Make the most of your favorite music or video games of the moment with one of the best PC sound cards!
Today we will talk about what is perhaps the component of the PC that enjoys the least consideration when deciding to assemble a new one. Yes, I'm talking about the audio card.
Although over the years, motherboard-integrated sound cards have made significant strides in terms of quality, resulting in more than enough for most users, audiophiles and gamers who want an immersive experience they must focus on a dedicated sound card.
We will see sound cards for both desktop PCs and portable devices, such as notebooks, but also tablets and smartphones, selected according to the DAC e to the Amplifier inside them, without forgetting the available inputs and outputs, for connecting headphones or audio systems.
Index
Best internal sound cards for PC
Creative Sound Blaster AE-9 - Best sound cards for PC
Creative Sound Blaster AE 9 is Creative's niche product for PCI-e internal sound cards.
In addition to the actual sound card to be inserted inside the PC, the package also includes theAudio Control Module, to be placed on the desk, which allows you to quickly check the audio settings.
The beating heart of this card is the DAC ESS ES9038 SABRE (32 bit / 384kHz with 129 dB DNR / SNR) and a double Amplifier capable of driving headphones up to a maximum impedance of 600Ω.
Multiple inputs and outputs, suitable for the most varied uses. On the Audio Control Module we find:
- an XLR3 connector for studio microphones
- a 3.5mm microphone jack
- two headphone outputs, one 3.5mm and 6.3mm
- an RCA input on the back to connect MP3 players, smartphones, CD players, etc.
On the board instead we have:
- an RCA output
- two 3.5 mm jack outputs (one of which is dedicated to the subwoofer)
- an optical output
- one optical input
The cost is typical of a high-end product, justified by the excellent technical data sheet. In fact, we are talking about a recommended price of 340 €.
Creative compatible Sound Blaster AE-9PE, High-End Soundkarte - DAC/PCIe - 70SB178000001
ASUS Essence STX II 7.1 - Best sound cards for PC
Another top of the range card, ASUS Essence STX II 7.1 it houses inside the DAC PCM1792A by Texas Instruments (24bit / 192kHz with 124 dB DNR / SNR) and an Amplifier that guarantees support for headphones with a maximum impedance of 600Ω.
On the connections side we have a 6.35mm jack for headphones, RCA Stereo, a Coaxial / Optical output, and a 6.35mm Line-in / Mic-in combo jack.
Also in this case the price is from the top of the range proposal, oscillating between 250 and 300 €.
Asus Essence STX II 7.1 Sound Card, PCIe, Black - Hi-Fi quality 7.1 channel sound card with 124dB SNR purity level, quality headphone amplifier and TCXO Premium clock source
ASUS Xonar AE - Best sound cards for PC
Asus Xonar AE is Asus' proposal as regards the low end (price), but without sacrificing too much audio quality and performance.
The DAC is a ESS ES9023P (24bit / 192KHz with 112dB DNR), while theAMP it is certainly not among the most powerful around, being capable of driving headphones with a maximum impedance of 150Ω, making this card more appealing to gamers than audiophiles.
There are 7 connectors available: 2 outputs (3.5mm jack for headphones and SPDIF) and 5 inputs (Mic / Line In, Front, Rear, Center and Side).
At a price of about 60 € the Xonar AE is suitable for those looking for something better than motherboard on-board audio but without breaking the bank.
ASUS Xonar AE Internal 7.1 channel PCI-E - Excellent quality product, reliable material
Best external sound cards for PC
Creative Sound BlasterX G6 - Best sound cards for PC
Creative Sound BlasterX G6, heir to the previous G5 model, it houses a DSD 32-bit / 384 kHz and 130 dB DAC and an amplifier that allows you to use headphones from 16 to 600Ω impedance.
As with most of Creative's recent line-up, this one too Creative Sound BlasterX G6 supports Super X-FI holographic audio technology, which promises to reproduce sounds as if you were surrounded by a set of surround speakers.
On the back, besides the door Micro-USB we find theoptical input (Optical In) is aoptical output (Optical Out), to take audio to, for example, an amplifier and a set of speakers.
In the front there is space for the volume control knob, the 3.5mm headphone jack for headphones and another 3.5mm jack for microphone input.
The price is very attractive: it is proposed in fact to 150 €, but it is often possible to find it in promotion at an even more attractive price.
