Review of the best sound cards. Choosing the best external sound card: an overview of five models

We recently talked about external sound cards for computers that belonged to the budget segment and were suitable only for those who just wanted to slightly improve the sound quality on their computer for further watching movies, listening to music and playing games. In this review, we will write about sound cards that are installed in your computer and are intended primarily for those who want to play modern gaming products with clear sound, clear effects and positioning. Naturally, the cost of such sound cards is slightly higher, they are installed inside the computer, in the slot reserved for expansions, and they produce better sound in games. However, this does not mean that listening to music will not work or movies will sound bad. No, a good sound card for games is also great for other tasks, it's just that the quality is best felt in shooters, racing, MMOs, and so on. It is worth noting that if your computer is under warranty and you cannot disassemble its case, then you will not need these sound cards. Either lose your warranty or wait for it to expire. In the meantime, you can read a little and figure out what to pay attention to.

ASUS Xonar DS

The developer himself positions this sound card as an inexpensive solution for those users who want to get good positioning in games. If you play shooters, then this is an ideal option - you can clearly hear the steps of the enemy, you can easily find out where these steps come from, all third-party noises, such as reloading the machine gun, are distinguished. In most cases, in shooters, this allows you to have a certain advantage over an enemy that does not have such positioning. Thanks to 7.1-channel sound and low cost, this card has been popular among gamers for a long time. It has an AV200 sound chip, 24-bit bit depth, DTS-ES technology support and 4 line outputs, plus one microphone connector. The sound card is installed in the PCI 2.2 slot. If you're on a tight budget and all you want is just good sound with positioning in shooters, then this is the perfect solution. If you want to get good sound in movies and music tracks, then you need to look further. The cost of this sound card is 4100 rubles.

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx

Creative sound cards are very rarely positioned as just gaming cards, since the developer primarily looks towards music connoisseurs. However, the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx sound card is great for gaming, thanks to its 7.1-channel sound and ability to transmit positioning in games, no worse than pure gaming sound. This card is already installed in a PCI Express port, so you will need to take care of a free port in your motherboard. The sound chip here is Creative E-MU, it allows you to perfectly position objects in games, movies and music. The DAC bit depth is 24 bits, the maximum frequency is 192 kHz. Separately, it is worth noting the support for EAX Studio technology and the ability to connect two microphones at once. There are, in general, quite a lot of line outputs here, but connecting two microphones is a very good opportunity. Originally a second jack was added for karaoke in pairs, but you can easily connect two microphones for better audibility in streams or toys. The cost of this card is 5300 rubles and we really liked it, even if it is not sold as a game card.

ASUS Xonar DX

The Xonar DX sound card is considered almost a legend in the market. The fact is that quite a few years have passed since its appearance, and professional players continue to use this particular solution and completely reject the new products, even if they can boast of better sound quality. With real-time 7.1-channel audio conversion, as well as real-time 5.1-channel audio, as well as decent highs and lows, the card allows you to enjoy high-quality music and distinguishable positioning in games. Of course, we cannot call the product the best option for music, because the previous version looks even better in this role, but in games ASUS Xonar DX has no equal. You install the card in the PCI Express slot, connect some more or less normal headphones with a microphone, and you can safely go to conquer the virtual expanses of shooters. The sound chip here is Asus AV100, that is, the difference between Xonar DS and Xonar DX will not be very big. However, we personally consider the DX the best sound card on the market for the money. Its cost, by the way, is only 5600 rubles.

Creative Sound Blaster Z

One of the few Creative sound cards that are positioned primarily as a gaming solution. The card is also "plugged" into the PCI Express port, it has a complete microphone (external) with beam focusing, which allows you to improve the quality of your voice with hardware, not just software. The sound card is based on the Sound Core3D chip operating in 5.1-channel mode with support for SBX Pro Studio, CrystalVoice, Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect technologies. It is worth noting that thanks to the CrystalVoice proprietary technology, all noise from your microphone will be removed and your voice will be crystal clear. It really works and even if you have a bad microphone on your headphones, there will be no sound problems. By the way, the card itself sounds very clear, there is a good positioning of objects (I would even say one of the best on the market), as well as a signal-to-noise ratio of 116 dB. According to the creators of the card, the sound here is 35 times better than when using a standard sound card on the motherboard. To believe such figures, of course, is not the most reasonable thing. The cost of this beast is 6500 rubles.

ASUS Strix Soar

A product called ASUS Strix Sora is that rare case when the most expensive gadget in the collection can be called the best. Yes, we have already said that the Xonar DX is an ideal product for its price, but the ASUS Strix Soar has a lot of advantages over the competition. For example, this is one of the few cards that work on 7.1-channel sound. Most cards either work on 5.1 channels or convert 5.1 to 7.1 with software. Naturally, native 7.1 support is much better. The card is based on the C-Media USB2.0 6632AX High-Definition Sound Processor sound chip, there is support for Asus Hyper Grounding, Asus Sonic Radar Pro, ASIO 2.0 and Perfect Voice technologies. There is an 8-channel ESS SABER 9006A Premier Audio DAC, a TI-TPA6120 headphone amplifier with frequencies of 10-48000 Hz. There are outputs for the front channel, headphones, side channel, subwoofer, center and rear channels. Connecting headphones like the Razer Tiamat with 7.1-channel audio to this card will give you the best sound and positioning on the market. Despite the fact that the sound is very clean, there is the elimination of microphone noise and significant amplification. The cost of such a miracle is 6800 rubles.

If the sound path of the motherboard of your computer or laptop is built on high-quality components, it makes no sense to purchase a discrete card of a budget or even an average level. It will be almost impossible to feel the difference. In the same way as in the case of sound output to inexpensive speakers or headphones. There is an opinion that the cost of used acoustics should be several times higher than the price of a sound card - then the set will be balanced.

So, you have decided to abandon the built-in sound card. Then let's immediately decide on the options:

• Inexpensive Embedded Cards- the choice for an undemanding ear, if the sound of the "built-in" is completely obscene, or you want to connect multi-channel acoustics to a motherboard that has only a stereo output. Although, taking into account the fact that now even budgets allow you to connect at least 5.1 acoustics, such a need may be needed only on a computer that itself should have been upgraded for a long time. The same can be said about cheap external sound cards- they remain the only option for laptops, but they are also interesting for PCs because they "collect" less interference on the analog path.
• Do you like music not only to listen, but also to create? Regardless of genre preferences, you will need a sound card with the supportASIO, and then we already look at our equipment - for power tools you will need high resistance (Hi-Z) input, studio condenser microphones need phantom power. If you work exclusively with VSTi, then you just need to have ASIO “on board”.
• Want to connect your computer to an external DSP or AV receiver? Then choose cards with exitS/PDF- coaxial or optical, depending on how the input is implemented on the connected device.
• interesting multi-channel sound in games? In this case, EAX support by the card will still be relevant, although it can already be considered leaving the stage (the last edition of the standard was released in 2005). At the same time, it would be more logical to choose from cards manufactured by Creative - whatever one may say, it was this company that created EAX.

There are also a number of nuances that need to be taken into account. For example, for several years now Creative has been famous for its disgusting support - the same Audigy of the old series already on Windows 8 can work with problems due to drivers that have not been updated for a long time and are initially raw. Any card, both external and built-in, may not work correctly due to software and hardware conflicts: for example, a loaded USB hub or motherboard bridge can lead to stuttering even using ASIO-enabled cards, especially if the driver is set to the maximum frequency. sampling (and, accordingly, the maximum amount of data transfer). So, it is far from always necessary to immediately blame the manufacturer for all mortal sins - you should also deal with your computer (not to mention anecdotal cases when you forget to disable the built-in card in the BIOS).

It has become optional in the computer - the built-in audio chips on motherboards can more than satisfy the needs of most consumers. But many companies continue to release separate sound cards - they are positioned as the ultimate solution for gamers, music and movie lovers.

It is worth noting that in this article we almost do not consider sound cards for professional use (for sound recording). This is a completely separate conversation, and today we will talk about sound cards for audiophiles, demanding gamers and lovers of quality cinema. We also note that we will not consider too cheap cards - in the vast majority of cases, buying them simply does not make sense, since they are no better than chips in modern motherboards. However, we will still offer you a couple of not too expensive options.

In the next section, we will talk about the important characteristics of sound cards that you should consider when choosing, and then we will tell you about ten models worthy of your attention that you can buy from sellers in our catalog.

Key features to look out for

All computer sound cards can be divided into three types - internal, external and internal with an additional block. The former are connected directly to the computer motherboard, and their outputs are located on the back and / or front panels of the PC case. The latter are connected via USB, FireWire or other ports and are located on the table or somewhere near the case. Internal sound cards with an additional block allow you to connect additional devices to this block without having to look for inputs and outputs on the back of the computer.

If you want to decorate your interior and desktop with another stylish device, then you can take a closer look at external cards. In other cases, internal models are better - they save space and are easier to use.

Connection type

Internal models are connected using PCI or PCI-Express slots (the latter is used in newer and more advanced models). External cards are connected to a PC using USB or FireWire cables (mostly USB, FireWire is rarely used in professional audio cards).

Do not worry about the possibility of connecting an internal model - if you have a more or less modern PC (we are talking about computers assembled in the last 5-8 years), then it has PCI-Express and PCI slots of the required versions.

If you choose an external audio card, it's best to connect it using the faster version of USB, USB 3.0. Make sure your computer has this port or purchase a PCI expansion card with it. However, USB 3.0 is not required for audio speeds - most models provide a USB 2.0 connection, which is enough in almost all cases.

Multi-channel audio

The ability to output multi-channel audio is important for games and movies, sometimes music. If you have an appropriate audio system or multi-channel headphones, then you need to look for an audio card that can handle them.

Sound scheme

The most popular sound schemes for games and movies are 5.1 (5 speakers and 1 subwoofer), 6.1 (6 speakers and 1 subwoofer), and 7.1 (7 speakers and 1 subwoofer). Again, if you have such an audio system or headphones, make sure that the future sound card supports the desired scheme.

Built-in controller panel

Some external audio cards are equipped with such a panel. It contains various controls that are needed to control the volume and other parameters of audio output or input. Optional, but nice stuff.

phantom power

This function is equipped with professional models designed for recording sound from condenser microphones in studio conditions. Note that phantom power is not needed to record sound from dynamic microphones.

Remote control

The presence of the remote control allows you to control the volume, equalizer settings and other sound parameters remotely. Quite a convenient feature for a PC media center and fans of movies or games on a TV, but you shouldn’t focus on it - there are always enough ways to control these parameters even without a remote control.

DAC bit depth, bit

The sound quality at the output of the audio card directly depends on the bit depth of the digital-to-analog converter. Cheap models are usually equipped with a 16-bit DAC, mid-budget and expensive ones - with a 24-bit one. Needless to say, you should only choose models with a 24-bit DAC.

ADC capacity, bit

The bit depth of the analog-to-digital converter directly affects the quality of the sound that the card receives from a microphone or other external devices. The situation is the same as with the DAC - if you are going to record sound or at least communicate with other players in online games, then it is better to choose a 24-bit ADC.

Maximum frequency, kHz

The sample rate of the DAC in stereo mode also affects the sound quality. The optimal sampling rate in stereo mode is 48-192 kHz.

Also, audio cards differ in DAC sampling rate in multi-channel mode (recommended value - 48-192 kHz) and ADC sampling rate (recommended value - 96-192 kHz).

EAX version

EAX is a technology developed by Creative that allows gamers to fully immerse themselves in a three-dimensional audio panorama of the gaming world. The latest version of EAX is the fifth, but in games you can be content with older versions - even the second. It should be noted, however, that not all developers use EAX.

OpenAL is an API open to developers that allows you to process sounds in the 3D space of games. Quite an important, but not critical feature for gaming sound cards.

Support for ASIO technology allows you to use professional software packages for working with sound and music. If you're going to do this, make sure the card supports ASIO 2.0 or ASIO 2.2.

Inputs

If you need a sound card only for games, movies and music, then you won't need a lot of inputs - one input for a 3.5 mm minijack microphone is enough.

If you're planning to play music and audio professionally and are looking for a model for your home studio, then make sure you have all the inputs you need now and in the near future - for microphones, instruments and other devices that you will use in the studio. These can be MIDI, RCA, S/PDIF, XLR inputs and so on.

Outputs

A computer sound card for home use should have at least two analog outputs - for headphones and an audio system. If you have more audio devices at your disposal to which you want to output sound, then select the appropriate model. For audiophiles and cinephiles, it is important to have S / PDIF outputs, with the help of which high-quality audio systems and home theaters are connected.

A person has several senses, however, when consuming media content, we use only a couple of them - sight and hearing. The better the content, the more positive emotions we get. This also applies to the PC sound subsystem, since it is she who is responsible for the depth of the sound picture. Currently, laptops and motherboards of stationary computers are equipped with built-in cards that perform a simple function - sound reproduction. They are not able to convey all the delights of the sound picture, which is why separate devices were created to solve the problem.

They are of two types - built-in (internal) and external. The first ones are somewhat cheaper due to the lack of an expensive case and are designed to improve personal computers. The second type can do more - thanks to the connection via USB ports, it can be connected to laptops, significantly expanding the functionality of the latter, which is very convenient if recording or listening takes place in several places and you need to constantly move with your equipment. In addition, they often support both 5.1 and 7.1 formats.

The best inexpensive internal sound cards: budget up to 5,000 rubles.

Let's start with the most budgetary representatives. Devices in this segment are characterized by moderate performance. They are only enough for everyday tasks - listening to music or watching movies. The attractive price is due to the absence of an external case. These models are installed inside stationary PCs, and the connection is made through PCI and PCI-E interfaces.

3 ASUS Xonar DG

Low price
Country: China
Average price: 2 305 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The rating opens with one of the most budget audio cards on the market. The cost of 2 thousand rubles imposes significant restrictions on functionality relative to competitors. The card is connected via a PCI interface, so if this port is occupied by a video card, then you should take care of buying a new motherboard with an additional slot or stop buying an audio card altogether. The presence of three analog outputs and 6 channels makes it impossible to use the device on 7.1 acoustics. The maximum DAC frequency, which is only 96 kHz, leaves much to be desired.

However, there are also positive aspects. For example, the presence of a digital optical S / PDIF output used to connect external audio devices (for example, an amplifier). Secondly, there is support for modern standards. ASIO version 2.0 and EAX v.2, which is sure to please gamers. Well, the main advantage is the low price, which fully justifies the technical capabilities of the device.

2 Creative Audigy 2 ZS

Good Specifications
Country: Singapore
Average price: 4,046 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

This budget model took the place of the sensational Xonar DX. Audigy 2 ZS not only did not rise in price, but also acquired decent technical characteristics. The ratio of silence and noise is higher than the Audigy Rx model and is 108 dB. However, the number of output analog connectors is half as much here and is only 4 pieces. There are only 2 analog input connectors. The card is characterized by smooth sound, good panorama and minimal delay - only 50ms for "heavy" projects.

In addition, it performs well in games, as it has a good processor, which reduces the load on the computer. Of the minuses, there is a connection through an outdated PCI to a PC and the lack of fresh drivers from the manufacturer. The problem is solved by installing software from caring communities, since today the map has not lost its relevance.

1 Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx

Excellent signal-to-noise ratio
Country: China
Average price: 5,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The first line of the rating is also occupied by a representative of Creative. The ratio of silence and noise - 106 dB. The maximum DAC frequency in multi-channel mode is 96 kHz, versus 192. It is worth noting that this model provides more scope for sound recording. For this, two microphone and one line input are built into the device. This link allows you to record from two sources at the same time, such as guitar and vocals.

The proprietary software is represented by such utilities as KaraokePlayer, SmartRecorder and WaveStudio. With their help, you can not only enjoy high-quality sound, but also do amateur sound recording on your computer. For better sound and lower latency, the device supports the ASIO v. 2.0.

The best external sound cards: budget up to 10,000 rubles.

The second category includes external sound cards connected to a computer via a USB connector. Such devices are recommended for laptop owners or those who want to create their own recording studio. They allow you to expand the number of audio outputs and connect more devices.

4 Creative X-FiSurround 5.1 Pro

The most budget interface
Country: China
Average price: 4,700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

We start with a budget and simple device. Its cost is about 5000 rubles. For this money, the buyer gets a good system for watching movies with 5.1 sound format. It is not capable of a larger device. This is due to not the highest maximum DAC frequency - 96 kHz. Also, when buying, you should take into account that it will not work to connect a 7.1 sound system - there are only 6 analog output channels with 4 connectors.

Of the useful, it is worth noting the presence of ASIO v. 2.0 and EAX 5 versions. The package also includes a remote control for switching tracks, adjusting the volume, etc. According to user reviews, this is a good option for a home PC for the money.

3 ASUS Xonar U7

Buyer's Favorite
Country: China
Average price: 8,300 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The third place is occupied by a model from ASUS with the index U7. Compared to Creative, the maximum DAC frequency here is just great and is 192 kHz. More and output channels - only 8 pieces, which makes it possible to use surround sound format 7.1. There are three types of output connectors:

• RCA ("tulip"),
• mini jack,
• S/PDIF.

Switching between them is carried out using a washer located on top of the housing. It also acts as a volume control. There is no remote control, like the silver medalist.

This model is recommended for purchase to those users who appreciate high-quality surround sound in films and video games and do not plan to engage in sound recording. Users involved in streaming or wanting to record their own track, it is better to look at more expensive models.

2 Steinberg UR12

Continuous improvement from generation to generation
Country: China
Average price: 8,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The model was introduced at the end of 2014 and has not lost its relevance. The main advantage is a record for affordable prices, while maintaining all the characteristics of the previous generation. The device is placed in an all-metal case, is powered by a USB bus, the ability to connect a condenser microphone. There are 6 connection modes in total, from 44 to 192 kHz. Equipped with a preamp from Yamaha. The interface works with any music software in MacOS and Windows operating systems. It is also fully compatible with the iPad.

Compared to more expensive devices, the interface performs very well and is clearly audible on high-detail hardware. This is noted by users in their reviews, and the number of claims to quality with each generation is less and less.

1 Audient ID4

The best sound card under 10,000 rubles
Country: China
Average price: 9,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The beloved U7 was replaced by a slightly more expensive ID4 model from Audient. And believe me - it's worth it. The main advantage here is the filling. The microphone preamp migrated here straight from full-size studio consoles. The instrumental input here is built on dusty transistors. The manufacturer responsibly approaches the assembly of devices and, according to user reviews, does not even save on converters. The dynamic range of the DAC here is one of the best in the segment - 115 dB.

Despite the meager delivery set, consisting of the device itself and a USB cable, all the main goodies will become available after registration on the official website of the manufacturer. The card itself is dual-channel (two sources can be connected) and can simultaneously accept both a condenser microphone and an electric guitar. Both channels have separate amplification and indication. The ID4 combo input has support for line connections, which will allow you to connect not only instruments and microphones, but also devices with line outputs, such as preamps.

The best sound cards for gamers

Gamers are a special layer of buyers. They use only the best equipment and computers from top manufacturers, often releasing special limited editions of devices. Sound cards did not stand aside either, having received special "game" improvements that allow you to immerse yourself in the gameplay as fully as possible.

3 ASUS Strix Raid DLX

Stylish sound card with external block
Country: China
Average price: 15,200 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Opens the TOP of the best gaming sound cards creation from ASUS. StrixRaid DLX is the top card in the manufacturer's assortment due to its good technical characteristics. The maximum DAC frequency is 192 kHz, 8 channels are supported, the signal-to-noise ratio is excellent - 124 dB. The only fly in the ointment may be a slightly overpriced price relative to competitors.

Appearance is not satisfactory - it is moderately aggressive, simple and at the same time attractive. The additional block allows you to connect a gaming headset, adjust the volume and switch between normal and game mode using the "RAID" button.

A proprietary utility for managing a sound card deserves special attention. ASUS SonicStudio allows you to change the volume, adjust the equalizer, adjust the number of sound sources, and more. According to customer reviews, the interface has a pleasant color scheme and functionality, making it easy to master.

2 Creative SoundBlasterZx

Bright design
Country: China
Average price: 10,621 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

In second place is a sound card from Creative. The SoundBlasterZx model is the successor to the popular Blaster Z among gamers. It has an attractive price due to slightly lower capabilities than competitors. The maximum frequencies and signal to noise ratio are approximately the same, but only 6 channels are supported. Otherwise, we get almost the same thing for a lower amount.

The original appearance is due to the presence of a "viewing" window, in which the main chip is visible. There is also a remote block. You can connect headphones and a microphone to it. However, it should be borne in mind that the volume control only works with headphones - an audio system connected directly to the sound card does not communicate with the external unit. But there is a connector for connecting to the front of the PC.

According to user reviews, the card is great for gaming due to the optimal combination of all frequencies and creating sound volume. This plus will be difficult to evaluate when watching movies, as the emphasis is on the central channels.

1 ASUS Essence STX II

The best sound card of the new generation
Country: China
Average price: 20,600 rubles.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The main feature of this model of the Hi-End segment is the updated filling and support for 7.1 format The card has a removable metal screen above the analog part, but its value is purely decorative. But what helps to achieve high parameters is good wiring and separation of analog and digital circuits on a four-layer printed circuit board. The already high-quality filling of the card has acquired new MUSES operational amplifiers, created specifically for audio equipment. German WIMA film capacitors and non-switching linear power regulators acting as filters. This list of improvements is not limited.

Cheap quartz resonators were replaced with thermally compensated ones, which reduced jitter. A nice bonus will be a set of CUs and a tool for installing them. Microcircuits are changed without soldering, which further facilitates the repair or replacement of components. In addition, it becomes possible to experiment with sound

Before I start pouring out a ton of information on you, let's be clear with you - the standard sound card that is soldered to your motherboard is just a stub. That is, it transmits sound, you can play games on it, listen to music and watch movies, but the quality there is the lowest. You yourself must understand this, because the chip on the board occupies a couple of square centimeters and this is the entire sound system. In decent sound cards from Asus, such a chip occupies only a tenth of the entire printed circuit board. So if you have a desire to enjoy more or less high-quality sound in games, when listening to music or watching movies, then you cannot do without a sound card. Even the cheapest card for 300 rubles will be better than what is originally in your motherboard. For this reason, we decided to start another cycle of compilations and tell you about those sound cards that you can buy and have a lot of fun with. Today we will talk about inexpensive external sound cards, that is, you don’t need to disassemble the computer and weave something somewhere. This is a plus, because not everyone knows how to do this, and even if the computer was bought from you and under warranty, then you cannot print its case.

ASUS Xonar U3

The ASUS Xonar U3 sound card is the cheapest sound card we could recommend. Yes, there are cheaper options on the market, and if you order from China, then you can generally order a card there for thirty rubles. This product is very compact and takes up as much space as a regular flash drive. ASUS Xonar U3 connects to the computer via a USB connector, which, on the one hand, is good, because you don’t need to throw additional cables and stuff like that, but there are also disadvantages - there are so few USB connectors on budget motherboards. The maximum DAC frequency here is 48 kHz, the DAC bit depth is 16 bits. Despite its tiny size and rather simple characteristics, already on such a sound card you will hear differences from the built-in chip. True, there will be no improved positioning in games or anything like that. The sound became clearer, some frequencies began to be heard, although they were not there before, and that's all. A distinctive quality is the ability to connect the card to Mac-computers, in order to then connect gaming headphones with two plugs. The cost of the simplest and very relevant card at the time of the crisis is 2,100 rubles. We recommend it to beginner "listeners".

HiFiMAN Express HM-101

Most likely, you have never heard of the HiFiMAN Express HM-101 sound card, since the manufacturer is not the most popular in the CIS. However, we have long understood that we need to look not at the logos, but at the capabilities of the product. And now, the sound card exactly repeats the characteristics of a competitor from Asus, and the price is about the same. Here, too, the maximum DAC frequency is 48 kHz, and the bit depth is 16 bits. The sound card is also connected via USB, but if the Asus Xonar U3 is connected directly to a computer or laptop, then the card is connected via a proprietary cable, where there is a USB connector on one end and a microUSB connector on the other. As for me, this is a little more convenient only if you use a card with a laptop or tablet - adjacent slots will not overlap. On the opposite side of the card, there are two headphone and microphone jacks, which, again, will be ideal for laptops with a combined 3.5 mm input, where you simply cannot plug ordinary headphones with two jacks. The cost of a more convenient option is 2800 rubles, but I don’t see the point in overpaying - the sound quality is the same.

Creative Sound Blaster E1

Many users are used to the fact that a cool sound card should be hefty, with a bunch of connectors, sliders and switches. However, we look at the Creative Sound Blaster E1 and understand that the size of the sound card is not an indicator, and even more than that - we consider it the best in its segment. Just imagine, absolutely everything can be connected to this sound card! Smartphone, tablet, computer, laptop, gaming headphones with a microphone, a stationary microphone for voice recording, a microphone for singing in karaoke, a home audio system. It seems to me that in the world there are simply no more options to somehow give out sound. In terms of sound, we really liked the card both while listening to music and in games. Proprietary software allows you to adjust surround sound and this significantly improves the quality of the game, especially in shooters, and an equalizer with the ability to customize absolutely everything makes any tracks clearer and brighter. If you wish, you can connect two headphones to the sound card and watch a movie, for example, together. The cost of the best in our opinion external sound card in the segment up to 4 thousand is 3690 rubles.

ASUS Xonar U5

The ASUS Xonar U5 sound card is, for reasons I don't understand, considered purely gaming, although it has excellent potential both in music and in films. The sound quality of this product is an order of magnitude higher than ASUS Xonar U3 and HiFiMAN Express HM-101, and I would even say slightly better positioning compared to Creative Sound Blaster E1. In principle, this is also noticeable in terms of characteristics - here the DAC bit depth is already 24 bits, the maximum DAC frequency reaches 192 kHz, and not 48, as in previous applicants. A USB connector is used to supply power and connect to a computer or laptop. On the back side there are also analog outputs and inputs for connecting audio systems, gaming headphones, various speakers and subwoofers. Thanks to proprietary software, you can customize the sound of the map in such detail that positioning in the same CS GO just makes your jaw drop. Here you can already hear where the enemy is stomping from, where the grenades are shooting and flying from, you can understand from which side they are knocking you down in The Division. There are no problems with listening to music either, the equalizer is very flexible. The cost of such a miracle reaches 4400 rubles.

Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1

I personally liked this sound card by the connection method and its appearance, but in terms of sound, it loses a little to the Xonar U5. You put the Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 card on your desk, connect via USB to a computer or laptop and get real 5.1 sound. This means better movie viewing, where there is sound positioning in scenes, more fun to play games (this is especially noticeable in shooters, where footsteps and small sounds decide the outcome of the battle), as well as excellent music quality. That is, on the one hand, this product is better than the Xonar U5 because of the better surround sound, but, on the other hand, the purity of the sound and the tops with the bottoms are not so pronounced here. It is also worth noting the ability to adjust the volume using a cool switch. I would recommend this sound card to those who listen to music on their ultrabook. You get great sound, you can enjoy good music and movies. For toys, it seems to me, the Asus version is a little more suitable, since it was originally developed for this. The cost is 5400 rubles.