I just received my new toy, a ASUS Xonar U1. Haven’t tried it completely yet, just a short listening test with my Grado SR-80. My first impression is not bad. It’s surely better compared with my onboard Realtek. It’s a little bit sharp, center focussed imaging, stiff sound, adequate midrange, and tight low. Will post the final review after it passes its break-in period. For now, enjoy some of my snapshots first 😉

Some notes:

Xonar U1 has volume button on top. So all of its top body is the volume control.  You can press it and it will mute the sound. Press it again to unmute. It will light red on mute mode, and a soft blinking blue on unmute mode.