For just $40, the Xonar U3 squeezes headphone and microphone jacks, an S/PDIF output, EAX emulation, speaker virtualization, and Dolby Digital Live support into...

With the push and mass acceptance of HD video came the push and mass acceptance of widescreen HD monitors, and so too, has come the push for HD audio. 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound speakers.

Lean Xear3D drivers; Various Dolby technologies at a comparatively low price; Surprisingly clear sound; Compact size

No native ASIO support; DAC only supports up to 16-bit/48kHz; No volume control buttons; Glossy paint blemishes easily

ASUS may be best known for their motherboards, video cards, and laptops; but more and more though they are making a name for themselves with computer accessories. We have covered a handful of their sound cards and other computer audio devices over the years, and in this review we will take a look at...

Simple setup; Easily portable; Adds surround sound for headphones or digital output to a home theater; Feature rich software adds value

Windows only; Audible power hum on microphone input; Disables built in speakers

If you've decided it is due time to finally time to do away with the onboard audio on your mobile computer, wanting something that makes your music collection worth listening to, then you can turn to ASUS for that as well. The Xonar U3 is a compact USB sound card, not much bigger than a flash drive.

Superb sound quality across the range, especially for something this small and a USB device at that. Dolby Headphone - done right with all 3 modes for choice. Dolby Pro-Logic IIx for stereo/5.1 to 7.1 upmixing. USB like size, very easy on the table - no clutter.

Feature rich in Dolby technologies like Dolby Headphone; Pro Logic IIx; Dolby Digital Live; 7.1 Virtual speaker shifter and GX2.5 EAX emulation

None really; for the size its awesome

When it comes to listening to high-quality music, users depend on high-end audio equipment. PCs and notebooks come with integrated audio solutions and that has been the trend for several years now.

I have tried many options to get better sound from my Asus gaming laptop when connected to my home theater setup with poor results from other USB adapters (only option with laptops) But this one is a game changer! This completely blew me away.

Absolutely fantastic optical out Amplified analog output; increases headphone volume a great deal Fantastic software that just works great and also very simple with many adjustment options Crystal clear sound; Plugged into my gaming laptop and hooked up to my 7.1 home theater with two amplifiers and...

None that I have found yet

It's generally accepted that onboard audio cards have gotten much better over these past few years. It was more common before to see dedicated audio cards being installed in computers, but now such components are becoming more of a niche market.

For the price, it is hard to get dinged. Price is great. While this external card has limited features it does sound clear and great, however, performence wise, it is not that loud. Yet, I liked this card so much, I did purchase a quality head phone amp, and it is now loud and clear.

The idea for me was to give my computer a optical out, which in turn would provide 5.1 sound. Installation is fairly light which is an advantage and that includes Dolby Digital Live! which ensures that even 5.1 signals that are not DTS or AC3 sent over.