Few months after unveiling Xonar D2, ASUS has updated its audio card series with Xonar D2X which is the "first PCI-E interface audio card". The firm has also announced an external USB audio device -- the Xonar U1 -- to improve audio experience of PC and laptop users. The Xonar D2X features a signal- to-noise ratio of 118dB for both audio in and out, providing "unparallel" sound clarity. It's also equipped with Acoustics Echo Cancellation technology to facilitate better online voice communication quality and multiple sound technologies from Dolby and DTS.

The press release says "the Xonar U1 is an external USB audio device that improves the laptop or PC’s underachieving audio by first eliminating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and noisy DC circuits inside the PC chassis. It then utilizes the high quality DAC (digital to analog convertor) to bring about crisp, clear music or gaming audio in the original flavor that was meant to be heard. The Xonar U1 provides a huge boost to PC gamers by supporting EAX and DirectSound HW acceleration for best gaming experience in Windows VISTA and XP."

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