The ASUS Xonar DX is a PCI-E sound card with a 116 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), which provides audio that is 35 times cleaner than onboard audio. With the support of Dolby technologies and GX2.5, the Xonar DX provides rich audio effects in games and theater quality audio in movies.
Dolby is globally recognized for their innovations in audio for cinemas, home theaters, PCs, and games. With Dolby technologies, your PC is upgraded to surround sound and transformed into an immersive digital entertainment center. These include Dolby Digital Live (Real-time 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound encoding), Dolby Pro-Logic IIx (Converts stereo or 5.1 sounds to a seamless 7.1 surround sound field), Dolby Headphone (Delivers a realistic and spacious 2-to-5.1 surround or 3D positional sound field over any set of stereo headphones), and Dolby Virtual Speaker which simulates a highly realistic 5.1 speaker surround sound listening environment from as few as 2 speakers.
ASUS designed GX2.5 to simulate EAX game effects and makes them available on Windows Vista/7 PCs. GX2.5 will automatically emulate the latest EAX technologies without additional software.
High Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)A high SNR rating means less unwanted noise. Therefore the audio is cleaner which translates to better sound quality. The Xonar DX achieves a 116 dB SNR rating for clear audio in games, movies, and music.
Dolby TechnologiesA rich Dolby feature set is supported in order to enhance PC audio with surround sound. A surround sound experience can be achieved with as little as two speakers or even headphones.
GX2.5GX2.5 automatically emulates the latest EAX technology – up to EAX5.0, to offer advanced environmental audio effects. While enhancing the feeling of actually being in the game, GX2.5 also improves on directional audio information.
Low ProfileThe Xonar DX is bundled with a low profile bracket for compatibility with HTPC cases.
VocalFXVocalFX is an innovative voice processing technology to let your voice get into the realistic game landscape (VoiceEX) or to emulate the background scenes in online chat (ChatEX). It also allows you to change your voice pitch to disguise who you are (Magic Voice).
Pros: I've had this card for I think 3 years now and love it. The sound is great, it has tons of volume, and the EQ allows you to dial in the sound just how you like it.
Cons: After being put in and taken out of numerous builds over the years (and a lack of patience on my part) the power connector has become a little bit wobbly but again, that's more from me just trying to quickly rip parts out of the computer and not properly removing the connector
Overall Review: Like I said, I love this card. I've purchased some cheaper Xonars which were big upgrades over onboard audio but the DS/DG models just don't keep up with this card