 |
Printed On: | May 16, 2008, 8:03 pm |
| Category: | Digital Audio Devices | |
| Type: | Reviews | |
| Posted By: | Firefox | |
| Date Posted: | November 12, 2007, 10:44 am |
 |
Introduction
Following the release of the Xonar D2, Asus has launched the Xonar U1 USB soundcard. Touted as the best Portable PC Audio Upgrade Solution for Laptops and Desktops, it promises clear and crisp audio over built-in audio in laptops and desktops by isolating the unit from Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) generated by the computer's internal components. The U1 also offers EAX and hardware Directsound support alongside complete Dolby Home Theatre technologies.
We have received a white unit but the Xonar U1 will also come in various colours like Blue, Red, SIlver and Gunmetal.
A microphone input, stereo output (with headphones amplification) and Optical S/PDIF output forms the basic audio I/O of the unit and it interface with the computer via USB 2.0 that is backward compatible with USB 1.0. With its integrated headphones amplifier, Asus looks to deliver better listening experiences with most stereo dynamic headphones. Another key feature of the Xonar U1 is in its ability to output digital 5.1 streams via the optical S/PDIF output, thus bringing a 5.1 audio solution to laptops.
Specifications
- ASUS UA100 USB Audio Controller and CODEC
- USB 2.0 and 1.0 full-speed compatibility
- Stereo mini analog and digital combo jack x1 (Headphones/ Speakers/ S/PDIF output)
- Stereo mini shared Line-in/ Mic-in x1
- THD+N< 0.005% @ 47mW x2 / 32ohms
- THD+N< 0.006% @ 88mW x2/ 16ohms 96dB SNR
- >1.1Vrms full-scale output voltage for >8 ohms load
- Frequency Response (-3dB/48KHz): 20~20KHz for 32ohms
- >10mWx2 into headphones of 8~150 ohms
The audio ports are located at the base of the Xonar U1.
The design of the Xonar U1 is fairly elegant and looks very similar to the Griffin Powermate. It too, sports a similar rotary and push function as the Powermate.
The knob is rotated to adjust the volume whilst pressing down on it mutes/ unmutes the Xonar U1. When in operation, the light on top of the unit is blue and it fades in and out slowly. When the unit is muted, the light turns red.
A stereo array microphone included in the package has ambient noise supression capabilities of up to 15dB for clearer VOIP conferencing.
A TOSLINK adapter is also bundled for use with the 3.5mm combo jack.
|
Oooh lookie!
The Texas Instrument version of the LM358 is a popular opamp used for headphones amplification and serves that very same purpose in the Xonar U1
The heart of the Asus Xonar U1 - The UA100 Audio controller and CODEC.
Based on Asus' working relationship with C-media for the U1's predecessor and the technologies available on the Xonar U1, the UA100 is likely to be the C-media Nitrogon D2 that has been re-worked to fit Asus' requirements for the U1.
|
Installation
Installing the Xonar U1 was a matter of plugging it into a spare USB port and waiting for Windows detect the Xonar. Installing the drivers and utility from the included CD was as simple as following the onscreen instructions and restarting Windows when prompted by the setup.
The included utility is similar to that of the Asus Xonar D2 and offers the options of adjusting the levels and Equalizer amongst other things. The analog output can be selected from speaker or headphones out and there is the choice of enabling the Dolby technologies as well the Virtual Speaker Shifter. Alternatively, users can simply choose the DSP modes an let the software make the choice for them. Kudos to Asus for making the software simple to use for end-users.
|
Brief Listening and Conclusion
Brief listening
I compared the Asus Xonar U1 to the onboard audio of an Asus A8JR laptop as well as the AD1988B onboard the Asus P5E3 deluxe using a pair of closed-back headphones and a pair of AudioEngine A5 active speakers. The tracks used include Bei Yi Wang De Shi Guang by Cai Qin, Pueblo Nuevo by Buena Vista Social Club and the Imperial March by the London Symphony Orchestra. My immediate impression was that the Xonar U1 offered a larger soundstage and more clarity than the onboard solution. The latter was particularly evident in the Imperial March. On another note, the Xonar is also slightly brighter sounding than both of the onboard solutions so would be buyers can take note of its tonal qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Asus definitely has a unique and interesting audio solution at hand here. Its capability to bring 5.1 audio support (through optical), 3D sound and more importantly, Dolby Digital technologies to laptop users is certainly a boon for mobile gamers, movie and music lovers alike. The U1's use of USB ensures no-frills connectivity across both desktops and laptops. This alone sets it apart from the yet to be launched Creative Sound Blaster X-fi for laptops that requires the use of an Expresscard slot on newer laptops. Furthermore, its clean and elegant design ensures that it will not be out of place in a home and can be an aesthetically appealing solution for those looking to find something better than onboard audio but lack the know-how or courage to probe within the casing. One cannot help but wonder what new device(s) the innovative engineers at Asus are going to bring to us next.
|