Comparisons
My first comparisons were with a slightly more expensive product, the $300 Logitech Squeezebox, which accepts audio data over a WiFi or Ethernet link, but is limited to 16 bits resolution and a sample rate of 44.1 or 48kHz. Source was the Squeezebox Server program (originally called Squeezecenter) playing files from the iTunes library on my Mac mini, and levels were matched to within 0.1dB at 1kHz.
Ah, that's what I was missing…
Specifications: Soundcards compatible with PCI (ST) and PCI Express (STX) personal computers. Windows operating systems supported: XP, Vista, 7. Sample rates supported: 44.1, 48, 96, 192kHz. Bit depths supported: 16, 24. Dolby Digital and DTS decoding supported. Analog outputs: line on RCA, headphones on ¼" jack. Analog inputs: line/microphone on ¼" jack. Digital output: electrical and optical S/PDIF on RCA jack with coaxial TosLink driver. Maximum output level: 2V, line output. Headphone output level & impedance: optimized for headphones with impedances of…
Digital Sources: Shuttle PC (AMD Athlon 3.1GHz dual-core processor, 2GB RAM) running Vista Home Premium with SP2; A-One PC (Pentium 1.4GHz processor, 2GB RAM, running Windows XP with SP3); with Foobar 2000, Adobe Audition 3.0, and ASIO4 used for playback (see text); Ayre QB-9 USB D/A processor, Logitech Squeezebox 3 WiFi D/A processor, both used with Apple Mac mini (G4 processor, 1GB RAM) running OS10.4.11 for media storage & playback with iTunes 9.0; dCS Puccini SACD/CD player.
Preamplifier: Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8.
Power Amplifier: Simaudio…
I examined the measured behavior of the ASUS Xonar Essence ST and Essence STX using the Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see www.ap.com and "As We See It" in the January 2008 issue), as well as, for some tests, my Audio Precision System One Dual Domain. I performed a complete set of tests on the STX card, which was installed in an AMD Athlon-powered PC running Vista Home Premium, and repeated some of the tests on the ST card, which was installed in an older Pentium-powered PC running XP. Test-tone WAV files were played back using Adobe Audition 3.0 and Foobar 2000,…
When I reviewed this $200 soundcard for Windows PCs in the January 2010 issue, I concluded that the Xonar Essence STX was by far the least expensive way of turning a PC into a genuine high-resolution audio source that I had encountered. Neither the Essence's resolution nor its low level of noise was compromised by having to operate in the electrically unfriendly environment of a computer chassis. However, I ran into a problem playing files with sample rates of 96 or 192kHz. The card was…
I feel now that may have been a mistake. I finally got an opportunity to hear some LaserVision discs of classical music reproduced through a good audio system—in my own home. And while I could easily find things to complain about with the microphoning and mixing (all…
Well, that's not giving the younger generation enough credit. There is a growing number of young audiophiles, many of them hooked on vinyl. In fact, one of them commissioned this review. When Stereophile's own Stephen Mejias found out that Marantz was producing an attractive integrated amplifier with…
But, you say,…
Description: Solid-state integrated amplifier with remote control, phono stage, and headphone output. Maximum output power, 20Hz–20kHz: 40Wpc into 8 ohms (16dBW), 55Wpc into 4 ohms (14.4dBW). Frequency response: 10Hz–50kHz, +0dB/–1dB. THD: 0.01%, 20Hz–20kHz, 8 ohms. Input sensitivity: 200mV (line), 2.2mV (MM phono). Input impedance: 20k ohms (line), 47k ohms (MM phono). Signal/noise ratio (IHF-A, ref. 1W into 8 ohms): 83dB (MM phono, 5mV input), 87dB (line, 500mV input).
Dimensions: 17.2" (440mm) W by 4.1" (105mm) H by 14.4" (369mm) D. Weight: 14.7 lbs (6.7kg…