asus xonar DG question.

I'm not sure I understand exactly what you're saying but the difference in 7.1 to 5.1 would be higher-end audio present in BR and ultra-high-definition media, not likely to be found in games or regular DVD's.

The extra two channels that 7.1 brings into the mix are side speakers (side channels) that aren't generally used in material outside of BR and theater audio, unless you're setting up a super-high-end system in your own home theater.

As for a Xonar DG versus a DX, the DG has a headphone amplifier for medium-range headphones while the DX has DD Live! licensing and 7.1 audio output. Neither will do games in 5.1/7.1 over digital anyways so you're stuck with analog for either one (games only).

The DX and DG serve two distinctly different audio solutions with the DG being often the basic entry into better-than-onboard audio and providing better headphone amplification for those particular headphones (thanks to the built-in amp that the DX does not have), wile offering Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual 7.1, along with a few other things you'd get with a DX.

The DX is more suited for a higher-end setup with a BR player in mind, perhaps with a fully featured true 7.1 audio setup, along with it's more-fully-covered Dolby licensed technologies like DD Live! and others, that are not available on the DG.

It all depends on what you prefer to listen to at the forefront of your decision making - do you listen to 2.1 or surround (5.1/7.1)audio (even in Prologic modes which is simulated surround from stereo source) or do you prefer using headphones? The latter would be better off getting a DG while the former would be better off with a DX - and then adding in the other features you're looking for to make an overall decision.

Headphone wise.... the only real advantage the DX is going to give you is slightly clearer audio due to the higher quality DAC/ADC.


The DG performs subjectively well for its price point.
Edited by Skylit - 5/30/12 at 5:37am

My wording wasn't right - what I meant to say was that the DG offers Dolby Headphone and Dolby Vitrual 7.1, but that the DX also shares other similar features (like voice effects, GX simulated EAX enhancements, etc).

Re-reading what I wrote I can see how it was confusing.

The DG is probably what you want if you're looking to save money. The only better quality headphone replacements would be modding a Creative card or buying higher end cards with an amp on them (I think STX or Essence).

No but their GX 2.5 engine is very similar and will simulate EAX in any games that support EAX up to EAX 5.