Essence STX II Help

[Batmaz_The_Unsinkable]

Hello LMG Forum Users,

 

I ask for help today with my audio card, an Essence STX II. When I hook them up to my monitors i get a horrible hissing sound. I looked around some forums on how to solve this issue and bought and tested a ground loop insulator. The hissing is gone now but there is still a thin high pitched sound and a low hum. I have changed molex cables, i have changed the PCIE slots it was in, i have changed the RCA and TRS cables that i was using, and I no longer know what to do. I called Asus and they said to send the card back. I thought I could ask you guys for some opinions on what to do. I do not want to modify the card as I am unable to do as such. I am new to audio and figured I would get one of the better sound cards out there but it has only been giving me problems. If i end up sending it back, i am considering replacing it with a Schiit Loki + Vali. I want to keep it around 250 dollars. I have 2 KRK RP 5's and might get a nice pair of headphones later. Any suggestions on the course of actions I should take?

 

My system is a Rampage 5 extreme mobo with a 980ti G1 Gaming and an AX1200i. That is all that should matter for audio as far as I know.

[ShearMe]

Send the card back and get external hardware. Keep the ground loop isolator just in case.

[Batmaz_The_Unsinkable]

What would you recommend? Like I said, I was looking into the Schiit Loki and Vali. Is that a good combo? I don't know if the DAC has a USB connection though. I think a USB connection for audio for the DAC would be better.

 

Send the card back and get external hardware. Keep the ground loop isolator just in case.

[Vul]

The Schiit Loki and Vali wouldn't be bad combo to get, but I would recommend getting a Schiit Magi 2 uber and Schiit Modi 2.  This is because the both the Loki and Vali are niche products. The Vali is for people who want to buy a tube amp without spending a lot of money and the Magi 2/Magi 2 uber has better specs. The Loki is for people who want a dac with support for the audio format DSD. So unless you want an inexpensive tube amp and DSD dac then the Magi 2 uber and Modi 2 is probably a better choice. You can connect your krk monitors to the pre amp outputs on the Magi 2 uber (the non uber model doesn't have these outputs). The Magi 2 uber and Modi 2 combo with rca cables to connect the stack will cost $270 before taxes and shipping.

[ShearMe]

What would you recommend? Like I said, I was looking into the Schiit Loki and Vali. Is that a good combo? I don't know if the DAC has a USB connection though. I think a USB connection for audio for the DAC would be better.

 

I'm not in favor of expensive options; having owned a few I can't believe the differences people claim exist. I would specifically caution against the Vali, as there are many reports of unfavorable operation.

 

Cheaper options I often recommend are the SMSL SD793-II and Monoprice Desktop Headphone Amplifier. If you want a spiffy glowing tube on your desk, @creatip123 likes his Aune T1.

[Batmaz_The_Unsinkable]

I've heard good things about the Aune T1. Is it a DAC and Amp?

I was also recommended the Audio GD NFB 11 form people on Head Fi. 

I guess a combo unit would be a better option because I have a small desk and would rather keep as few cables and items on it to begin with. 

 

Also, what about this? What is this used for? 

http://www.amazon.com/GemTune-Class--Tube-Amplifier-EL34-B/dp/B00DRUY6EG/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1435441092&sr=1-3&keywords=tube+amp&pebp=1435441093533&perid=09ZEHAZJ964NPJ2HCW8P

[Sors]

I've heard good things about the Aune T1. Is it a DAC and Amp?

I was also recommended the Audio GD NFB 11 form people on Head Fi. 

I guess a combo unit would be a better option because I have a small desk and would rather keep as few cables and items on it to begin with. 

 

Also, what about this? What is this used for? 

http://www.amazon.com/GemTune-Class--Tube-Amplifier-EL34-B/dp/B00DRUY6EG/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1435441092&sr=1-3&keywords=tube+amp&pebp=1435441093533&perid=09ZEHAZJ964NPJ2HCW8P

 

That one is used to drive speakers.  It is not for headphones, and is only an Amp.