The 10 Best Sound Cards

Photo of author

By Timileyin Olanrewaju

Published

This Itechguide is a pick of the 10 best sound cards. The sound cards are listed in reverse order with the 10th card on top. The best (at number 1) is discussed last.

StarTech 7.1

Image via Startech

Ranking at no 10 in my pick of the best sound card is “StarTech 7.1 Channel Sound Card”.

This gadget can be used with different types of audio devices. It has SPDIF port, which is a digital audio interconnect in audio devices. Hence, it sends audio output over a short distance. The device is designed to be able to work with low profile computers. Therefore, it is perfect for home theater systems.

Furthermore, it has diverse input options that allow you to connect multiple devices to your computer. With the SPDIF input jack, your recording mode becomes easy and cool.

Finally, “StarTech 7.1” makes your listening experience perfect, allow you to mix professionally and gives you a superb quality sound.

Sound Blaster AE-5

Best Sound Card: Sound blaster AE-5
Image credit: us.creative.com

“Sound Blaster AE-5” is no 9 in my pick of the best sound card.

“Sound Blaster AE-5” is a classic hi-resolution audio sound card for games. Also, it is perfect for music, and movies. The device audio enhancement is so superb that you may even hear a pin drop!

It offers a discrete headphone amplifier that improves the sound signal of your headset. Finally, it has RGB lighting which displays beautifully while in use.

“Sound Blaster AE-5” is a good one. If you want the best sound card to improve your gaming experience, you can count on this device.

Asus Essence STX II 7.1

Image via Asus

Ranking at no 8 in my pick of the best sound card is “Asus Essence STX II 7.1”

This gadget is one of the best sound cards suitable for music production. In addition, it enhances a mix of vocals, on-stage performance, and studio recording. Its headphone output reaches a fantastic 120-dB SNR, filtering out every noise. Therefore, it is a top-notch headphone amplifier of 600ohm impedance, which allows no distortion at a louder level.

Finally, it has an additional gain for in-ear monitors (IEMs). This device is a multichannel daughterboard. Hence, it delivers true 7.1-channel surround with an accuracy of 120-dB SNR outputs.

If you looking for a top sound device for a studio mixing. “Asus Essence STX II 7.1” is an interesting one for you.

Sound Blaster ZxR

Best Sound Card: Sound Blaster ZxR
Image credit: us.creative.com

Ranked no 7 in my pick of the best sound card is “Sound Blaster ZxR”.

“Blaster ZxR” is an astounding one – having multiple input and output ports. It allows you to use external equalizers that produces great sound. More so, the gadget has good bass, smart volume, and noise reduction that improves your gaming experience.

This device has SNR of 124-dB, which makes your audio more than 99.99% perfect. Furthermore, the gadget is over 89.1 times better than on-board (audio devices attached to a motherboard) audio devices.

Finally, “Blaster ZxR” also supports studio-quality headphones with up to 600-ohm impedance.

If you want the best sound card for music production, “Sound Blaster ZxR” is a perfect choice.

ASUS Xonar DSX

Image via Asus

“Asus Xonar Dsx” takes the 6th position in my pick of the best sound card.

This device has 105-dB output SNR and 103-dB input SNR that reduces every bit of noise. It offers maximum recording quality, which gives clean and clear recording. In addition, this device offers replaceable op-amp support for more output channels. Hence, giving it the ability to power 7.1-speaker home theater systems.

“Asus Xonar Dsx” allows you to create your favorite listening experience with ease. If you use it, you will really enjoy it.

Sound Blaster Audigy RX 7.1

Best Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy RX 7.1
Image credit: us.creative.com

Taking the 5th spot in my pick of the best sound card is “Sound Blaster Audigy RX 7.1”

This device is built with hardware-accelerated EAX effects. This permits the device to add many types of sound effects with ease. It is a 7.1 multichannel audio that features an SNR of 106dB – making it superb for music production. This device works easily with almost all studio headphones.

“Sound Blaster Audigy RX 7.1” is arguably one of the best sound cards. It produces top-quality sounds.

Sound Blaster Z PCIe Gaming Sound Card

Ranking at no 4 in my pick of best sound card is “Sound Blaster Z PCIe”

This device has a great audio performance of 116-dB SNR, offering about 99% audio sound quality. It allows you to listen to music in a direct mode without using an amplifier.

Finally, it has a unique studio technology that brings out the best in your gaming audio by a 3D sound effect. The sound card has a crystal clear communication that silence echoes, noise and focuses on your voice.

If you use “Sound Blaster Z PCIe” for gaming, you will find it smart and unique.

ASUS Xonar U5 External Sound Card

Best Sound Card: ASUS Xonar U5 External Sound Card
Image credit: Asus

Taking the 3rd position in my pick of the best sound card is “ASUS Xonar U5”.

This device is built with a compact USB-powered device that gives true 5.1-channel HD surround sound. “ASUS Xonar U5” comes with an independent microphone and a master-volume controller.

It greatly filters noise through its Perfect Voice technology. Therefore, it gives a clear communication output. It also has an integrated headphone amplifier which pushes up every sound. Thus, it gives every sound detail when you use a headset.

“ASUS Xonar U5” is one of the best sound card with great features. If you use it, you will find it amazing.

Xonar U7 MKII

Image via Asus

“Xonar U7 MKII” takes the 2nd position in my pick of the best sound card.

This device provides the best experience for gaming and media streaming. It has “Hyper Grounding technology” that tends to reduce distortion and disturbance.

“Xonar U7 MKII” also has an integrated headphone amplifier with ability to reveal all sound details. In addition, it has a 114dB SNR which gives perfect audio clarity. Hence, it is better than the other average onboard SNR.

Finally, this device comes with a clickable volume control knob. So, switching between the headphone and speaker output is easy.

If you are looking for the best sound card for gaming, “Xonar U7 MKII” is the right choice.

Sound Blaster X7

Best Sound Card: Sound Blaster X7
Image credit: Soundblaster

Finally, at no 1 in my pick of the best sound card is “Sound Blaster X7”.

This gadget is an impressive all-in-one solution for gaming, music, and movies. It is a high-resolution headphone amplifier with bluetooth connectivity.

Furthermore, it has a DAC of 600-ohm which pumps up sounds. Hence, revealing every detail of sound communication with clarity. It also has a voice technology enhancer for audio pickup and voice focusing. Therefore, making all sounds smooth without interference and distortion.

“Blaster X7” is a top-notch device. It is quite a spectacle, you will surely love it.

I hope you found this Itechguide pick helpful. If you did, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below.

You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.

Finally, if you like to read more posts on music and video streaming guides, visit our Music & video Streaming page.

About the Author

Photo of author

Timileyin Olanrewaju

Timileyin Olanrewaju, Technical Writer at Itechguides.com, holds a B.Sc in Computer Science. Passionate about movies, video games, and gadgets, he specializes in writing gadget buying guides, app and software reviews, as well as critiques of movies and video games on the site.

Related Articles

Get in Touch

We're committed to writing accurate content that informs and educates. To learn more, read our Content Writing Policy, Content Review Policy, Anti-plagiarism Policy, and About Us.

However, if this content does not meet your expectations, kindly reach out to us through one of the following means:

  1. Respond to "Was this page helpful?" above
  2. Leave a comment with the "Leave a Comment" form below
  3. Email us at [email protected] or via the Contact Us page.
Send this to a friend