Rating of sound cards for a computer. Best Sound Card for Hi-Fi Audio

The best sound cards of 2015 combine practicality, clear sound without interference, minimal processor load and functionality. How to identify them among the entire assortment of stores? What should you pay attention to? This will help our rating.

Internal sound cards

A device of this type is installed in the system unit itself, thanks to which it does not clutter up the space with its large size and many wires. The most popular manufacturers of such cards are ASUS and Creative. The first one is released under the Xonar brand and is characterized by high-quality and detailed sound, a variety of ports and the presence of a special cap that protects against electromagnetic interference. Its only drawback is software data processing, which slows down the processor. Therefore, this option is great for music lovers.

For gambling addicts, Creative's devices are ideal as they do not load the central processor.

The rating of budget PCI-type sound cards is headed by the ASUS Xonar DS model, the approximate cost is 3750 rubles. Clear sound and high frequency of the DAC, 4 analog connectors and 8 channels are its main advantages. Among the disadvantages are the small number of settings and the relative high cost.

In second place is the device of the same brand - Xonar DG, the approximate price is 2020 rubles. Fast installation, 3 analog connectors, optical output - great benefits at low cost. However, this is not the best option for connoisseurs of high-quality and detailed sound.

The third line belongs to Creative Audigy SE for 2,170 rubles. Not a bad amplifier, quick and easy installation, low price and EAX support do not compensate for everyone for the low frequency and lack of an optical output.

Top sound cards 2015 are represented by the following models:

1. ESI MAYA44 for 10 640 rub. Prized for its crystal-clear sound, multiple connectors and phantom power;
2. RME HDSP 9632 for 23,611 rubles. has a large number of cables, which is more a disadvantage than an advantage, and high-quality sound;
3. Xonar Essense ST for 12,460 rubles. guarantees crystal clear sound and noise protection for a reasonable price. Disadvantage - it is necessary to provide the device with power.

External best sound cards 2015

An external sound card is connected via a USB cable to various equipment - computers, laptops and tablets. Among their tangible advantages are protection against electromagnetic interference and additional connectors that expand the functionality of the device. However, there is also a drawback - multiple wires that require additional space.

The budget category of the best cards is represented by the models ASUS Xonar U7 (average price - 6435 rubles) and Creative SB Play (price 2339 rubles). The advantages of the first are compact size, maximum frequency DAC, 5 analog connectors and 8 channels and convenient control. The second device is notable for its low price and low DAC frequency.

Only professional sound cards are superior. For example, M-Audio M-Track Plus worth 11,240 rubles. It features phantom power, coaxial outputs and inputs, 2 microphone inputs and 2 XLR connectors.

It is now easy to choose a sound card: the main thing is to decide on the required characteristics and operating features.

And any other sound forums. The problem of choosing a high-quality sound source can only compete with the task of finding suitable acoustic systems. And if the comparison "Crystal Sound" is carried out on a regular basis on the speakers, then on the sound cards we are just starting our work.

So what could be easier than asking for advice in the forum? But even as the owner of one of the sound cards, it is difficult to give advice on whether to buy it. After all, ease of use and personal preferences are not the main thing here. The main thing in sound devices is sound quality. And it hardly lends itself to objective description and weighing by instruments, especially when the characteristics of the devices have reached the limits of the measuring equipment. What is the way out? The answer can be found, for example, in international guidelines for the examination of high-quality audio devices, recognized by all experts in the world, including us. It is imperative to compare the card with competing products and with the benchmark. Moreover, this should be done according to the correct technique, which would completely exclude the expert's bias. The task is unbearable not only for the forum, but also practically impossible for ordinary mass media. This is a laborious, costly and ungrateful business - why do this if there are easier ways to create materials? A correct and objective examination of sound devices is possible only for leading publications employing recognized sound specialists with specialized education, dealing with sound on a professional basis.

Thus, we have combined all our 15 years of expertise in this area. But we do not frighten readers with tons of numbers and graphs in order to try to hide behind them, but give only useful information from real life. Briefly and to the point.

The Asus Xonar Essence STX sound card is already familiar to our readers from the article by Roman Kuznetsov.

Our editorial video in HD-resolution tells about the new Creative Sound Blaster ZxR product (do not forget to press the button "Original size" and "Full screen" while watching):

The main technical characteristics of sound cards that you need to know about:

The Creative Sound Blaster ZxR card is more expensive, but it is better equipped: there are 5.1 outputs, not stereo, there is an external switching unit with a built-in stereo microphone.

The Asus Xonar Essence STX card appeared much earlier than the Creative ZxR. However, audiophile sound cards of this format have always existed. Among the Creative cards, you can recall Audigy 2 Platinum Pro, X-Fi Elite Pro, X-Fi Titanium HD.

The Sound Blaster ZxR is very similar to the X-Fi Titanium HD. For example, it completely took over from this card the DAC, op-amp and circuitry. However, now Creative is not inferior to Asus in terms of audiophile attributes: Nichicon Fine Gold, copper ground bus, metal shield, TRS-output for Hi-End headphones. The technical efficiency of these measures is close to zero. Here, the manufacturer, rather, went on about the expectations of the buyer. Leadership in these attributes, however, belongs not to Asus, but to Onkyo cards from many years ago.

Creative Sound Blaster ZxR

This map was presented with a press sample. In the final product, slight changes in appearance and functionality are possible. The model will be on sale in May 2013.

Set: main card, daughter card, wired control and switching unit, wires.

The card is the older model of the new Z line. This is the best product from Creative to date.

All modern cards, at the suggestion of one of the manufacturers, have a metal shield, declared as protection against electromagnetic interference. You need to understand that this is purely a publicity stunt: for tens of years there have been professional boards without a screen, whose characteristics were much higher than those of gaming cards with screens, and the sound was much clearer by ear. Moreover, a shield grounded at several points can play the bad role of non-zero mass and become a refuge for stray currents. Not to mention that the deterioration of ventilation leads to an increase in thermal noise in semiconductors.

The best protection against interference is that there are no errors in the PCB layout and the correct organization of the power supply. The screen, meanwhile, makes it much easier to install the card into the case. The risk of mechanical damage to board parts or static electricity is excluded. Capturing a screen in a ZxR card is quite possible and not difficult. Unlike the Asus STX, the Creative card's screen does not include threaded connections for the mounting bar bolts.

The external unit has paralleled “big jack” and “minijack” connectors, which makes it easy to connect expensive headphones for music and computer headsets for Skype and other telephony. The Asus ROG Xonar Phoebus card has a similar external block, but the card is significantly inferior to the Asus STX in terms of stuffing and characteristics, being more in line with the price and stuffing of the Creative Sound Blaster ZX.

On the board, attention is drawn to electromechanical relays for changing the speaker-headphone modes and for switching the amplifier operating modes. This solution is preferable to electronic keys, since the influence on the signal is minimized.

The powerful TI TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier deserves special mention. He is in both the cards in question. Its use is fully justified and can only be welcomed. Proven most powerful amplifier with record low distortion. The implementation of an amplifier based on discrete elements will cost much more in terms of the price of components and will certainly increase the development cost. TI TPA6120A2 multiple operating modes including overvoltage output for high impedance headphones.

The new Creative card settings panel is made clear, it has a choice of Russian and English interface. When choosing English, a better and more beautiful corporate font will be used in the interface. Don't forget the important setting regarding the headphone output. The 600 ohm mode can also be set for headphones with an impedance of 250-300 ohms, if they have low sensitivity.

Complaints about the card were caused by the 192 kHz mode, which is again screwed on from the side. The card has something called Direct Mode, and the chip switches to this mode for a few seconds, with obvious DSP reconfiguration. Hardware effects are not possible in this mode. The measurements are strange and show digital processing. According to information from the manufacturer, since the cards have just appeared on the market, the situation will improve with new drivers.

To be fair, 192 kHz is not the actual frequency for most users. There are practically no sources of records in this format. The real mode of operation of DAC chips for all modes, be it 44, 48, 96, 192 kHz, is always the same, only the oversampling coefficient changes. In other words, the recalculation always exists inside the digital filter of the DAC chip. Devices where the situation is different can be counted on one hand, and they cost completely different money. And since a higher frequency does not give any advantage, like all games with digital recalculations and filtering, this still remains the lot of experimenters, in most cases acting at the level of self-hypnosis. At the same time, the banal, lying on the surface, replacing the speaker system with a model of a higher class gives incomparably greater returns, and at once and without subtle matters.

Asus Xonar Essence STX

The Asus Xonar Essence STX card has a slightly more attractive price, but the package bundle and functions of the card are much poorer. The card is stereo only, not 5.1. Does not have an external unit with microphones. The card processor is essentially a stream switcher with a Dolby Digital software license package. There is no hardware processing. Moreover, the AV100 version of the processor is the very first C-Media Oxygen, with a curved internal architecture and a fixed 48 kHz frequency. Thus, the filling of the card raises numerous questions. It would be a good idea for Asus not to sell a product with a re-labeled questionable C-Media chip for many years in a row, but to rework it and release a normal new version... In the newer Asus cards, many of the problems have been overcome by upgrading to a new processor model. Why this model cannot be altered, refreshed, remains unclear to us.

This card has only two advantages: excellent DAC and low price.

The Asus card control panel design sends us greetings from the last century. The most interesting setting option is the HP Advance Setting tab, additional headphone output settings. There are 3 modes of operation, depending on the impedance of the headphones. In more modern Asus cards, there is no longer such a jumble of small elements. It is not clear what prevents the driver from being rewritten.

Measurements in RMAA

Measurements in RMAA are not able to show the passport characteristics of the cards, since a precision set of measuring equipment is required to obtain a signal-to-noise ratio of 124 dB. In addition to this, it does not hurt to have the most simple motherboard and a low-power passive PSU. However, where RMAA measurements are strong, it is in the immediate identification of gaps and design flaws.

We measured sound cards in RMAA on two computers. In the most powerful PC, packed with various peripherals, including USB 3.0 and FireWire controllers on the board, with great overclocking capabilities, with a very powerful modern video card, both cards showed a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB maximum. In another PC, the numbers improved to 116 dB. Although the signal-to-noise ratio of a sound source greater than 100 dB is irrelevant, there is a definite relationship between the level of engineering performance of a device and the sound quality. The fact is that the signal / noise parameter and especially the signal / (noise + distortion) parameter of the DAC microcircuit includes everything, including distortions modulated with a signal, which grow strongly with increasing energy saturation of the phonogram and become very audible. Different models of DAC microcircuits are very well ranked in terms of quality by technical data.

So, Asus STX "distinguished itself" by a noticeable increased noise in the 44 kHz mode. By itself, this noise is not dangerous for the listener, since it lies much lower than the TPDF dithering of a 16-bit signal, but it speaks of the legacy of the C-Media Oxigen chip, where there is a problem with 44 kHz support, which is solved by high-quality recalculation of the sampling frequency. For this reason, Asus only lists its card data in 48 kHz mode. Alas, this mode is the least interesting for users. Changing the data sent to the DAC in order to simplify the life of the manufacturer is such an uncomplicated trick, which is a crime in a Hi-End product.

Creative ZxR, in its turn, has no problems with frequency recalculation in measurements, but has increased harmonic distortion of 0.0018% versus 0.0004% in Asus STX. Moreover, the nature of the distortions cannot be explained by either the op-amp or the DAC - their passport parameters are two orders of magnitude better. Also, measurements show that on both cards the ASIO driver is made rather clumsy. It seems that ASIO is screwed in a hurry, for show in the technical specifications. Judging by the measurements, DirectSound is a good option for both cards under Windows 7 and 8. Of course, with the 44.1 kHz frequency set in the properties of the Windows sound device.

You can download the free version yourself and take your own measurements to determine the best way to play with your sound card and specific OS.

Expert audition

Wiretapping was carried out with the installation of both cards in one computer with instant switching between cards with a passive switch. As acoustics, we included Adam S2.5A studio monitors. The preparation and testing process was carried out with great care and took several days. All wires and connectors were rechecked, card outputs were measured, all available drivers and various APIs (MME, DirectSound, ASIO) were enumerated in order to obtain the best measurable results.

There were certain concerns that we might not hear the difference between sound cards, since the class of converters of modern sound cards is very high. For control, we used professional sound cards based on CS4398 - E-MU1616M and LynxStudio Aurora 8. Fortunately, a serious approach gave a good result, and our fears were in vain - the difference between all cards is clearly audible on any musical compositions. Moreover, a number of sound features have emerged that make the Creative Sound Blaster ZxR and Asus Xonar Essence STX very close.

The sound of both gaming cards is at a very high level and close to professional devices of the highest category. The E-MU1616M and LynxStudio Aurora 8 produce a similar, tighter and richer audio spectrum. Creative Sound Blaster ZxR and Asus Xonar Essence STX sound with a slightly larger stereo panorama and a little empty, but there are no timbre distortions or color in the sound. It is worth noting the listener's captivating attack and detail of the sound, especially at HF.

Are there any differences between Creative Sound Blaster ZxR and Asus Xonar Essence STX? The differences between the cards are small. The Asus Xonar Essence STX has the edge in sound, giving a little more detail. The difference is quite apparent in double-blind testing, when an expert in a series of experiments points out the preferred device. We went further and tried to identify the relationship between the sound quality and the selected sound API. The results completely agree with the RMAA data: the standard MME interface sounds the least advantageous. And the most terrible metamorphosis with sound is performed by the mode when the file frequency of 44 kHz differs from the frequency of the Windows device, for example, 48 kHz. This setting is on the tab Advanced / Format default.

For the headphone test, we took a Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm and a Sennheiser HD600. We did not hear any difference in quality. Both sound cards - the Creative Sound Blaster ZxR and the Asus Xonar Essence STX - sound great: they produce very good, full-fledged sound with a large headroom. In most situations, the volume knob position is 40-50% sufficient. And if the Sennheiser HD600 is more versatile headphones with good sensitivity, which means less capricious to the sound source, then the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro sound rather inexpressive and quiet with a regular headphone output, and when you try to raise the gain, the sound still does not become full. Beyerdynamic requires increased stress, and this is done specifically to pull out the most undistorted sound from the structure, that is, from this membrane and the entire moving system. Hi-End 600 Ohm headphones are twice as demanding in terms of voltage swing and headphone output power as 300 Ohm models. Headphone output requirements for high impedance and low impedance models are in conflict. That is why manufacturers have to either make different amplifier models, or put two separate outputs, or provide an impedance switch. The latter option is implemented in the tested Creative Sound Blaster ZxR and Asus Xonar Essence STX cards.

conclusions

Both the Creative Sound Blaster ZxR and Asus Xonar Essence STX sound cards leave the impression of the first steps of manufacturers in the category of Hi-End devices that is not typical for them. These steps have clearly not been completed. Something has succeeded, something has not yet succeeded.

As Asus and other manufacturers squeeze out, Creative begins to lose market. After the failure with Recon3D, it is no longer a joke. Creative stops listening exclusively to its marketing "specialists", seriously studies competitors' products, collects user opinions and goes for broke. X-Fi was completely discontinued a year ago, the page is turned. In the new, full-fledged Sound Blaster series, starting with the lowest card Z, the sound is immediately normal. The Sound Blaster ZxR is the quintessence of all Creative's capabilities, an attempt to combine the best: hardware effects, the needs of the average user, and an uncompromising Hi-End ideology. Moreover, in a product that will still be affordable and claim to be on the mass market. According to the reviews of the first mass owners of new cards, sometimes people who are not even audiophile, most of the buyers quite feel a significant increase in the sound quality in headphones and speakers. This is what explains the success of the Asus Xonar Essence STX. Users forgive this card for all the flaws and clumsy just for the sake of high-quality sound in speakers and headphones. Although the Creative Sound Blaster ZxR has not yet succeeded in completely throwing the Asus Xonar Essence STX off its haunted throne, Asus's position at the current historical moment has become very weak. In practice, the choice in favor of Asus can be made only because of the slightly older model of the TI PCM1792A DAC chip, in order to have the psychological confidence that the sound on the speakers of the highest category will be slightly better. As for the rest, the Creative card claims to be the leader, as it surpasses the competitor in everything, including due to the novelty of the model. Although Asus also has new card models, they are not interesting for this testing due to the obviously worse sound.

Both cards - the Creative Sound Blaster ZxR and the Asus Xonar Essence STX - have design flaws that prevent any of the contenders from being awarded the Class Leader award. We advise manufacturers to stop building on external attributes in an attempt to outperform each other in length specifications, and to tinker with existing features.

Your computer or laptop requires a sound card, also called an audio card, to enable sound playback devices. Such devices are external, internal.

They are also distinguished by the type of connection: USB, PCI, PCI-E, FireWire, ExpressCard, PCMCIA. Buying a sound card for a computer is a difficult task that requires knowing the exact characteristics of the device into which it will be installed.

What is a sound card

An audio card is a sound card that is responsible for creating, converting, amplifying, editing sound reproduced by a personal computer, laptop or any other similar device. Maps are divided into several classes according to the nature of their location:

• external;
• internal;
• internal with external module.

Why do you need a sound card

The sound card is needed for correct, accurate and timely reproduction of the sounds requested computer programs and the operating system of the device through speakers, headphones. Without it, the computer or laptop will not be able to send any sound signal to the external playback modules, since there is no other component with similar functions in it.

Device

A computer sound card consists of several associated hardware systems responsible for collecting, producing, processing audio data. The purpose of the two main audio systems is "audio capture" and work with music: its synthesis, reproduction. The memory of the device is accessed directly through a coaxial or optical cable. Sound is generated in a digital signal processor (DSP): it plays certain notes, adjusts their tone, frequency. The DSP power and the total amount of available notes is called polyphony.

Types of sound cards

You can find audio cards on the market in a shock-resistant, water-resistant case. This type is better suited for connecting an advanced audio system, running the most powerful games. Separate boards and integrated audio cards are a more standard solution with averaged parameters. Cards are divided into three types according to the possibility of dismantling, location relative to the device:

• integrated;
• internal discrete;
• external discrete.

Best sound cards

The choice of a sound card is fraught with difficulties. Such devices are multifunctional, so the set of characteristics for one audio card can be strikingly different from any other. Many expensive modules should be purchased only at a sale or at a discount, because their price can be overpriced. To understand which sound cards are suitable for a specific purpose, check out the pros, cons, features and parameters of the best models.

Professional

This audio card is a class above other external devices on the market. She is a great choice for studio recording:

• model name: Motu 8A;
• price: 60,000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 3.0 connection, additional thunderbolt interface, Ethernet.
• pluses: support for ASIO 2.0, control module on the case;
• cons: high price, fragile shell.

V next model Motu standards ensure high-quality signal processing, it is equipped with an external unit, and the design is pleasing to the eye:

• model name: Motu 624;
• price: 60,000 rubles;
• characteristics: thunderbolt connection, via usb ports, 2 XLR inputs;
• pluses: simultaneous work with several multichannel systems;
• cons: the need for additional food, it gets very hot.

Multichannel

The ST-Lab board will delight you with high-quality sound and the absence of digital noise for a long time:

• model name: ST-Lab M360;
• price: 1600 rubles;
• characteristics: multi-channel audio output, DAC 16 bit / 48 kHz, 8 analog audio outputs;
• pluses: compact external card, low cost;
• cons: ASIO 1.0.

ASUS is known for its reliability, quality and durability. See for yourself with the Xonar DGX:

• model name: ASUS Xonar DGX;
• price: 3000 rubles;
• characteristics: 7.1 sound, 8 audio outputs, PCI-E connection with a separate internal module;
• pluses: clear sound, many connectors;
• cons: large size.

PCI cards

Internal discrete and integrated boards are famous for excellent sound quality, high frequencies:

• model name: ASUS Xonar D1;
• price: 5000 rubles;
• characteristics: PCI interface, DAC 24 bit / 192 kHz, multi-channel sound 7.1;
• pluses: optical output S / PDIF, support for EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
• cons: periodically produces loud digital noise.

Creative boards will allow you to enjoy high-quality sound in any multimedia format:

• model name: Creative Audigy;
• price: 3000 rubles;
• characteristics: PCI interface, coaxial output, 1 mini-Jack;
• pluses: alternative drivers expand the capabilities of the audio card;
• cons: makes a loud bang when the device is turned off.

USB audio card

Portable audio cards can deliver great audio anywhere:

• model name: Zoom UAC-2;
• price: 14,000 rubles;
• characteristics: external card, USB 3.0 interface, shockproof case, DAC 24 bit / 196 kHz;
• pluses: quality / cost, the minimum required for a studio recording;
• cons: the settings of the control panel buttons are not obvious, there are no designations.

External modules of a computer should be not only convenient, but also of high quality. Line 6 POD lets you place your extended audio system anywhere:

• model name: Line 6 POD studio UX2;
• price: 16,000 rubles;
• characteristics: 24 bit / 96 kHz, stereo audio outputs, multi-channel sound 7.1;
• pluses: the ability to connect multiple devices, excellent noise reduction;
• cons: the price does not match functionality, quality.

With optical output

Fiber optic cables offer unrivaled protection against interference. Experience clear sound with Universal Audio audio cards:

• model name: Universal Audio Apollo Twin SOLO Thunderbolt;
• price: 40,000 rubles;
• characteristics: optical output S / PDIF, EAX v.2, ASIO 2.0;
• pluses: pure multichannel sound, excellent card for studio recording;
• cons: a small number of outputs.

With ASUS it has become even easier to purchase a high-quality audio card. An excellent combination of cost / quality and clear sound will help you appreciate any track:

• model name: ASUS Strix Raid PRO;
• price: 7000 rubles;
• characteristics: PCI-E interface, optical output S / PDIF, ASIO 2.2, 8 channels;
• pluses: control panel, the ability to connect headphones up to 600 ohms;
• cons: software conflicts with other sound drivers.

Sound card 7.1

If you find it difficult to find an inexpensive good audio board, portability, reliability, ergonomics and advanced control of this model will reveal all the possibilities of the audio system:

• model name: HAMA 7.1 surround USB;
• price: 700 rubles;
• characteristics: external audio card, USB 2.0, stereo analog audio outputs;
• pluses: ease of control, good amplifier;
• cons: low frequency.

Multichannel analog audio outputs contribute to comfortable listening to your favorite music with any audio system:

• model name: BEHRINGER U-PHORIA UM2;
• price: 4000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB interface, ASIO 1.0, 2 analog outputs;
• pluses: perfect for rough recording of a vocal part;
• cons: no separate headphone volume control.

Sound card 5.1

The common 5.1 format is suitable for both simple and advanced audio systems:

• model name: Creative SB 5.1 VX;
• price: 2000 rubles;
• characteristics: integrated sound card of the 5.1 system;
• pluses: suitable for any computer, the card is connected easily, quickly;
• cons: the sound chips are poorly soldered, which causes audio delays, the microphone connection is unstable.

Creative SB Live! 5.1 is suitable for connecting professional sound systems and studio recording:

• model name: Creative SB Live! 5.1;
• price: 4000 rubles;
• characteristics: 6 outputs of multichannel audio;
• pluses: support for sound extensions of modern computers;
• cons: the card is not suitable for a music lover due to its low bit depth.

Audiophile

True music lovers will appreciate the perfect sound experience with ASUS Sonar Essence audio cards:

• model name: ASUS Sonar Essence STX II 7.1;
• price: 18,000 rubles;
• characteristics: 8 outputs, incl. coaxial S / PDIF;
• pluses: clean reproduction of vocals, instrumental music;
• Cons: Non-SSD hard drives generate strong background noise.

High-quality sound and unique driver tuning solutions will improve the performance of your audio system with ASUS xonar Phoebus:

• model name: ASUS xonar Phoebus;
• price: 10,000 rubles;
• characteristics: 2 analog channels, 2 3.5 mm jacks;
• pluses: all driver settings are on a special banner window;
• cons: lack of technical support.

Headphone

Not all headphones can accurately transmit the audio signal. MOTU Audio Express Converters solve this problem:

• model name: MOTU Audio Express;
• price: 30,000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, coaxial input / output, 2 headphone jacks;
• pluses: sturdy body, clear playback through headphones;
• cons: close arrangement of external controls.

Tascam offers audio cards that help musicians in their work due to excellent signal transmission:

• model name: Tascam US366;
• price: 10,000 rubles;
• Features: USB 2.0, instrument output, phantom power.
• pluses: analog outputs and jack give perfect sound;
• cons: unstable drivers.

For laptops

Notebook audio cards are gaining popularity. External modules will improve the sound:

• model name: Creative X-FI Surround 5.1 Pro;
• price: 5000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 2.0 interface, Asio v.2.0, 5.1 multi-channel sound, 6 analog connectors;
• pluses: headphone amplifier, stylish design;
• cons: does not support Linux OS.

Sound quality on laptops has always been an issue. Solve it with Creative sound blaster:

• model name: Creative sound blaster Omni Surround 5.1;
• price: 9000 rubles;
• characteristics: 24 bit / 96 kHz, 6 audio outputs, connection via USB 2.0, optical S / PDIF output;
• pluses: advanced optimization options for the microphone, headphones;
• cons: may produce digital noise when the load on the central processor increases.

For games

The Sound Blaster series board guarantees complete immersion in the sound world of PC games:

• model name: Creative Sound Blaster X;
• price: 5000 rubles;
• characteristics: 24 bit / 192 kHz, PCI-E interface, 6 multichannel audio outputs, ASIO 2.0;
• pluses: excellent software, compatible with many programs;
• cons: when the sound is amplified, rattling appears, background noise.

Game acoustic module UR22 differs from analogs in the absence of distracting noise:

• model name: Steinberg UR22;
• price: 12,000 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 3.0 interface, 24 bit / 192 kHz, 2 multichannel XLR, Jack, analog outputs;
• pluses: availability of all necessary connectors;
• cons: registering in the driver support program can cause confusion for the user.

Best budget sound card

There are inexpensive audio cards on sale that are not inferior in quality to expensive options:

• model name: ASUS Xonar U3
• price: 1400 rubles;
• characteristics: external audio card, USB 3.0, 2 analog outputs, 16 bit / 42 kHz;
• pluses: excellently improves the sound quality of a low-power device;
• cons: lack of ASIO support.

Creative offers cards that do not exceed 2,000 rubles at a cost:

• model name: Creative SB Play;
• price: 1600 rubles;
• characteristics: USB 1.1, DAC 16 bit / 48 kHz, 2 analog connectors;
• pluses: small, convenient audio card, durability;
• Cons: Output frequency is lower than most internal integrated boards.

How to choose a sound card

To find a suitable audio card for a laptop or computer, pay attention to the following criteria when choosing:

1. Form Factor He is the type of location. An external card is needed only in certain cases, and an internal one is not suitable for every device.
2. Playback sampling rate. Audio file formats may have different requirements for the frequency of the synthesized wave. For a standard MP3 file you need 44.1 kHz, and for a DVD format it is already 192 kHz.
3. Signal to noise level. The higher the value, the better the sound. Standard sound is 70 to 80 decibels, ideal is about 100 dB.

External

The discrete sound card is designed to connect to powerful professional audio systems for near-perfect sound. It is also suitable for fans of computer games in which the sound component plays an important role. Important parameters:

1. Frame. Any external module is subject to potential danger. The casing must be made of impact-resistant material.
2. Connectors and number of channels. The more types the better. Not all audio systems use standard jack, mini-jack, micro-jack outputs.

Internal

The choice of an internal audio card or board is mainly based on the presence of a slot for it or the type of attachment to the motherboard, but there are other criteria:

1. Connection type. The PCI slot was used in older motherboard models; most manufacturers have replaced it with PCI-Express. First, find out which connector is supported by your computer.
2. Mount type. Internal cards can be discrete and integrated. To install the latter, you may need the help of a computer wizard.

Video

Motherboards are equipped with an integrated sound card, but, unfortunately, it does not always produce high-quality sound. If the user needs to improve its quality, then the correct and optimal solution would be to purchase a discrete sound card. In this article, we will tell you what characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing this device.

Difficulty in choosing is made by different parameters for each user separately. Some people only need to play music, while others are interested in high-quality sound. The number of required ports also varies depending on the requirements. Therefore, we recommend that you decide from the very beginning for what purpose you are going to use the device, and then you can proceed to a detailed study of all the characteristics.

Sound card type

There are two types of sound cards. The built-in options are the most common. They are connected to the motherboard through a special connector. These cards are inexpensive, there is always a large selection in stores. If you just want to improve the sound in a stationary computer, then feel free to choose a card of this form factor.

External options are much more expensive and their range is not very large. Almost all of them are connected via USB. In some cases, it is not possible to install a built-in sound card, so users only need to purchase an external model.

I would like to note that there are expensive professional models with the IEEE1394 connection type. Most often they are equipped with preamplifiers, additional optical inputs and outputs, analog and MIDI inputs.

There are also very cheap models, outwardly they look more like a simple USB flash drive. There are two Mini-Jacks and volume up / down buttons. Such options are more often used as a temporary plug in case of the absence or breakdown of the main card.

Rarely are models that use Thunderbolt for connectivity. These audio interfaces are expensive and fast. They use copper and optical cables to achieve speeds of 10 to 20 Gbps. Most often, such sound cards are used for recording instruments, for example, guitar and vocals.

Key features and connectors

There are a number of parameters that should be considered when choosing a model for purchase. Let's take a look at each of them and assess their importance.

1. Sampling frequency... The value of this parameter affects the quality of both recording and playback. It displays the frequency and resolution of converting analog audio to digital and vice versa. For home use, 24 bit / 48 or 96 kHz will be sufficient.
2. Inputs and outputs... Each user needs a different number of connectors in the audio interface. This parameter is selected individually, based on the tasks that the card will perform.
3. Dolby Digital or DTS compatible... Support for this sound standard will be useful to those who use a sound card while watching movies. Dolby Digital creates multichannel surround sound, but it has the disadvantage of highly compressing information.
4. If you are going to connect a synthesizer or MIDI keyboards, make sure the correct model is equipped with the appropriate connectors.
5. To keep the amount of noise to a minimum, you need to take into account the "signal" and "noise ratio" parameters. They are measured in dB. The value should be as high as possible, preferably between 80 and 121 dB.
6. If the card is bought for a PC, then it must definitely support ASIO. In the case of MAC, the data transfer protocol is called Core Audio. The use of these protocols helps record and playback with minimal latency, and provides a universal interface for information input and output.
7. Power issues may arise only for those who choose an external sound card. It is either externally powered or powered by USB or some other connection interface. With a separate power connection, you get better performance as you don't depend on the power of your computer, but on the other hand you need an extra outlet and add another cord.

Advantages of an external sound card

Why are external sound cards more expensive and in what way are they better than built-in options? Let's take a closer look at this.

The best manufacturers and their software

Every modern computer is equipped with a built-in audio chip to reproduce sound quality as if you wanted to buy a music center. By 2017, motherboard manufacturers have achieved music and movie-worthy results with minimal distortion and noise.

But why then does the question of buying a discrete sound card arise?

Why do you need a sound card?

The quality of the embedded audio is suitable for most purposes, but not for:

games where correct stereo panorama and multi-channel positioning are important;

home theater without "smeared" bass and stuttering in the rear speakers;

Hi-Fi acoustics with which the audio source must be from components of an equivalent category.

Integrated sound cards are inferior to discrete ones in equipment, signal-to-noise level at the output and in frequency range. They lack technologies for "rendering" volumetric scenes, competent decomposition of the panoramic spectrum and many other functions.

The best sound card for gaming

Ambience and immersion come first. Remember Fallout 4 and the monstrous claws of death, this terrible stomp and screams with wild echoes around the Commonwealth ...

ASUS STRIX DLX (SRIX RAID DLX)

ASUS Strix DLX gaming sound card (less expensive models - Strix PRO and Strix SOAR) frees the processor from processing at its own expense and presents mind-blowing driver-level settings. She can even visualize sources in the overlay! Crystal clear sound is provided by anti-jamming hardware components.

Pros of the Audio Strix DLX sound card:

124 dB (instead of 90 dB for built-in sound cards);

Top audio processor CM6632AX (384 KHz / 24 bit), DAC ESS ES9016 and ADC CS5381;

External volume control with additional interfaces;

A software package of tools for fine tuning the sound of Sonic Studio.

ASUS Strix Raid DLX Price near 16,000 rubles.

The best sound card for home theater

Finding the right sound source for playing the latest Dolby Atmos or DTS: X for movies audio tracks is difficult. Both technologies in the case of HTPC (home theater based on a PC) are designed to transmit an audio-video signal from a video card with an HDMI connector via a cable to an AV receiver and then to a TV set.

It turns out that the sound card in the HTPC assembly is becoming an unnecessary component? No matter how it is.

ASUS XONAR D2 / PM

Designed to complement the home theater system and feed the already tuned sound to the receiver. It is characterized by sound isolated from external interference with support for additional frequency settings. The D2 / PM model differs in surround scenes within the licensed systems Dolby Home Theater, Dolby Digital Live, DTS Connect and others, deciding how to connect a home theater to a sound card.

Pluses of the Audio Xonar D2 / PM sound card:

Up to 118 dB at the output;

Dolby and DTS technologies, which work not only in films, but also in games, music, sound recording;

ASUS AV200 audio processor (192 kHz / 24 bit);

Noise-immune analog output to a 7.1-channel receiver;

Possibilities for presetting multichannel audio.

ASUS Xonar D2 / PM price is 11,290 rubles.

Best Sound Card for Hi-Fi Audio

When it comes to the "tube" or "warm" sound of music on a computer, in order to reveal every voice note of your favorite performer on expensive Hi-Fi acoustics, in 2017 we are again forced to turn to ASUS.

ASUS Essence

As a rule, audiophiles use only stereos or high-impedance headphones to play music in FLAC or digitalized in 24-bit records. In this sense, ASUS has achieved epochal quality with a high signal-to-noise ratio and built-in amplifier. However, it has capabilities for exemplary output of multichannel tracks in movies.

Pros of the ASUS Essence sound card:

Up to 124 dB at the output;

Headphone amplifier with impedance up to 600 ohms;

ASUS AV100 audio processor (192 kHz / 24 bit); DAC Burr-Brown PCM 1792A;

Lots of additional settings for stereo sound;

Noise-resistant analog two-channel and separate multichannel paths;

The operational amplifiers are directly in the connectors and can be replaced.

ASUS Essence STX price roughly 23,000 rubles.