





Redefine your PC audio with the Asus Essence STX II Hi-Fi Sound Card.
The Essence STX II is a PCIe x1 solution engineered for audiophiles and audio purists who demand top-notch sound from their desktops. Built on the acclaimed Essence STX, it takes the legendary audio quality to a new level with an industry-leading 124 dB SNR, an ultra-low jitter clock source, a consistent power supply, and celebrated MUSES op-amps. The built-in premium headphone amplifier supports up to 600ohm-headphone impedance with additional gain for in-ear monitors (IEMs). For customizable listening, this card is armed with swappable sockets and three additional op-amps for quick, easy sound adjustment. The Essence STX II also supports Dolby Home Theater technologies for an elevated, evolved PC audio experience.
Industry-leading 124dB SNREssence STX II delivers industry-leading 124dB SNR audio clarity, a much-envied quality inherited from the revolutionary and widely-acclaimed Essence STX sound card — and up to 64 times better than typical onboard audio hardware. The headphone output reaches a fantastic 120dB SNR.
Premium-Quality Clock Source and Power SupplyA high-precision clock is crucial to audiophiles. Integrated circuits are susceptible to heat and temperature changes, which is why Essence STX II includes a premium temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) clock source. It is an ultra-accurate timing technology that ensures ultra-low jitter. Essence STX II uses a dedicated four-pin Molex power connection rather than drawing power from the expansion slot like other cards, and that means a cleaner supply of electricity. An optimized power delivery is further ensured with high-fidelity low-dropout (LDO) regulators — unprecedented in the audio-card industry. In addition, audiophile-appreciated WIMA capacitors deliver balanced sound.
Celebrated MUSES op-ampsThe profound musicality that Essence listeners expect is encapsulated by celebrated MUSES 8920 and MUSES 8820 op-amps, which deliver true-to-life tonality and spacious sound imaging.
Impeccable headphone amplificationThe built-in headphone amplifier supports up to 600ohm impedance — so audiophiles can plug in the finest high-impedance headphones to enjoy the pure quality delivered by Essence STX II. Asus engineers have furnished Essence STX II with an additional gain control designed especially for high-sensitivity IEM headphones, allowing musicians and audio purists to use earpieces that channel audio output straight to the ear canal — isolating ambient noise for listening that requires undisturbed concentration.
Easily adjust the sound for your earsEssence STX II benefits from swappable op-amp sockets that allow users to create different timbres and tonal combinations. This card even comes with a swap kit that includes three additional op-amps — two Texas Instruments LME49720s and one MUSES 8820 — and a clamp tool that makes it easy to remove the op-amp microchips.
Advanced surround sound with instant encodingEssence STX II benefits from Dolby Home Theater technologies that turn your PC into a true home-theater system — boosting all your entertainment audio. Dolby Digital Live reproduces Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound, immersing players in exciting and realistic entertainment experiences with high-quality surround that puts you at the center of the action. Dolby Virtual Speaker reshapes two-channel and 5.1-channel stereo content into virtual surround sound even with just two speakers, reproducing the dynamic, enveloping environment of a 5.1-speaker home theater system. Dolby Pro Logic II transforms high-quality stereo sound into rich and realistic 5.1-channel surround that completely changes your audio perception. Dolby Headphone simulates spectacular surround for personal audio by using powerful digital signal processing. It delivers up to 7.1-channel surround over any headphones for more vibrant and spacious listening.Warranty Notice:
This product does not include manufacturer warranty when purchased or used outside of its designated sales region. By purchasing internationally, you acknowledge that warranty support from the manufacturer will not be available.