Auzentech X-Fi Forte and Asus Xonar DS Sound Cards

Final Words and Conclusion

Asus Xonar DS
When we first received the Xonar DS we looked at the PCB with its upgradable op-amp and then had a quick listen to the quality before checking the tech specs and price. Our initial impression was that the Xonar was a decent midrange product. When we then saw that it was actually a budget model it was hard not to be impressed by the card. In each of our tests is provided a sound quality which was noticeably higher than the majority of motherboard audio solutions and it always exceeded our expectations.

Part of this is down to the quality of the Asus AV200 Sound Processor but the extra step up is no doubt due to the use of a decent quality op-amp and Wolfson D-A/A-D convertors. It is of course an added bonus that the Op-amp is actually upgradable which means that in the future the audio quality could be enhanced if required.

Some may find that the use of PCI rather than PCIe or the removal of Dolby Digital processing from the AV200 chip is a disappointment but at the price level Asus have targeted with this product it is hard to fault.

Available from OverClockers - £37

TBC

Auzentech X-Fi Forte
For some time now Auzentech have been creating exceptional audio cards. Thinking back to the first one we tested, the X-Meridian, we have very fond memories of how they took a standard chipset and produced an awesome level of audio quality. The X-Fi Forte continues this trend and the result is, without doubt, the best desktop audio card we have tested.

Starting with the build quality and design Auzentech have all of the features we would expect from a high end product and more. All of the standard connectors are supported both external and internal and the use of quality components ensures a high quality sound, as does the upgradable op-amp. Full support of all the X-Fi technologies is present and even though Auzentech could have stopped there they decided to add more. The onboard mic pre-amplifier will please audio creation enthusiasts but it is the built in headphone amplifier which is by far the best feature of the card.

Saying that the headphone amplifier is the best feature of the card may come as a surprise when the X-Fi Forte provides one of the best 7.1 analog or digital experiences in a desktop/HTPC environment but until you have tried this card with a decent headset it is hard to emphasise just how good this aspect is. It really is one of those cases where the quality increase given to headphones makes you want to listen to more music just to experience the phenomenal sound.

Available from OverClockers - £120

Available from NewEgg - $140