ASUS XONAR Essence STX PCIe Audio Card
Rightmark Audio Analyzer 6.2.2
 |
|
Rightmark Audio Analyzer 6.2.2 works by generating and outputting tones that are measured by the input section of a sound card. The data is analyzed by the software and results are generated.
First, we have the results from the onboard Realtek HD Audio
| Here we notice first off that the frequency response deteriorates past 48 kHz . The noise level in dB pretty much stays level throughout the test. Total Harmonic Distortion is at consumer levels and also remains pretty consistent. |
Here are our results from the M-Audio Delta 1010LT
| The Delta 1010LT comes in at a max of 98.4dBa at 96kHz and it would not run the test at 192kHz. Total Harmonic Distortion levels are pretty clean on this board and are much cleaner than the on board sound solution. |
Now we have the ASUS Xonar results from line out to line in
| Frequency response is consistent all the way up to 192 kHz. The Noise Level at 116.6 is nothing short of spectacular considering the input section tops out at 118dBa. Total Harmonic Distortion is well below the limit (lower is better) you would consider as audiophile reference standards and the lowest of our group. |
Now we see the results of the headphone out to line in test
| All of the results are pretty close to the previous test with the main difference being the Noise Level maxing out at 112.3@192kHz. This is due to the lower spec components used in the headphone out section and is by design. |
Synopsis: The Asus Xonar Essence STX delivers exactly as promised in these benchmarks. With a measured dB of 116.7@192khz that is just under the max capable level of the input section (118dB). Also, taking into effect that the loopback cables used can slightly decrease performance due to interference that gets through the shielding, these results are very impressive to say the least.
