Creative Sound Blaster X7 / Asus Essence STX II

Which one would you recommend, guys ?
I have the headphones Sennheiser HD 600 with Creative SB ZxR but for ZxR i can't find any drivers for Linux, so i want to replace it
Thank you

Given the two you mention, I would go for the ASUS. Creative/SoundBlaster used to be THE sound card but there are more options available now.

Another that I like (and had with an older PC) is HT Omega
HT Omega - The Next Generation in Audio.

I had an older HT Omega sound card "Striker 7.1" and my recording studio recording interface developed a problem and I was able to temporarily use the Striker 7.1 for playback. I had a SoundBlaster, before the Striker 7.1, and couldn't do it with that

Why would you go for ASUS, and not for Creative X7 ?
As I said, i want to use it for Linux, as well.
Thank you

Just my personal preference. Also, SoundBlaster's can interfere with recording studio software, another reason I don't like them.

For your applications it may be great.

But, it appears you are looking for someone to agree with you about the SoundBlaster.

I go with ASUS, thank you :)

I received the soundcard today, after 20-30 minutes i can say that SoundBlaster is a bit better
I find it very annoying because for ASUS there is no volume control when i listen with AIMP3, only the volume from AIMP3
Did i miss some settings ?
When i listen music on Youtube, i can use the volume from the ASUS audio center or the Windows default volume control, but thats not the same for AIMP
Any ideas ?
Thank you
LE : Should i try this ?
" Essence STX II even comes with a swap kit that includes three additional op-amps — two Texas Instruments LME49720s and one MUSES 8820 — and a clamp tool that makes it easy to remove the op-amp microchips "

Does it make a difference ??

The optional op-amps may make a difference. Give them a try. From what I see they are "audiophile" type op-amps (maybe in the same category at the Burr Brown OPA2134PA op-amps).

I don't have AIMP3 so I can't say why you can't control the volume.

I played a bit with the settings ( AIMP3, ASUS ) and i can say now I LOVE the ASUS ESSENCE STX II :)
When i have some time, i will try with the other op-amp
Thank you

Good to hear you got I sorted out. The ASUS sound cards get good reviews.