Asus Xonar u3

[criso8]

So linus talked about this thing on the livestream and I became intrigued. As an average user and not an audiophile how much better will my music and games sound. I have the bose ie2s and the bose companion 2s. I think they sound good already. Do I need better audio equipment to take full advantage of a setup like this.

[M-ursu]

Any xonar is good, and you will hear difference.

[CwGoh]

YES THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. It will make your sound sound richer, louder and clearer even on like iPhone ear buds. It is that stark.

[t0wer]

Spend the money on better headphones or speakers.

[Aphexx]

way bigger difference between upgrading or getting differently optimized headphones rather than a soundcard. 

 

in car performance terms upgrading your soundcard is like changing your shock absorbers while upgrading your headphones is like swapping your engine or installing a turbo or a blower. 

 

with the shocks you'll only feel it in the twists and turns and be a slight improvement while an engine swap or turbo install will be felt ALL the time and make it feel like a different car.