INTERACT FORUM

Devices => Sound Cards, DAC's, Receivers, Speakers, and Headphones => Topic started by: jimwallen on April 18, 2015, 07:18:06 pm

Title: ASUS Essence STX II swappable op amps
Post by: jimwallen on April 18, 2015, 07:18:06 pm

Does anyone know what the sound characteristics of Texas Instr LME49720, Muses 8820 and 8920 are? These are swappable extra op amps supplied with the new Essence card, which  is outstanding btw. I'd rather not just swap and try as it's a little tedious to keep removing and reinserting the sound card.
Thanks for any input.
-jim

Title: Re: ASUS Essence STX II swappable op amps
Post by: jimwallen on May 19, 2015, 10:05:04 am

Surely, someone out there knows about this!  -jim

Title: Re: ASUS Essence STX II swappable op amps
Post by: mojave on May 19, 2015, 10:25:04 am

Head-Fi.org is one of the the best places to read about op amp changes.

Here is the thread on the Essence STX II.
ASUS Xonar Essence STX II (http://www.head-fi.org/t/708756/asus-xonar-essence-stx-ii)

Title: Re: ASUS Essence STX II swappable op amps
Post by: jimwallen on June 19, 2015, 01:27:55 pm

Remarkably, I got through to ASUS' tech support, AND, they were very helpful! Only disconnected me once. Someone's post here (or hi-fi.org) mentioned Muses01 and Muses02. ASUS recommendation was the MUSES01 as it has the most "natural" tonal characteristics, while the Muses02 is very good, also, the 01 seems to perform better. Passing on the info.

Title: Re: ASUS Essence STX II swappable op amps
Post by: jimwallen on July 11, 2015, 11:32:19 pm

I've installed the Burson Supreme op amps on the STX II card and the sound is better than anything I've ever heard. I highly recommend them. They're pricey little guys but worth it.
 http://www.bursonaudio.com/products/discrete-opamp/
FYI

Title: Re: ASUS Essence STX II swappable op amps
Post by: prerich on July 16, 2015, 10:40:15 am

Quote from: jimwallen on July 11, 2015, 11:32:19 pm

I've installed the Burson Supreme op amps on the STX II card and the sound is better than anything I've ever heard. I highly recommend them. They're pricey little guys but worth it.
 http://www.bursonaudio.com/products/discrete-opamp/
FYI

The Burson Audio opamps are worth it, I've installed them on an Essence ST, they truly make a difference.