Need for external sound card appears in at least two cases – if interference from the computer’s power circuits make use of the internal card uncomfortable or if necessary to obtain high-quality sound comes from the owner of the laptop. Criteria for selection of a particular model depends on the main purpose of the system – listening to music or playing games and watching movies. The former requires a stereo DAC with preamp, in the second – a multichannel system.

Conversion of PC home entertainment center can be implemented in two ways: either use “appliances”, or select “computer” components.

The first option is simple: take an HDMI cable and connect the PC to the receiver, then, on another cable HDMI, direct image on the big screen (TV, projector) and enjoy. In fact, simplicity is deceptive. First, this solution requires a lot of space and most likely will not demand to organize one “working” space. Secondly, it is a set of expensive.

The second option assumes the maximum use of the components of the computer world. And consider it. Least because it smaller and cheaper, and more (using a laptop) can easily become mobile.

System will build around an external sound card Asus Xonar U7. It is inexpensive, easy to use, compact and powered by USB.

Design

Little black box with a thin gold rim and handle an impressive washer switch on the top panel. Looks stylish and pleasant to the touch, is of little use for fingerprinting (clean hands do not leave fingerprints).

Most connectors are located on the rear panel. Here the keyword “majority”. The front panel only got headphone (3.5 mm jack) and a mic / line input with volume control rocker. And it creates a certain disadvantage: when you connect the device to a PC and peripherals begins to resemble a spider – cords sticking out from both sides of the housing. Situation could save wall-mount (like modems and routers), but the holes on the bottom of the case is not. There are only four rubber feet and switch between antique and mainstream USB 1 USB 2.

Back on the rear panel. The digital part is represented USB, as well as coaxial and optical outputs (composite connector, fiber optic cable is connected via the supplied adapter).

Followed by three mini-jack, are responsible for the sound output in multichannel mode.

Finally, the front channels (they are the left and right stereo). Then set RCA-connectors, hinting at the possibility of using the card in a simple Hi-Fi-system.

The top panel also has three LEDs that inform the user about the connected audio output (headphone or linear), as well as the inclusion of a digital output.

Functionality

Do Asus Xonar U7 three main functions: analog-to-analog conversion and and zvukousilienie.

Consider a digital to analog part. When connected to a PC card will convert the digital data into an audio signal. The only source for it is a USB to computer optical and coaxial digital inputs do not. To connect, for example, to the media player as an external DAC Xonar U7 is not suitable.

Device is almost omnivorous. It is able to work with the data of 44.1 / 48/88, 2/96/172, 4/192 KHz with the bit 16/24 bit. It supports the ASIO. Basis DAC – chip Cirrus Logic CS4398.

Sound works with Dolby Home Theater V4, through an additional control panel, you can select one of the preset sound processing presets or create your own using a graphic equalizer, as well as the simulation of multi-channel systems and speech enhancement.

To choose from two options available output – headphone and line, which can be used as a pre-amplifier, and for active speakers. They are switched either programmatically (via Xonar Audio Center), or hardware, pressing the volume knob. Fact clearly recognized clicking, but the principle is not very good. Imagine what would happen if the night, at the forgotten turned on active speakers, headphones will sound instead of the line out … Prerequisites for such a scenario is, in fact smooth volume knob for ease of rotation is provided only spherical “dent”, click on that a little stronger than we had – a piece of cake.

Headphone amplifier is capable to shake the models with up to 150 ohms resistance in the Xonar Audio Center has a menu for switching power amplification, a choice of three values. With 32 ohm Sennheiser HD 490 amplifier managed without problems, providing a comfortable volume without distortion.

Asus Xonar U7 also able to broadcast digital data on optical or coaxial outputs. It is useful to connect the computer to an external decoder / amplifier, for example, a home theater system.

To an input on the front panel can be connected to the source of the analog signal to be (for example, in the case of the microphone) pre-amplified and digitized in accordance with the parameters set in the driver. By the way, they have the same characteristics playback.

Probably as a serious solution for recording Asus Xonar U7 considered not worth at least because of the implementation of 3.5-millimeter input, but sound input for oral communication is not satisfactory in the Xonar Audio Center has even four voice modifier.

Manufacturer has not provided a full-time opportunity to modernize without losing the warranty. All components are soldered to the board.

Fidelity

There are two poles in PC audio.

One – built-in motherboard audio. They Shareware (since become a standard component and is not sold separately) and outputs a sound.

Second pole – highly specialized devices. Cost of “cheap” to “very expensive” and give the “reference” quality.

Where in such a coordinate system is Asus Xonar U7? On the quality of playback it leaves far behind embedded audio.

Listen Patricia Barber, taken from disk files Café Blue. The sound becomes more open, the scene taking shape, tools acquire flesh, ceasing to be electronic rattles of budget synthesizer.

Rammstein difficult to improve on the audio, but it is very easy to spoil. Heavy music demands dynamics and attack. Mein Teil played much pickier than it is capable of making sound card built-in.

Vocals Tom Waits and his piano generally transmitted reliably. And Soldier’s Things felt even mood.

Indeed, uncompressed music alive, motorists would have compared it with the transfer of “Tavria” in Korean middle class car.

But miracles do not happen, and the amount of less than $ 100 you can not buy a multifunction device with Hi-Fi-sound. Compared with the more expensive DAC in Asus Xonar U7 felt skinny, articulation is not so clear, there is sharpness and detail below.

Empirically supported abstraction, however, has a completely practical side, which is called money. We can safely say that the Asus Xonar U7 fulfills every penny spent on it, not only in the market it has not so many competitors.

This sound card can be recommended as a first step to get a good sound from your computer, but you should understand that it works in conjunction with an output device – set of headphones or amplifier / speakers, and these components must meet the level of quality that provides Asus Xonar U7. In other words, the selection of components should be a balance, and even better – to try to compensate for the shortcomings of one other device features.

U7 sound quite sharp. When connected to a set of Cyrus 7 amplifier and a pair of speakers Chario Constellation Delphinus this disadvantage was offset by the softness of the speaker output. Yes, the cost of components and features of the implementation of sound left their mark. In the path, where each component is worth roughly an order of magnitude more expensive (and even interconnects once bought for a price greater than it is now asking for U7), and clearly felt the lack of dynamics, and the average drawing stage, and a general lack of musicality. But the “quantity” of these drawbacks is clearly not in the “three and a half times larger” than the product for $ 350.

Pick up for Asus Xonar U7 worthy partners and you really love your records, and games will be more engagement and drive.

Liked

+ Sound quality (considering the price)
+ Loyal price
+ Easy to use
+ Standards support Dolby Digital

Dislike

– No DTS decoder family formats
– Important connectors on the front panel
– Outs for all channels, except the front, a mini-jack

The post Review Asus Xonar U7 appeared first on Raqwe.

In music, there is no limit to perfection: artists are virtuosos, instruments sound better, sound engineers are building a stunning picture, engineers invent new recording standards and their supporting devices. Xonar Essence One MUSES Edition – about it today and will be discussed – the pinnacle of achievement in the field of Asus DAC with integrated headphone amplifier.

Three versions

The company has three versions of Asus Xonar Essence One. They differ only in the components used (or rather – only op amps) is structurally and color lacquered dragon on the upper face of the body.

There is a basic version of the Essence One. For those who would like to experiment with the change of the operational amplifiers, but can not buy them, made Xonar Essence One Plus – the delivery includes a box with six decent chips Texas Instruments OPA2132PA and National Semiconductor LM4562NA.

Top of the line is the MUSES Edition, a factory-equipped top-end operational amplifiers Muse 01 of Japan’s New Japan Radio Co.

Scope of delivery

The luxury box buyer will find everything you need to start using – the actual DAC, two cable – to connect to an electrical outlet and your computer, as well as an adapter with 6.3 mm jacks on the 3.5 mm headphone plug, drivers, and brief instructions.

Design

Appearance of the device bears little resemblance to the “traditional” Hi-Fi-components. This, of course, not avant-garde in style Chord, but on a curved upper edge of the frame being asked a couple of holes with covers and lamps.

Asus clearly went too far with the amount and brightness of the luminous elements on the front – even in the daytime they distract attention from the music, if you are in sight.

The volume knob looks solid, profitable emphasizing the noble gray color of the metal casing.

Functionality

Asus Xonar Essence One MUSES Edition, as the “little brother” is used to convert digital signals to analog and strengthen them.

Three digital inputs: USB, optical (Toslink) and coaxial (S / PDIF). They are all located on the rear panel of the unit and can be changed manually, the button on the front panel. The result of brute force indicated by an LED in the corresponding text box. Connectors are close to each other, so if you plan to use cables with thick plugs, please make sure that you can connect them.

All-metal housing, it dissipates heat well (when using the device heats up) and at the same time serves as a shield against electromagnetic interference, penetrating the space surrounding us.

Two volume controls. The one on the larger, located in the center of the front panel, is responsible for line-out. Unfortunately, it can not be avoided, as in the Xonar Essence STU. The second regulator for headphones.

For instant mute button is Mute. Why should periodically turn off the sound is clear, but that’s why for this purpose is ill-suited volume control, self-explanatory. One version is as follows: since there is no way to get around the volume control circuit line-out, when working with an integrated amplifier is better to install a handle on the Xonar Essence One to one selected position and did not touch it, and control the playback volume entrust amplifier.

The remote control is not provided, all adjustments are performed manually.

Headphones connected to the jack on the front panel. The amplifier is capable of handling loads up to 600 ohms.

Line outputs are located on the rear panel. Two RCA-connector are quite close to each other, so it is worth repeating a warning about the need to explore the use of cables with thick connectors.

Compared with a younger model, equipment Xonar Essence One is better because there are balanced outputs on XLR-connectors. They allow you to connect powered speakers and get the system without a pre-amplifier, or rather, his role will be played DAC Asus.

Xonar Essence One is capable of handling signals with different sample rates – the list is presented on the front panel LED indicates which is being played at the track. Placement of the series of numbers and LEDs next (and also aligned) with volume control can create a false impression that the user controls the oversampling in its sole discretion. In fact, oversampling is switched on / off a single button, though its non-standard algorithms.

44.1 / 88.2 / 176.4 kHz are converted to 352.8 kHz, while 48/96/192 kHz – 384 kHz to. 8-fold increase in the frequency, regardless of the frequency of the original signal – unlike competing solutions that use fractional odds – should have a positive impact on the quality.

Actually DAC is implemented on a pair of chips PCM1795, included on the balancing scheme, which allows better control of noise. Conversion accuracy and contributes to the 32-bit mode. Other components – to match the class of the device, audiophile quality. In the manufacture of printed circuit boards used to develop Asus – the ground plane, also helps to reduce noise.

The only complaint – physically total fee for all three components – power supplies, digital and analog parts in the equipment of class Hi-Fi and above, many manufacturers are trying to separate them.

The power system is based on the internal toroidal transformer. For the network device connected via a standard three-conductor cable, which makes it easy to experiment with his replacement by audiophile version. Individual contact housing ground there, so you should pay special attention to wiring outlet. In homes where there is no physical ground “vanishing”, “earth” wire can cause background – low hum, well distinguishable by ear.

After you install the ASIO-driver in the system there is a new device, the only required setting – enable ASIO-mode, as a result of information without going through Windows, is transferred via USB to the Xonar Essence One. If done correctly, the front panel LED lights to inform the inclusion of Bit Perfect.

Now, with the computer, you can listen to the recording, digitized to 192 KHz with a bit depth to 24 bit.

The possibility of modifying
Asus Xonar Essence One MUSES Edition can be modified without loss of the manufacturer’s warranty in two complementary ways.

The first – to play with power cords. No matter what the fans of the university physics, the difference in sound is, although not as significant as the second method – the replacement of the operational amplifiers. For MUSES Edition it is not the most relevant, as already mentioned, the device at the factory is staffed by top-end op-amp, and for the Xonar Essence One – completely.

Sound Quality

To assess the quality of sound methods were used, components and items listed in the material of the Xonar Essence STU.

Asus Xonar Essence One MUSES Edition though not without difficulty, but replays CD-player Cyrus CD6 – affect and age, and price category.

The main difference – the best drawing of the scene (although the position of performers a little more blurred). Xonar Essence One makes it wider.

The disc of Tom Waits Swordfishtrombones shows details that previously had to guess: acoustic bass in the Soldier’s Things chamber finds warmth, keeping the articulation.

Audio file release of Patricia Barber Café Blue a lot of fun. Melancholic style of performance, acoustic instruments. And Xonar vividly paints a picture of a small stage on which play your favorite music by professional musicians.

With Mein Teil Rammstein Asus Xonar Essence One MUSES Edition cope easily. Recorded drive there, no cacophony in which it can turn on a system with a lack of detail and dynamics.

Oversampling left a mixed impression. On the one hand is great that it is, and well implemented. On the other – the sound is obtained by “embellished” and “licked”. This may sound very impress at first listen, but like it is not everything. Oversampling is responsible for a separate DSP-chip from Analog Devices ADSP-21261 (from the family of Sharc).

A significant difference between the inputs is not seen, but the optical and coax a little bit better. Perhaps the difference is that used the supplied USB-cable and a simple laptop.

Working with the estimated low-impedance headphones (38 ohms), the Monitor Audio-technica ATH-M50RD (Limited Edition). In principle, Essence One MUSES Edition can discover their dignity better with more expensive headphones, but even this was a worthy companion.

“Toccata and Fugue in D Minor BWV 565” by JS Bach sounded surprisingly natural. This is undoubtedly a collective achievement and a sound engineer, no body had turned into stereoattraktsion and Xonar, which provided a sufficient level of dynamics.

“Requiem” by Mozart – the sublime and sad music. Like all classics, it is played solely on acoustic instruments and strings – a real test for the audio system. Decca Record 1976 filofonicheskaya rather than audiophile, reading the works of well-known conductor Herbert Von Karajan is interesting in itself.

Yes, Asus Xonar Essence One MUSES Edition – plays perfectly. Detailed sound, but without the sharpness, dynamic, but does not cause fatigue during extended listening. Music is a lot of fun.

The device is certainly qualitatively made, and even some design refinements can be forgiven for his musicality.

However, Asus, it should be understood that for the similar (well, a little big) money can buy a device with similar except (a little better) sound quality and functionality also known audiobrenda magic.

Liked

+ Excellent sound
+ Rich – resampling, balanced outputs

Do not like it

– Design (bright lights, unusual by the standards of Hi-Fi size)

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