Top PCI Express 7.1 Sound Cards for Gaming Music and AudioPhiles

When it comes to gaming the sound coming out of your computer can make a difference. While the music experience that comes with a regular gaming PC is often good enough, getting a PCI Express 7.1 sound cards can enhance the gaming experience far beyond the expectations. Inbuilt audio in motherboards usually produces hissing and other audio distortions due to radio frequency interference.

Also Read: Top 5.1 THX Certified Speakers for Gaming

The sound coming out of your PC is essential as it is a significant aspect of gaming experience. Like Graphics card a high-quality sound card will make a whole lot different to your gaming experience. Moreover, you will love to hear the music and watch movies with a 7.1 surround sound effect. In this post, we will be looking at the best PCI Express 7.1 sound cards for hardcore gamers.

Moreover, having a separate sound card have a lot of advantages. Like, it carries all of the audio load and thereby reduces the burden from motherboard and CPU. Sound cards offer multi-connectivity options that are usually missing in the inbuilt sound cards in motherboards. Sound cards provide better control over audio output via their equalizer software. Sound cards can be used to drive multiple sound systems even those with high impedance.

We have kept the price range wide to accommodate all type of users. Not everybody wants a hole in their pocket just for a sound card; not everyone is satisfied with budget-friendly sound cards. So our list includes best PCIe 7.1 sound cards starting from $25 to around $200.

Top PCI Express 7.1 Sound Cards For Gaming PC

1. Syba SD-PEX63081 7.1 Surround Sound PCIe Sound Card

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Syba SD-PEX63081 is a multi-channel PCI-Express sound card. It is a versatile PCIe 24-bit multi-channel audio controller that brings your PC to life, once you pair it with a surround sound home audio system. If you are on a tight budget but still want to experience the 7.1 surround sound, look no further.

At just $25.99 price, it offers a lot. You only need a spare PCIe slot and Windows OS to make it work. It supports ASIO and WASAPI. It comes with an integrated De-pop function for eliminating pop noise during PC power-up and shutdown. Remember 5.1/7.1 sound is only supported through the AnalogCM8828 chipset.

• Based on CM8828 multi channel audio processor.
• Based on C-Media CM9882A 8-Channel HDA CODEC.
• It complies with PCI-Express Base Specification Rev. 1.1
• Up to 24-bit and 192 kHz sampling rate for both playing back and recording.
• Ports:  side Surround out, center/base out, rear Surround out, Line-in, front out, and Microphone input.
• s/PDIF & digital coaxial input, s/PDIF & digital coaxial output.

2. Asus Xonar DSX PCIe 7.1

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Bring the Hi-Fi spirit to your games, music, and movies with the Asus Xonar DSX PCIe 7.1 sound card. It comes with DTS Connect technology for an immersive 7.1-channel surround experience. It delivers true 192kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio with no sample rate downgrade.

The swappable operational amplifiers will let you tune up your sound with no soldering and thus create your favorite listening experience with ease. It features an automatic jack-sensing front-panel header that automatically switches output between the back and the front of the case once the speakers/headphones are plugged in. The addition of Xonar’s GX2.5 audio engine adds an exceptional depth of sound for an immersive gaming experience.

• 192k/24bit True PC Hi-Fi Enjoyment.
• Swappable OPamp socket – Tune up your sound with ease.
• GX2.5 for realistic 3D gaming audio effects.
• DTS® Connect technology for an immersive 7.1 surround experience.
• Three years parts and labor warranty.

3. Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card

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Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 channel sound card has an advanced chipset with EAX engine for producing the enhanced audio quality to the gamers hear even the footsteps of the enemy. A 600-ohm amplifier is onboard for headphones. You can connect two microphones simultaneously via dual microphone input.

Creative offers 1-year parts and labor warranty on this sound card. The installation is pretty straightforward, just insert the sound card carefully into the PCIe slot on the motherboard. It facilitates the users to record audio at super low-latency.

• 7.1 Channel 24-bit 192KHz surround sound.
• 106 dB Signal to Noise Ratio.
• 1-year labor and parts warranty.

4. ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 Channel Sound Card

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If you are looking for a high-end sound card that will bring out the clearest sound in the headphones and the speakers, I would recommend this one. It provides output options for various speakers and devices apart from the headphones. Apart from this, it comes with an SNR of 124 dB.

Dolby technologies and GX2.5 together helps the Xonar DX delivers theater-quality audio in movies and rich sound effects in games. GX2.5 automatically emulates the latest EAX technology to offer advanced environmental sound effects. You will feel like you are actually inside the game. With VocalFX, an innovative voice processing technology to let your voice get into the realistic gaming landscape. You can even change your pitch if you want.

• Highest in class 124 dB Signal to Noise Ratio.
• Built-in headphone amp drives every available headphone with <0.001% distortion.
• It will let you Customize your sound color effortlessly via swappable OPAmp socket.
• 24-bit/ 192 kHz 7.1 channel surround sound.

5. Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 Channel Sound Card

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Creative Sound Blaster Audigy SE gaming sound card with brilliant 7.1 channel surround sound is one more option that you should consider. It is an ideal all-round solution for your PC gaming and entertainment needs under $100.

The CMSS-3d audio technology automatically upgrades your MP3, WMA and CD music to breathtaking 7.1 surround sound. It is more fun to play games with this 7.1 channel surround sound PCIe interface sound card. EAX Advanced HD 3.0 further improves gameplay sounds by providing a more immersive experience. Just like the others, Sound Blaster Audigy SE comes with 1-year labor and parts warranty.

•  100db Signal-To-Noise Ratio.
• ASIO support for low latency audio recording.
• 7.1 surround sound 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution.
• EAX ADVANCED HD 3.0 support for gaming
• CMSS up-mixes stereo content to 7.1 surround

6. HT Omega Claro II 7.1

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Ht Omega Claro straightforward and elegant design helps it stand out. It also has an excellent audio processor that brings out the amazing sound output in both headphones and speakers. It provides 7.1 channel surround sound to hear every bit of sound in detail. This card might be a good option for those building a new gaming PC.

The 24-bit 192 kHz audio output makes crisp highs, outstanding bass, and clean mids. All together gives a steady production. Moreover, it is backed by 1-year warranty. With Dolby Headphones you can listen to the music and movies with dramatic 5.1 surround sound effect. DTS NEO is a matrix technology that instantly transforms your pure two-channel audio into full 7.1 surround sound.

Dolby Digital Live (DDL) converts any audio signal into a Dolby Digital bit stream (48kHz at 640 Kbps) through a single cable connection to your Dolby Digital enabled surround sound system. Overall, it packs plenty of incredible features at an affordable price.

7. ASUS Sound Card Essence STX II

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Now, we have moved on to the premium and costly 7.1 sound cards for those who like to move one step further.  ASUS Sound Card Essence STX II is the solution for the audiophile and audio purists who demand the top-notch sound in their PCs. It is built on Essence STX, that takes the audio quality to a new level with an industry-leading 124 dB Signal to Noise ratio.

The inbuilt headphone amplifier supports up to 600-ohm headphone impedance.  Swappable op-amp sockets for different timbres and tonal combinations will let you adjust the sound as per your liking. With Dolby Digital Live experience the 7.1 surround sound in headphones for more vibrant and spacious listening. The best is that this sound card comes with 3-years warranty that no other company is offering now.

Conclusion

While compiling this list of the best PCI Express 7.1 Sound Cards, we were surprised to see only a handful of cards available today. Hopefully, going forwards, there would be more high-performance sound cards available in the market.

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