Review: asus xonar xense
As a result of the collaboration between ASUS and the leader in Sennheiser sound, the ASUS Xonar Xense One audio card and Sennheiser PC 350 Xense Edition headphones form a perfect combination to enjoy your favorite games with the best possible sound quality. Let's see how it behaves in our laboratory.
Product ceded by:
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ASUS XONAR XENSE FEATURES |
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Audio performance |
Signal to Noise-Output Ratio (A-Weighted): 118 dB Signal-to-Noise-Input Ratio (A-Weighted): 118 dB Output THD + N for 1kHz: 0.00039% (-108dB) Front line output Input THD + N for 1kHz: 0.0003% (-110dB) Line input Frequency response (-3dB, 24-bit / 96kHz input): Output / Input Full-Scale Voltage 2 Vrms (5.65 Vp-p) |
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Bus Compatibility |
PCI Express: PCI Express Rev.1.0a specification compatible.Maximum full 2.5Gbps bandwidth per direction and optimized latency for high-definition audio processing.
Compatible with X1, X4, X8, X1 6 PCI Express slots. |
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Main chipset |
Audio Processor: ASUS AV100 High-Definition Sound Processor (Max. 192kHz / 24bit)) High Fidelity Headphone Amplifier: Texas Instruments 6120A2 * 1 (120dB SNR, -117dB THD + N @ Vcc + -12V, RL = 600Ω, f = 1kHz) 24-bit DA digital source conversion: Texas Instruments PCM1796 * 1 for Front-Out (123dB SNR, Max. 192kHz / 24bit); Cirrus-Logic CS4362A * 1 for the other 6 channels (114dB SNR, Max.192kHz / 24bit) 24-bit AD conversion from analog sources: Cirrus-Logic CS5381 x 1 (120dB SNR, Max. 192kHz / 24bit) |
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Sample rate and resolution |
Sample rate and resolution for analog playback: 44.1K / 48K / 96K / 192KHz @ 16 / 24bit Sample rate and resolution for analog recording: 44.1K / 48K / 96K / 192KHz @ 16 / 24bit Digital S / PDIF out: 44.1K / 48K / 96K / 192KHz @ 16 / 24bit, Dolby Digital ASIO 2.0 driver support: 44.1K / 48K / 96K / 192KHz @ 16 / 24bit with very low latency |
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In / out ports |
Analog output jack: 6.30mm jack * 1 (Headphone output); 7.1ch analog (via included cable) Analog input jack: 6.30mm jack * 1 (Shared by line and microphone inputs) Other analog line inputs (for CD-IN / TV Tuner): Aux-In (4-pin header on board) S / PDIF Digital Output: High-bandwidth Coaxial / TOS-Link combo port supports 192KHz / 24bit Front panel head Shared by headphone output / 2 output channels / Microphone input |
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Driver Features |
DS3D GX2.0: GX 2.5 supports EAX gaming sound effects and Di rectSound 3D hardware enhanced functions for more games on Windows XP / Vista / 7. (DirectX / DirectSound 3D compatible) OS: Windows Vista / XP (32 / 64bit) / MCE2005 Dolby® Technologies: Dolby® Digital Live, Dolby® Headphone, Dolby® Virtual Speaker, Dolby® Pro-Logic II Smart Volume Normalizer ™: Normalizes the volume of all audio sources into a constant level and also enhances your 3D sound listening range and advantages in gaming Xear 3D ™ Virtual Speaker Alternator: Virtual 7.1 speaker positioning FlexBass ™: Professional Bass Management / Enhancement system Other effects: 10-band Equalizer / 27 Environment Effects 3D Sound Engines / APIs: DirectSound3D® GX 2.0 & 1.0, EAX®2.0 & 1.0, DirectSound® HW, DirectSound SW, OpenAL generic modes, 128 3D sounds processing capability |
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accessories |
1 Others 1 x Driver CD 1 x Quick Start Guide 1 x S / PDIF Optical Adapter |
| Size | 111.15mm 178.06mm |
| Warranty | 2 years. |
The sound card comes packed in a cardboard box and a large transparent blister.
It has a book cover. In it we can see the large sink of the sound card and the helmets.
General view of the sound card.
The card occupies a PCI Express SLO. In it we have several connections: helmets input and output connections, sound and S / Pdif.
The sound card needs extra power. To do this, it uses a molex connector.
Your connection is made from a 4x pci express port.
Sink view.
Includes wiring, 3.5mm connector, cd and manual.
The helmets have a very modern design, with elegant and clean lines.
The PC350s are optimized for first-person shooter games. Its flexibility allows us to conform to our head.
The pads are very comfortable and do not disturb in long gaming sessions.
As expected, it includes a microphone for the most demanding users.
It also incorporates a control panel to increase / decrease the sound and use the mute button on the microphone.
The sound card is the most undervalued component when purchasing a computer. Normally we keep the integrated card, but if we want to enjoy good sound quality, we must purchase a physical card.
The Asus Xonar Xense is designed in an aluminum body, reminiscent of helmets, and acts as a sink.
Although what really makes it different from the rest, is having a powerful amplifier, which will ensure excellent dynamics and positioning during games with high-impedance headphones.
We have checked the sound quality with the Logitech Z-2300 and headphones: Sennheiser PC 350 and Superlux HD681. Both the sound quality and the playing is EXCELLENT. We can also customize profiles thanks to its software.
All in all, Asus has great sound cards on the market. And the Asus Xonar Xense has left us a great taste in the mouth. Suitable for lovers of sound (stereo and 2.1 / 5.1) and games. Its price ranges over € 200. Worth? Of course, it will be your best investment and favorite component.
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ADVANTAGE |
DISADVANTAGES |
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+ EXCELLENT COMPONENTS. |
- PRICE. |
| + QUALITY AMPLIFIER. | |
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+ COMPATIBLE WITH 7.1 |
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+ GOOD AESTHETICS. |
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+ INCLUDES HELMETS. |
The Professional Review team awards you the gold medal and product I recommend:
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