The market is filled up with a variety of audiophile external sound card, but the best audiophile external sound card that suits your needs can be a bit difficult to find. But, if you leave it in the hands of experts, like us, then you can be assured that you will land up with a reliable and trusted audiophile external sound card. So, without wasting any further time, let’s dive into the article.
We spent hours scouring the internet for the best audiophile external sound card, reading reviews and pulling from our own personal experiences to bring you our list of the top ten available on the market right now. We have presented a variety of options, so that there’s something out there for everyone. If you ask us personally, then the ultimate choice, that we would recommend you is Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback. If you are looking for something a bit on the cheaper side, then you have got your Creative Sound Blaster ZxR PCIe Audiophile Grade Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Desktop Audio Control Module. For the rest options, read the article till the very end.
All ten of the options on our list have their own unique features that make them great, it’s up to you to decide which one makes the most sense for you. if you are looking for an efficient and effective audiophile external sound card, our comparison chart should be of great help to you. Here is our comparative guide to the audiophile external sound card available as well as our recommendations
Best audiophile external sound card
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VTOP External Sound Card 7.1 for PC/Laptop – 7.1 Channel Surround USB Audio Adapter with 3.5mm MIC and 2.1 SPDIF Digital Audio for 7.1 Computer Speakers System
VTOP External Sound Card 7.1 for PC/Laptop - 7.1 Channel Surround USB Audio Adapter with 3.5mm MIC and 2.1 SPDIF Digital Audio for 7.1 Computer Speakers System
Features
- EXTERNAL 7.1 USB SOUND CARD: Idea for MIDI Music Composers Verify the Artworks up to 7.1 channels, also connect PC to 7.1 home theater audio receiver
- 7.1 USB AUDIO ADAPTER: Supports 7.1 / 5.1 / 2.1 to Desktop PC via 3.5mm Stereo Jacks.Note - The 3.5mm - R/L or 3.5mm Cale Not Included in the Package
- SPDIF SOUND CARD: SPDIF In - For Audio Mixer Usage Only | SPDIF Out - Pass-through Output to connect a decorder
- OS COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Windows 11/macOS Ventura 13.0.1 & Ubuntu | 【Official Download Link】 can be found in the Manual
- RELIABLE SUPPORT: Backed by 【DriverGenius】 3-Year Warranty and Free Lifetime Technical Support for this external sound card
StarTech.com 7.1 USB Sound Card – External Sound Card for Laptop with SPDIF Digital Audio – Sound Card for PC – Silver (ICUSBAUDIO7D)
StarTech.com 7.1 USB Sound Card - External Sound Card for Laptop with SPDIF Digital Audio - Sound Card for PC - Silver (ICUSBAUDIO7D)
$37.59 in stock
Features
- 7.1 USB SOUND CARD: This External Sound Card adds up to 7.1 channels of audio through a single USB port to your computer; This sound card supports 7.1, 5.1 and 2 channel output using 3.5mm jacks, a headphone port, line-in and stereo microphone inputs
- UPGRADE YOUR PC SOUND: With support for analog and digital audio output for stereo to 7.1 channel audio applications, the bus-powered audio to USB adapter upgrades the existing integrated audio on a desktop or laptop computer; 1m USB Cable Included
- QUALITY AUDIO: Supports 44.1KHz and 48KHz sampling rates for analog playback and recording; SPDIF Digital output only supports 48KHz audio playback; SPDIF optical input passthrough supports up to two-channel audio at 48KHz
- EASY INSTALLATION: The digital audio adapter is easy to install with plug and play support in Windows 7/8.1/10; The external sound card features easy-to-use volume controls and mute buttons; The audio outputs are selectable via the included software
ASUS Sound Card Xonar U5
ASUS Sound Card Xonar U5
2 used from $99.99
Features
- True 5.1-channel HD (192kHz/24-bit) surround sound from a compact USB-powered device
- 104dB signal-to-analog ratio (SNR) ensures pure sound
- Sonic Studio provides complete control over loads of sound technologies
- Enjoy powerful audio quality from a compact and portable device
- Pumps up every sound Detail with the integrated headphone Amplifier
Creative Sound Blaster ZxR PCIe Audiophile Grade Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Desktop Audio Control Module
Creative Sound Blaster ZxR PCIe Audiophile Grade Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Desktop Audio Control Module
Features
- CrystalVoice Voice Enhancement and Clarity Technology, express yourself and be heard crystal clear in video conferencing, multiplayer games and online chats
- CrystalVoice FX, forge your own unique team identity in crystal clear audio; match your voice to your game avatar
- High Quality Headphone Amp, supports studio quality headphones with up to 600 ohm impedance
- Dolby Digital Live and DTS Connect, connect to your decoder or home theater system through a single digital cable for intense 5.1 surround sound from any source
- Headphone/Speaker Switching means you never have to unplug your headphones again, just toggle between your headphone and speakers system with a flip of a switch
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB Audio System with Phono Preamp
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi HD USB Audio System with Phono Preamp
Features
- Creative Media Toolbox software allows you to record, playback, cleanup and organize your digital music easily
- Gold plated connectivity for maximum signal quality and easily accessible front mounted headphone and microphone jacks with convenient volume control
- THX TruStudio Pro is specially designed to bring the same great audio experience found in live performances, films, and recording studios - to the PC
- Audiophile-grade components deliver unsurpassed USB audio quality with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 114dB
- Phono preamp with RIAA EQ allows direct connection of your turntable to convert your vinyl to CD or MP3
Sound Blaster Z PCIe Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Beam Forming Microphone
Sound Blaster Z PCIe Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp and Beam Forming Microphone
Features
- Includes an external high quality dual-microphone array standard with card. Supported operating systems: windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
- Features Sound Core3D Audio Processor for accelerating advanced audio and voice technologies
- SBX Pro Studio sound technologies create unprecedented levels of audio realism including stunning 3D surround effects for your speakers and headsets
- Delivers 116dB SNR, plus audiophile-grade capacitors and gold-plated I/O connectivity and Stereo Direct lets you listen to your music pure and unprocessed at the amazing bit rate of 24-bit 192 kHz.
- Use the Sound Blaster Control Panel just toggle between you headphone and speakers system with a flip of a switch
EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000 Gaming Audio Amplifier / External Sound Card, with 7.1 Surround Sound, Side Tone, Gaming DAC and EQ, Headphone amp Compatible with Windows, Mac, Laptops and Desktops.
EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000 Gaming Audio Amplifier / External Sound Card, with 7.1 Surround Sound, Side Tone, Gaming DAC and EQ, Headphone amp Compatible with Windows, Mac, Laptops and Desktops.
6 used from $159.00
Features
- Binaural Rendering Engine With 7.1 Surround - The Proprietary High-Tech Audio Engine Delivers Exceptional Spatial Awareness And Positional Game Audio. Delivers The Game Audio Details And Positional Audio Cues.
- Quick Setting Changes – Save Up To 4 Customized Sound Settings On The Led Touch Panel That Allows One-Touch Mode Switch, Also Between Headphone And Speaker Listening And Make Fast Adjustments With A Large Aluminum Volume Ring
- Eq Settings – Get Precise Control Of Your Game Audio With A Dedicated Dac Chip And Eq Presets. Specially Attuned Audio Presets For Competitive Gaming Focus And Balance Sound Frequencies Where They Are Needed
- Sidetone- Sidetone Control Lets You Adjust The Loudness Of Your Own Voice In Your Headset: You Know What You Are Saying, Tune In To Your Teammates.
EPOS I Sennheiser GSX 300, Gaming Dac/External Sound Card with 7:1 Surround, High Resolution Audio EQ presets for Gaming, Movies and Music – Audio Gaming Amplifier for PC and MAC Compatible, Black
EPOS I Sennheiser GSX 300, Gaming Dac/External Sound Card with 7:1 Surround, High Resolution Audio EQ presets for Gaming, Movies and Music - Audio Gaming Amplifier for PC and MAC Compatible, Black
$64.99 in stock
11 used from $43.99
Features
- EXTERNAL SOUND CARD - Easy-to-install external sound card delivers high-resolution audio for acoustic clarity and audio realism
- 7.1 SURROUND SOUND CAPABLE - Customizable EPOS-engineered 7.1 surround sound through PC Gaming Suite lets you set sound profiles for different games by balancing and focusing frequencies where they are most needed
- QUICK CONNECTIVITY - Micro USB connectivity; 3.5 mm headset socket and 3.5 mm microphone socket make for fast setup
- NTUITIVE DESIGN - Make quick adjustments with the large manual volume dial, plus switch easily between stereo and surround sound modes or between sound profiles with the customizable smart button
- A NAME YOU CAN TRUST - Built on 115-years of experience with innovation and sound, EPOS is passionate about creating pioneering high-end audio products that exceed expectations and set new benchmarks in gaming audio
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback
$17.83 in stock
Features
- power source type: Corded Electric
UGREEN USB External Stereo Sound Card Audio Adapter with 3.5mm Aux and 2RCA Converter for Speaker Headphone and Microphone Earphone Headset Plug and Play on Windows Mac Linux and PS5 3ft Cable
UGREEN USB External Stereo Sound Card Audio Adapter with 3.5mm Aux and 2RCA Converter for Speaker Headphone and Microphone Earphone Headset Plug and Play on Windows Mac Linux and PS5 3ft Cable
Features
- Important Note: 1. We don't recommend to use the 3.5mm port and RCA port on this adapter simultaneously, because one of the output device’s volume may decrease. 2. Pls kindly note this adapter supports Stereo Sound, NOT surround sound. 3. It do NOT support PS3. 4. This sound adapter can NOT be used to connect TV directly.
- This USB external sound card adds a Mono microphone-in, a 3.5mm audio-out and 2RCA left and right audio-out ports to your computer through a USB port, which enables you to connect your existing headphones, headset, speakers, or microphone with 3.5mm jack to your PC through a USB interface. Compared with other usb sound cards in market, it offers you 2 options for audio output, 3.5mm aux and 2RCA, which makes it compatible with more external speakers.【NOTE: RCA is for audio output NOT for input】
- Additional USB stereo audio adapter: It is perfect to bypass a faulty sound card, audio port, or as a replacement for a broken USB audio adapter. Superb Sound Quality: USB External Stereo Sound Adapter adopted Advanced C-Media IC technology for optimal sound quality and device performance. It is constructed of durable ABS housing and with ultra compact design.
- Easy to set up: no driver required, just plug and play! USB bus-powered, no external power required. The attached 1m/3ft cable reduces stress on the USB port and won't block the adjacent ports on your computer.
- Compatible with PS5/PS4 and any standard USB Audio Class enabled system including Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, Linux and Google Chromebook, Windows Surface 3 pro, Raspberry Pi etc.
This article was created with a hope that you will able to find the best audiophile external sound card, suiting your requirements and we wish that we were able to succeed in our mission to do so. If you are looking for a cheap audiophile external sound card because you will be making limited use of it, go for the EPOS | Sennheiser GSX 1000 Gaming Audio Amplifier / External Sound Card, with 7.1 Surround Sound, Side Tone, Gaming DAC and EQ, Headphone amp Compatible with Windows, Mac, Laptops and Desktops. which will give you what you pay for. That being said, don’t forget to share the article with your friends and keep visiting geekydeck.com for more such informative and reviews articles.
