Choosing the right sound card for your system can be a daunting task, since there are dozens of them out there. To help you out, we’ve detailed some of the finest PC sound cards/amplifiers in the market. Among these are PCIe-based options (best suited for desktops) such as ASUS Essence STX II, as well as USB-powered models (ideal for laptops, and even gaming consoles) like Creative Sound BlasterX G6. Read all about them, and make an informed decision! The card is manufactured using exclusive “Hyper Grounding” fabrication technology, which reduces distortion/interference and ensures better signal insulation. Talking about connectivity and I/O options, the Xonar SE includes four 3.5mm audio ports, one S/PDIF port (with TOSLINK), as well as a front audio header. The PCIe sound card is powered by a Cmedia 6620A audio processor, and comes with a low-profile bracket that allows it to be installed in smaller cases without any issues. Its audio parameters (e.g. equalizer profiles, level balancing) can be easily configured via the companion software application. For connectivity and I/O, you get two 3.5mm audio ports, a 6.3mm audio port, RCA L/R ports, and an S/PDIF (with TOSLINK passthrough) port. The NU Audio 712-P1-AN01-KR features a 16-600ohm headphone amplifier (with independent analog control), and its companion software program lets you configure everything from virtual surround to equalizer settings with little to no effort. However, the card’s best feature is its companion “Audio Control Module” unit, which allows you to effortlessly adjust the volume level using a convenient knob. In addition to that, it also has a built-in microphone array, two 3.5mm audio ports, and two 6.3mm audio ports for hassle-free I/O and connectivity. Speaking of which, the Sound Blaster AE-7, itself, comes with five 3.5mm audio ports and a TOSLINK port. The PCIe sound card is powered by a dedicated “Sound Core3D” audio processor, and you can adjust a wide array of settings (e.g. recording resolution, encoding format) via its companion software utility. The external sound card also includes a discrete 600ohm headphone amplifier, which amplifies both audio channels individually. In terms of connectivity and I/O options, the Sound BlasterX G6 comes with two 3.5mm audio ports, two Optical TOSLINK ports, and a microUSB port. You get a single side-mounted dial for easily controlling both gameplay audio and mic volume, and the companion software program can be used to adjust everything from Dolby Digital effects to noise reduction settings. You also get a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 108dB, while the new LMH6643 op-amp inside turns the unit into a 150ohm headphone amplifier. As far as I/O and connectivity go, the E10K comes with two 3.5mm audio ports, a coaxial audio port, and a MicroUSB port. Some other noteworthy features include a convenient volume control dial and a slim aluminum case with a brushed metal finish.
What to Look for in a PC Sound Card
Audio quality - The overall audio quality of a sound card is an extremely complicated equation that takes into account things like signal-to-noise ratio, frequency response, and total harmonic distortion. You generally want a sound card with signal-to-noise ratio over 100dB, but the best sound cards are in the 124dB range, which is a significant improvement. Channels - A lot of decent, budget-friendly sound cards typically support 5.1 channel audio, but you can spend a little more to get one that can handle 7.1 surround sound. Some are even capable of upmixing 5.1 channel audio to 7.1, which is great if your headphones support 7.1 channels and your audio sources don’t. Connectivity - Look for a sound card that has the jacks you need to plug in all of your equipment. Basic sound cards have 3.5mm jacks that work fine with most headphones and headsets, but look for one with RCA jacks or a TOSLINK optical connection if you’re hooking up to audio equipment that requires those types of connections.
