Asus Xonar DX vs Steelseries 7H USB

[ecko69x]

http://www.asus.com/Sound_Cards_and_DigitaltoAnalog_Converters/Xonar_DX/

http://steelseries.com/products/audio/steelseries-7h-usb#specifications

Which is better in terms of sound quality? And how do you tell? What numbers/things do you look at to compare?

 

[maestro0428]

I would say the Asus card hands down. Advertised numbers are not always realized, so it really not the best idea to go by them. But, you can look at signal/noise ratio, number of outputs, bit rates, etc. Steelseries is unable to put as large or as high quality parts into that small of a case. I would take a quality PCI/PCIe card over USB audio almost every time. Asus makes great cards too as I have used a few of them and prefer their sound over onboard solutions.

 

[gamerk316]

Can't view specs at work, but I can guarantee the DX is the superior product without even looking at the Steelseries spec sheet.

If you want to know for sure, hunt down some rightmark audio analyser tests for both the DX and Steelseries.

 

[iceclock]

i can say and garantee the asus dx has better quality, the specs also can be misleading, i cant find a headphone that has better quality built in, unless ur talking of high end headsets with amp thats a different story.

 

[ecko69x]

Now, the Steelseries 7H USB is advertised as 7.1 surround sound. Is that only if you use their USB?

Cause I'm also wondering if it makes a difference on what kind of headset I plug into the Asus Xonar DX.

 

[iceclock]

well let me tell u to have tru 7.1 u need an amp, or an amp with 7.1 speakers.

tru 7.1 headphones cost over 300$.

 

[ecko69x]

Best answer selected by ecko69x.