Soundcards

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Buying Guide

ASUS Essence STX II 7.1
from $320.20
at 8 stores Compare Prices
ASUS Xonar DGX
from $51.99
at 8 stores Compare Prices
Creative Sound Blaster Z
from $109.99
at 3 stores Compare Prices
Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Surround 5.1 Pro
from $71.99
at 5 stores Compare Prices
ASUS Xonar DG
from $34.99
at 9 stores Compare Prices

Choosing your soundcard

Check the compatibility in your PC or laptop

When you want to hear audio from your PC or laptop, you want it real good. So, you must invest in an expansion soundcard. These are soundcards that you insert into one of the expansion slots of the motherboard. Here is where you need to be a bit careful. If you buy a PCI soundcard, your motherboard should have a PCI slot. It wouldn’t go into a PCI-E slot and for that you need a compatible soundcard. You can get rid of all these issues with a USB 2.0 or higher soundcard that requires no slots in the motherboard. But your PC should have USB 2.0 or higher slot.

How about multi-channel soundcards?

If you are into recording music or audio, a multi-channel soundcard is what you need. However, to get a multi-channel soundcard to show its potential, it is important that you have an appropriate PC or laptop. You can add some plugins and you will get benefits like reverb duty and flanging and echo effects. You will also be able to enhance and compress the audio and parametric EQ can be included. You can even record separate audio tracks and mix them in real time.

Soundcards with connectors

If you have a home theatre and want to connect it with your PC or laptop, there are specific soundcards available. These soundcards have connectors like TOSLINK through which the audio can be transmitted to any external receiver. Some of the soundcards may also have an external box for connection and managing the audio controls. The external soundcard box can be fitted into one of the spare drives of your PC or you may just let it sit atop your computer.

The types of soundcards available

Depending on your requirement, there are different kinds of soundcards that you can buy from the online market.

Standard soundcards

These soundcards are used for listening to audio in media files. Because these soundcards are external and they can produce much better sound, these are highly in demand. Everyone who wants to use their PC for entertainment purposes uses one of these soundcards, as they have low distortion and high signal to noise ratio.

Recording soundcards

These soundcards can be used on laptops to record music. They are ideal for musicians and music artists who want to create their own music at home. You can also expect ASIO driver support for the recording software in these soundcards and also multiple audio channel support.

Gaming soundcards

Gaming soundcards, as the name suggests, are specially designed for computer game enthusiasts. These high-end soundcards have features like real-time effects and environmental and positional effects. The sound generated by these soundcards is astonishingly real and they can make the gamers feel inside their games.

3D soundcards

These soundcards are more used for positional sound effects. To really get the best out of them, you need more than two basic speakers. If you have a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system, your gaming experience is bound to be fantastic and lifelike.

Top soundcards for each use

Best PCI-E soundcards

You can go the established way and use a PCI-E soundcard. Just make sure that your PC or laptop has a PCI-E slot where you can fit your soundcard.

The bestselling PCI-E soundcards available in the market include:

- Creative Sound Blaster Z (photo 1)

- Creative Sound Card 30SB150200000 Sound Blaster Z PCI-EXPRESS

- Creative Sound Blaster Zx

- ASUS Xonar DX

- HT OMEGA Amp 124 OMEGA EClaro 7 1 Channels PCI Express X1 Interface Sound Card

Best PCI soundcards

On the other hand, you can always opt for one of the PCI soundcards provided your PC or laptop has a PCI slot. The better the soundcard, better is the sound output for you.

For the best performance in PCI soundcards consider products like:

- Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Rx

- HT OMEGA FENIX Sound Card

- Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx

- ASUS Xonar Essence STX (photo 2)

- Creative Sound Blaster ZxR

Best USB soundcard for easy compatibility

And of course, you could decide to opt for a USB soundcard to avoid any hassle. Some of the top products to choose from in this category are:

- Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1

- Vantec USB External 7.1 Channel Audio Adapter NBA-200U

- C2G Digital to Analog Audio Converter (DAC) Sound card (photo 3)

- Creative Labs Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD Sound card USB 2.0

- StarTech.com USB Stereo Audio Adapter External Sound Card with SPDIF Digital Audio

Creative Labs (47)
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Vantec (4)

Yes, most of the PCs have basic support for audio with the motherboard containing an integrated audio chip. However, the sound generated is very basic and the audio handling is done by the CPU, thus eating up resources that you would otherwise need. If you really want a PC that can also work as a home theatre for you, then an external soundcard is what you should consider seriously. Here is the guide to find the soundcard you need: Read Buying Guide

2. StarTech.com Audio USB Adapter - 1 x Type A Male USB - 1 x Mini-phone Female Audio In, 1 x Mini-phone Female Audio Out (ICUSBAUDIOB) - 0 / 0
  DescriptionConnector on First End: 1 x Type A Male USB 2.0 USBConnector on Second End: 1 x Mini-phone Female Audio In1 x Mini-phone Female Audio...
3. Store:
4. $17.85
  
  ~~$30.99~~ -42%
2. StarTech.com 7.1 Channel Sound Card - PCI Express - 24-bit - 192KHz - 7.1 Sound Channels - Internal - C-Media CM8828 - PCI Express x1 (PEXSOUND7CH) -
  DescriptionAudio Processor Manufacturer: C-MediaAudio Processor Model: CM8828Host Interface: PCI Express x1Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 92 dBSound...
3. Store:
4. $64.28
  
  ~~$100.99~~ -36%
2. StarTech.com USB 2.0 to Audio Adapter - Sound card - stereo - Hi-Speed USB - 1 x Type A Male USB - 1 x Mini-phone Female Audio In (ICUSBAUDIO) - StarT
  DescriptionConnector on First End: 1 x Type A Male USB 2.0 USBConnector on Second End: 1 x Mini-phone Female Audio In1 x Mini-phone Female Audio...
3. Store:
4. $17.67
  
  ~~$28.99~~ -39%
2. ASUS Essence STX II 7.1
  
  Compare prices for this product - ASUS
3. from $320.20
  
  ~~$337.99~~ -5%
  from 8 stores
2. ASUS Xonar DGX
  
  Compare prices for this product - ASUS
3. from $51.99
  
  from 8 stores
2. Creative Sound Blaster Z
  
  Compare prices for this product - Creative Labs
3. from $109.99
  
  from 3 stores
2. Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Surround 5.1 Pro
  
  Compare prices for this product - Creative Labs
3. from $71.99
  
  from 5 stores
2. ASUS Xonar DG
  
  Compare prices for this product - ASUS
3. from $34.99
  
  from 9 stores
2. Creative Sound Blaster Zx
  
  Compare prices for this product - Creative Labs
3. from $137.99
  
  from 4 stores
2. Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1
  
  Compare prices for this product - Creative Labs
3. from $84.99
  
  from 6 stores
2. Sound Blaster Zx PCIe Sound Card - 24 bit DAC Data Width - 5.1 Sound Channels - Internal - Creative - PCI Express x1 - 116 dB, 105 dB, (70SB150600000)
  DescriptionAudio Processor Manufacturer: CreativeHost Interface: PCI Express x1Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 116 dB105 dBDAC Data Width: 24 bitSound... More
3. Store:
4. $137.21
2. Creative Sound Blaster Audigy Fx
  
  Compare prices for this product - Creative Labs
3. from $49.99
  
  from 3 stores
2. ASUS Xonar DX
  
  Compare prices for this product - ASUS
3. from $112.46
  
  from 9 stores
2. Asus PCI-Express x1 Sound Card XONAR ESSENCE STX/90-YAA0C0-0UAN00Z (XONAR ESSENCE STX /90-YAA0C0-0UAN00Z)
  Hi-FI headphone amplifier Main stereo RCA out, headphone out, SPDIF out, line in (Mic in) Other frount audio header, Aux in, S/PDIF header Sound...
  
  ASUS Xonar Essence STX - ASUS
3. Store: Qualified orders over $25 ship FREE
4. $491.46
2. Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z PCI-E Gaming Sound Card - 24-BIT / 192KHZ Audio Output (70SB150000000)
  Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z PCI-E Gaming Sound Card - 24-BIT / 192KHZ Audio Output (70SB150000000) Creative Labs Sound Blaster Z PCI-E Gaming Sound Card - 24-BIT / 192KHZ Audio Output (70SB150000000)
3. Store: Visit NCIX.com/promotion for more weekly specials
4. $129.98
2. Sound Blaster Zx PCIe Sound Card - 24 bit DAC Data Width - 5.1 Sound Channels - Internal - Creative - PCI Express x1 (70SB150600000)
  Sound Blaster Zx PCIe Sound Card - 24 bit DAC Data Width - 5.1 Sound Channels - Internal - Creative - PCI Express x1 (70SB150600000)
3. Store:
4. $134.78
2. Creative Technology, Ltd Sound Blaster Zx PCIe Sound Card (70SB150600000)
  Sound Blaster Zx PCIe Sound Card - 24 bit DAC Data Width - 5.1 Sound Channels - Internal - Creative - PCI Express x1 - 116 dB, 105 dB, 105 dB - 1 x... Creative Technology, Ltd Sound Blaster Zx PCIe Sound Card (70SB150600000)
3. Store:
4. $148.49
2. ASUS Xonar U3
  
  Compare prices for this product - ASUS
3. from $82.43
  
  from 2 stores
2. Sound Blaster X7 High Resolution USB DAC, Bluetooth and Audio Amplifier - 5.1 Sound Channels - External - Creative SB (70SB158000000)
  Sound Blaster X7 High Resolution USB DAC, Bluetooth and Audio Amplifier - 5.1 Sound Channels - External - Creative SB (70SB158000000)
3. Store:
4. $410.46
2. Creative Sound Blaster X7 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth Connectivity (X7)
  High resolution 127db DAC delivers audio with high clarity and details Stereo direct lets you listen to original unprocessed music at the amazing...
  
  Creative Sound Blaster X7 - Creative Labs
3. Store: Qualified orders over $25 ship FREE
4. $453.50
  
  ~~$539.99~~ -16%
2. PreSonus AudioBox USB
  
  Compare prices for this product - PreSonus
3. from $125
  
  from 4 stores
2. ASUS Xonar U7
  
  Compare prices for this product - ASUS
3. from $137.95
  
  from 2 stores
2. Creative Labs Sound Blaster E3 HD Headphone Amplifier w/ Bluetooth Wireless Connection (70SB161000000)
  Creative Labs Sound Blaster E3 HD Headphone Amplifier w/ Bluetooth Wireless Connection (70SB161000000) Creative Labs Sound Blaster E3 HD Headphone Amplifier w/ Bluetooth Wireless Connection (70SB161000000)
3. Store: Visit NCIX.com/promotion for more weekly specials
4. $149.98
2. ASUS STRIX RAID DLX
  
  Compare prices for this product - ASUS
3. from $284.69
  
  from 6 stores
2. Creative Soundblaster X-Fi Go Pro USB Audio System with THX SB1290 (70SB129000000)
  Portable Sound Blaster X-Fi sound card in compact USB stick format THX TruStudio Pro Surround converts your movies and games into virtual 3D...
  
  Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Go! Pro - Creative Labs
3. Store: Qualified orders over $25 ship FREE
4. $75.75
2. Audioengine D1
  
  Compare prices for this product - Audioengine
3. from $229.99
  
  from 2 stores
2. DIAMOND XS71UV2 Xtreme Sound External USB Sound Card
  DIAMOND XS71UV2 7.1 Channels 16-bit 48KHz USB Interface Xtreme Sound External USB Sound Card DIAMOND XS71UV2 Xtreme Sound External USB Sound Card
3. Store: Newegg.ca - Once you know, you Newegg!
4. $54.99
2. Creative Sound Blaster E1 (70SB160000000) Sound Card (70SB160000000)
  Creative Sound Blaster E1 (70SB160000000) 24-bit 48KHz USB Interface Sound Card Creative Sound Blaster E1 (70SB160000000) Sound Card (70SB160000000)
3. Store: Newegg.ca - Once you know, you Newegg!
4. $59.99
2. HT | OMEGA Sound Card (Halo USB)
  HT | OMEGA DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Sources supporting - Native 2.8Mhz (DSD64) / 5.6Mhz (DSD 128) USB Interface Sound Card HT | OMEGA Sound Card (Halo USB)
3. Store: Newegg.ca - Once you know, you Newegg!
4. $249.99
2. Creative Labs Sound Blaster E1 Portable USB DAC Headphone Amp - 106DB SIGNAL-TO-NOISE Ratio (70SB160000000)
  Creative Labs Sound Blaster E1 Portable USB DAC Headphone Amp - 106DB SIGNAL-TO-NOISE Ratio (70SB160000000) Creative Labs Sound Blaster E1 Portable USB DAC Headphone Amp - 106DB SIGNAL-TO-NOISE Ratio (70SB160000000)
3. Store: Visit NCIX.com/promotion for more weekly specials
4. $69.99
2. Creative Sound Blaster R3 Audio Recording Starter Kit for YouTube 70SB154000000 (70SB154000000)
  Creative Sound Blaster R3 Audio Recording Starter Kit for YouTube 70SB154000000 Creative Sound Blaster R3 Audio Recording Starter Kit for YouTube 70SB154000000 (70SB154000000)
3. Store: Newegg.ca - Once you know, you Newegg!
4. $119.99
  
  ~~$129.99~~ -8%
2. Creative Labs Sound Blaster R3 24-BIT 48KHZ Youtube Studio USB Audio Interface (70SB154000000)
  Creative Labs Sound Blaster R3 24-BIT 48KHZ Youtube Studio USB Audio Interface (70SB154000000) Creative Labs Sound Blaster R3 24-BIT 48KHZ Youtube Studio USB Audio Interface (70SB154000000)
3. Store: Visit NCIX.com/promotion for more weekly specials
4. $112.70
2. Creative Sound BlasterX G5 Sound Card (70SB170000000-CA)
  Creative Sound BlasterX G5 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz USB Interface Sound Card Creative Sound BlasterX G5 Sound Card (70SB170000000-CA)
3. Store: Newegg.ca - Once you know, you Newegg!
4. $169.99
  
  ~~$179.99~~ -6%
2. Startech 7.1 USB Audio Adapter ICUSBAUDIO7D
  
  Compare prices for this product - StarTech.com
3. from $20.55
  
  from 9 stores
2. Creative Sound Blaster Digital Music Premium HD USB External Sound Card 70SB124000002 (Black) (70SB124000001)
  Premium USB Sound Blaster quality THX TruStudio Pro for unprecedented audio realism Direct recording from your turntable Superior headphone...
  
  Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD - Creative Labs
3. Store: Qualified orders over $25 ship FREE
4. $119.99
2. Asus Xonar DSX Intel Centrino2 PCI Express 7.1-channel Audio Card - 7.1 Sound Channels - Internal - ASUS AV66 - PCI Express x1 - 107 - (XONAR DSX) - 0
  DescriptionAudio Processor Manufacturer: ASUSAudio Processor Model: AV66Host Interface: PCI Express x1Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 107 dBSound... More
3. Store:
4. $76.88
2. Sound Blaster Z PCIe Sound Card - 24 bit DAC Data Width - 5.1 Sound Channels - Internal - Creative - PCI Express x1 - (70SB150000000)
  Sound Blaster Z PCIe Sound Card - 24 bit DAC Data Width - 5.1 Sound Channels - Internal - Creative - PCI Express x1 - (70SB150000000)
3. Store:
4. $107.06
2. Apogee MiC Digital Microphone - H8309ZM/D
  Apogee's MiC microphone helps you easily record your singing, acoustic guitar, or any instrument directly into your iPad, iPhone, or Mac with...
  
  Apogee MiC - Apogee Electronics
3. Store:
4. $299.95
2. DIAMOND Xtreme Sound External USB Sound Card - 7.1 Sound Channels - External - USB - 48 kHz Maximum Playback Sampling Rate - 2 x Number of Microphone Ports - 1 x Number of Audio Line In - 1 x Number of Headphone Ports - 1 x Number of Audio Line Out - S/PDIF In - S/PDIF Out - 1 x Number of Digital A
  DIAMOND Xtreme Sound External USB Sound Card - 7.1 Sound Channels - External - USB - 48 kHz Maximum Playback Sampling Rate - 2 x Number of Microphone Ports - 1 x Number of Audio Line In - 1 x Number of Headphone Ports - 1 x Number of Audio Line Out - S/PDIF In - S/PDIF Out - 1 x Number of Digital A
3. Store: Canada’s Technology Source Since 2003
4. $52.99
2. Manhattan Hi-Speed USB 3D 7.1 Sound Adapter - 7.1 Sound Channels - External - USB 2.0 - 1 x Number of Microphone Ports - 1 x Number of Headphone Ports (151429)
  Manhattan Hi-Speed USB 3D 7.1 Sound Adapter - 7.1 Sound Channels - External - USB 2.0 - 1 x Number of Microphone Ports - 1 x Number of Headphone Ports (151429)
3. Store: Canada’s Technology Source Since 2003
4. $14.99
2. Lexicon Omega
  
  Compare prices for this product - Lexicon
3. from $239.95
  
  from 1 store
2. Tripp Lite USB External Sound Card Microphone Speaker Virtual 7.1 Channel - 7.1 Sound Channels - External - USB - 1 x (U237-001)
  Tripp Lite USB External Sound Card Microphone Speaker Virtual 7.1 Channel - 7.1 Sound Channels - External - USB - 1 x (U237-001)
3. Store:
4. $18.26
2. MANHATTAN 150859 Electronic Gadgets (150859)
  MANHATTAN 150859 Electronic Gadgets MANHATTAN 150859 Electronic Gadgets (150859)
3. Store: Newegg.ca - Once you know, you Newegg!
4. $12.99