Asus Essence STX or X-Fi Titanium HD with Audioengine A2

[GalenK]

Dear all,

I am currently running a pair of Audioengine A2(s) with the onboard audio of my motherboard and i would like to either get Asus's Essence STX or Creative's X-Fi Titanium HD. So i am wondering if anyone here uses either one of these soundcards with the same speakers i have because i would like to hear some opinions.

My current desktop is mainly for gaming although i do rip all my tunes to lossless and i enjoy my music too.

Based on reviews on both cards which i have read, the X-fi leans towards gaming and the Essence STX provides "better sound" with songs and movies? Well, i am not too sure so hence i am here to ask opinions. Also, price difference between the two cards is of no issue and will not factor in my decision making. So, if anyone who cares to impart some honest opinions, i'd be most happy

Cheers guys

 

[ksham]

I have no experience with your speakers, but IMO, the Asus Essence STX is better than the X-Fi Titanium HD. The thing that I don't like about the X-Fi Titanium HD is that it doesn't work too well on my Linux or Mac builds. Now, you may be using only Windows, but like if I want to use AUX with my iPod, the sound is not very good. That's my only gripe but it's a big one. I had friends over sometimes and they love their macbooks and I was embarrassed to use the X-Fi Titanium HD sound card. I ditched it and I'm now running an Asus Essence STX.