.
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July 26, 2014 9:04:02 AM

Arishok N7 said:
I'm not sure what that means.


Analog headphones connect to a PC sound card analog output, usually a 2.5mm jack, and leave all the sound processing to the sound card. Digital headphones are usually USB and are their own sound card. Wireless headphones will have to sample the signal and transmit it in digital form, so even if they connect to an analog input, they will convert the audio signal into digital and back to analog.

The point of asking this is that, unless your headphones are fully analog, there is no point in changing the sound card.
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July 26, 2014 9:22:24 AM

Murissokah said:
Arishok N7 said:
I'm not sure what that means.


Analog headphones connect to a PC sound card analog output, usually a 2.5mm jack, and leave all the sound processing to the sound card. Digital headphones are usually USB and are their own sound card. Wireless headphones will have to sample the signal and transmit it in digital form, so even if they connect to an analog input, they will convert the audio signal into digital and back to analog.

The point of asking this is that, unless your headphones are fully analog, there is no point in changing the sound card.

I have a pair of Audio Technica m50's.
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July 27, 2014 5:34:46 PM

Arishok N7 said:
I have a pair of Audio Technica m50's.


Those are fully analog, they'll benefit from a good sound card. A Xonar Essence STX would be a killer match, although a lot more pricey. It has a dedicated amplifier for a headphone, great DACs and an astounding 124db SNR. The only downside is really the price tag.

EDIT: I'm not very familiar with the Creative SB Z, but it seems unfair to compare it to the Essence STX. The ZxR would be the competitor, but I don't know much about it.
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