On the front sits a 3.5 mm Headphone port, bridged to an integrated amp suited for 32-150 Ohm impedance. The U7 can even detect when headphones are plugged in or unplugged, and immediately switch between outputs. The same knob controls volume on every source independently, so switching from Speakers to Headphones doesn’t blow out your ears. Let’s take a look:Ī single dial on top controls the volume of all “Headphone”, “Speaker”, and “SPDIF” outputs, which are toggled through by pressing down on the dial. But what lies inside the U7 is what really makes it shine. Everything fits into a compact chassis, great for computing on the go, or even as a low profile desktop unit.īesides the golden color trim, the U7 is unassuming at first. As a 7.1-channel sound card, headphone amplifier, and DAC in one, the U7 is an integral member of the Xonar family. Luckily, ASUS’ Xonar U7 USB sound card is an on-point choice for sound performance, features, and simplicity, all for a under $100. The generic “HD Audio Device” chip is king, supplying the very basic multi-channel options and sample rates - disregarding the infrastructure, component quality, and connectivity that makes a true audio device.įor consumers that don’t want to settle for lacking audio quality, finding a value product without making compromises is difficult. Mainboard manufacturers always push the latest and greatest integrated devices, but onboard audio is often left behind.

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