| ASUS Xonar Xense PCI-E Sound Card Kit |  |
| Written by Vito Cassisi - Edited by Olin Coles | |
| Monday, 20 December 2010 | |
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RightMark Audio Analyser ResultsAfter judging the Xonar Xense via listening tests, we put the gaming audio card through some analytical tests using RightMark Audio Analyser. Our results are as follows. RightMark Audio AnalyserSummary of Results (RCA out)
Note: The Realtek solution wasn't tested at 192KHz due to its lack of support for sample rates above 48KHz. Frequency Response (RCA out, 24bit 192KHz)
Amazingly the Xonar Xense performs slightly better than the Essence STX, ASUS's flagship audiophile card, within the human hearing range of 20 - 22,000Hz. There's a slight amount of emphasis above 10kHz, but this is insignificant. Frequency Response (RCA out, 24bit 48KHz)
As you'd expect, the on-board solution is unable to match the frequency response of either of the dedicated ASUS cards. Frequencies above 5kHz attenuate at what looks like an exponential rate. Noise Level (RCA out, 24bit 192KHz)
The Xonar Xense's RCA output is rated at -118dB, and line-in at -110dB. Since we're using a loopback cable (that is, we're connecting the RCA out straight into line-in), the noise level is affected by the capabilities of the latter. We're also subject to noise introduced by the loopback cable itself, and any noise produced by the PCI-e and molex power connection. Although not quite as good as the Essence STX, the noise levels of this card are very good. Noise Level (RCA out, 24bit 48KHz)
Realtek's solution isn't even in the same league as the dedicated ASUS cards. There's about 30dB between them. Dynamic Range (RCA out, 24bit 192KHz)
Considering the ultra-low noise levels, it's not surprising that the dynamic range of this card is also spectacular. Dynamic Range (RCA out, 24bit 48KHz)
Again, there's a 30dB difference between the Xense and the Realtek solution. The Xense has a slightly higher noise floor than the Essence STX, but it's still highly commendable. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) (RCA out, 24bit 192KHz)
The THD here is well below 1%, although it is edged out by the Essence STX by a small margin. A great result nonetheless. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) (RCA out, 24bit 48KHz)
Consistent with previous results, the Realtek lags behind with a distortion level 92.5x that of the Xense. The Xense has 1.33x the distortion of the Essence STX, which is respectable. Intermodulation distortion (RCA out, 24bit 192KHz)
Again, the distortion level is extremely low. Another awe inspiring result. Intermodulation distortion (RCA out, 24bit 48KHz)
The batted on-board solution is outdone again with 65x the distortion of the Essence STX, and 30.5x the Xense. Stereo crosstalk (RCA out, 24bit 48KHz)
Low levels of leakage between left and right channels is a good thing, as shown in the above graph. The onboard solution didn't fair as well, with significantly higher leakage across all frequencies. Headphone Out TestsThe above tests were repeated using the headphone (TRS) out instead. Here's a summary of the results:
Overall, the Xonar Xense does a splendid job.
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