Xonar Phoebus Sound Card Technical Details

[Raja@ASUS]

I've noticed that both the sound cards have the same amp. Essence seems to have a higher end processor than the Phoebus; but in terms of software, the Phoebus seems to have the better software. Aside from those comparisons i was wondering about the sound quality when compared. Which one you recommend? For me i like to listen to music and play games. My only concern is that the Essence seems to be the better card for sound quality over the Phoebus. Need your insight. Thanks.

The Phoebus is more gaming centric out of the two. Both sound good, I'd weigh up what you are going to be doing more. If it's playing games go for the Phoebus, if more music then go for the Essence STX.

[Choum]

hello,

Can we have more information about Gx3.0 and eax support.

Does that mean this card will support eax 3.0 (splinter cell), eax 4.0 (hitman 2) and Eax 5.0 for older games.

All previous xonar card only have support of eax 1, 2, and 5.

[Xtreme-Performance]

So if it's you'd want both... but I guess like you'd say which is more important gaming or music entertainment...?! Hmmm... that's a toughie... Would you recommend Pheabus a audiophilies or whatever that terminology is called... lol... I think I'm more of a 3Dphilies or eyecatching... myself... the better the graphics the more I'd be wanting one... lol

The Phoebus is more gaming centric out of the two. Both sound good, I'd weigh up what you are going to be doing more. If it's playing games go for the Phoebus, if more music then go for the Essence STX.

I don't care much for Bass... but if my priority is gaming but want acoustic in gaming like listening to Bose Sound system which would you reccomend since I picked gaming... yet the kind of music I prefer to listen too is acoustic...

Sorry if I'm a little confusing... I know I can't have a quality music and 3d music... lol

Actually I do want it... cos I don't know if I should get a sound card or not... I saw some sweet digital to analog... but nah don't wanna hook up a sound system theatre for that... but if Pheabus is better for headset (since technically it's gaming then I guess it's pheabus...)

[Izanagi]

Thanks for the responses. I've preordered the Phoebus already. I like both music and gaming, but more on the gaming side. If the Phoebus can give me good sound for gaming and its not bad for listening to music, I'd gladly take the Phoebus. The noise canceling mic feature is just too captivating not to have . And again thanks for the responses.

[Xtreme-Performance]

Well I read they have the ASUS USB for laptops... U3 I recall? I'm wondering if I could use that for a temp. or is it only available in laptops... Well it did say USB... lol so figured it worked in desktops too... It's too bad can't use it for items like MP3 that has usb? or rather does it work also for ipad and tablets?

Sorry for the off topic.. if it has some USB in sound card I'd assume this would be applied as well? lol

[Raja@ASUS]

Thanks for the responses. I've preordered the Phoebus already. I like both music and gaming, but more on the gaming side. If the Phoebus can give me good sound for gaming and its not bad for listening to music, I'd gladly take the Phoebus. The noise canceling mic feature is just too captivating not to have . And again thanks for the responses.

I think it will do just great for you. EAX 5.0 supported, and the TPA opamps drive most cans really well including music playback. Use Hi-Fi mode for two channel music playback; that eliminates any unnecessary processing.

[PALADiN]

hello,

Can we have more information about Gx3.0 and eax support.

Does that mean this card will support eax 3.0 (splinter cell), eax 4.0 (hitman 2) and Eax 5.0 for older games.

All previous xonar card only have support of eax 1, 2, and 5.

I always thought each new EAX revision was backwards compatible with the older ones.

[Choum]

There are no backwards compatibility of EAX for asus.
80-90% of Eax games use EAX 3 or EAX 4.0.
Eax5.0 is though openal with very few game like Bf2, bioshock, mass Effect 1, (EAX was replace by OpenAL's EFX after 5 version).


"The GX 3.0 game audio engine boosts your performance with better legacy EAX® compatibility and immersive surround sound enhancement."

So there 's nothing better when compared to the xonar.

[Raja@ASUS]

That depends if you base your entire purchasing decision upon EAX alone. Many good new titiles don't support EAX at all and sound great anyway. The spatial effects and soundstage depend upon several factors, including SNR, output impedance, slew rate etc. The Phoebus is a step up from previous Xonar gaming oriented cards.

[kkn]

do i get 5.1 - 7.1 out on optics on that card?? ( IF there IS fiber optic out at all )
or do one have to buy the software from intel like the ch5? ( i did read that you have to ( on the forum ) )