Soundcards are slowly going extinct as onboard audio improves to the point where just about any feature the casual audio user could want becomes available.  This has refocused the soundcard makers toward the audiophile card as they are the only ones with standards high enough to desire a discreet soundcard.  This means that many of the soundcards on the market are around the $200 mark and sport features most gamers aren’t even aware of.  The ASUS Xonar Essence STX sits a little below the Xonar HDAV 1.3 that Josh reviewed recently, but sports a lot of the same features, like swappable OPAMPS.  It also has voice changing abilities if you want to have a little fun the next time you play an online game.  Find out more about this card from Tweaknews.

“Asus’ Xonar Essence STX may be pricey, but for audiophiles or those with the money to spend on an excellent sound card, this is the one to get. It looks good and performs even better. It’s made with high quality components throughout, right down to the capacitors and EMI shield and this attention to detail becomes evident right from the first listen.”

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Audio Corner