Asus xonar STX question

[Spartan18]

Hello there,

I'm currently using the above sound card with the corsair sp2500 but would like to upgrade to a stereo amplifier with 2 good passive speakers.

Would I be able to do that with the stx? I'm a bit baffled because the manual states that the left/right rca out ports have a built in amplifier for headphones.

I'd appreciate your advice

[aidanjt]

The RCA outputs are unamplified, if they were amplified your SP2500 would be doubly amplifying the signal leading to significant sound distortion. So you can setup your new stereo amp to drive the passive speakers, and use the card's internal amp for driving your headphones via the 6.35mm jack at the back.

[Spartan18]

Yes that's what I thought as well, the manual must be wrong. So if I get this right I would use an RCA interconnect cable to connect the sound card with the stereo amp correct? Do you have any suggestions for a decent amp and a pair of bookshelf speakers for around £500?

The corsairs are so and so not very happy with this purchase...needless to say that they make a hissing sound even at low volume

[aidanjt]

I wouldn't really be comfortable guiding people on shelling out £500 on audio equipment since it's a highly subjective choice. whathifi.com has extensive listings on the various hifi amps and speakers on the market, have a dig through that and see if there's any equipment with the apparent characteristics you personally prefer.