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.

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.

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.

It won't take up much room in the recycle bin

This thing was designed for use with a laptop; Mine's only six months old, and it cannot use this device

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

I think this tiny little card has a pretty big punch when it comes to quality of sound and all the features that the software that comes with it. Of course it gives you a choice on whether you want to install the software, or just the driver.

1; WOW the sound really is that amazing, 2; The software that comes with it offers tons of features that would suit anyone! On the CD it has the driver, the software with all the features is an optional installation

1; I wish it came with an adapter that allowed RCA to USB so I could use not only my RCA headset with it, but also my USB headset, 2; The mic sound quality was no better than the quality of the on board sound port of my laptop

This was refurbished and I am really happy with my purchase, not a problem yet. I will update as necessary.

Ease of use and installation, if you are like me and are lazy, or you just don't have the tech savvy to install a sound card, this thing is for you; Upon plugging it in, all the drivers you need are installed.

Upon installing for digital sound you may see an icon for the receiver and an icon for the speakers, don't ask why but you need both enabled to use the xonar control panel; I disabled the speakers thinking i would only need the digital output to the receiver but that disabled the surround (and...

This is my third Xonar sound card after, Xonar Essence STX and Xonar U1. I sold Xonar Essence STX since I switched to laptop usage. I was using Xonar U1 for two years. But it was a little bulky for a laptop. So I decided to buy U3. Same audio quality with U1, but surely it is a way more portable.

a useful improvement to any laptop's on board sound capabilities

nice boost in sound quality and volume

cheap build quality and isn't particularly pretty

I am a competitive gamer for CS:GO. I needed a sound card for my gaming laptop and this does the job well. With Dolby Headphone, Dolby Prologic IIx and EQ set to treble, I am able to pinpoint enemy's exact position, distance, reload etc. Besides, you can also play with the microphone effect.