We’ve harped on it many times in our motherboard reviews. If your speakers or headphones are any better than ‘decent’ you are really doing yourself a disservice using the typical integrated audio setup. Most motherboard manufacturers have improved things with features like software bundles that enhance audio, improved onboard components, opamps, headphone amps, etc. But the vast majority of even relatively high end hardware is just not that great. No offense to THE CRAB~!, but Realtek audio serves as a commodity audio component, without offering too much to PC gamers.

Therefore it’s up to companies like Asus and and Creative Labs to come up with audio products that serve our needs directly. That’s why today, we’re looking at the Asus Xonar Phoebus Solo, a 7.1 channel gaming soundcard.