Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC

Let's get one thing out of the way - I am NOT an audiophile. However, I am a person who owns and uses a variety of headphones and ear buds. I am also a person who is a bit hard of hearing. Before I purchased the Sound Blaster X G6 external sound card, most of the headphones I used just weren't loud enough. I had a pair of wired earbuds that I've had for several years that were loud enough for me to truly enjoy music, video games, movies, and other media on any of my devices. Unfortunately, last month, the cord developed a short in it, which pretty much rendered the earbuds useless. That prompted me to replace the earbuds. Initially, I was going to purchase the exact same pair (if it ain't broke, don't fix it). Well, wouldn't you know, the company is no longer in business. This sad fact eventually lead me to investing in a pair of wired Inner Ear Monitors or IEMs which are an upgrade from your standard earbuds but not as expensive as the top of the line, noise cancelling, name brand earbuds endorsed by rappers and rock stars. I did my research and bought two pair of IEMs that had impressive reviews, but did not break my budget. While one pair of the IEMs was just loud enough to be useful for me, the other set just didn't cut the mustard when it came to the volume level. I broke down and purchased a different brand of IEMs and the new pair had great sound, but also not enough volume. I really didn't want to spend money on another pair of IEMs, regardless of their inexpensive cost (it was starting to add up). I was researching an app that could increase the volume of the content that I play on my phone, when I found a post that talked about the Sound Blaster X G6 External soundcard, and how it was able to really enhance the user's experience playing video games. I changed the topic of my search to the Sound Blaster X G6 and I found a ton of articles and videos about how people were blown away by how different their experience was by using this portable little plug and play device. Needless to say, I had to hear it for myself. I purchased my device and was pleased with the compact size of the unit. The portability allows me to use this device in more ways than I anticipated. I can connect it to my android phone by using a USB C to 3.5 mm adapter that can be purchased for less than $20.00. That allows me to use it anytime I consume media on my cell phone. I can also use it with my laptop computer by connecting it directly using the included microUSB cord included with the package. I can also use it when I play video games or watch movies on my PS5. There is one caveat. Since this product was released before USB C became the standard type of port to power / charge devices, the Sound Blaster X G6 still uses a microUSB port to supply power to the unit. You can plug the microUSB cord into the same plug in wall charger that you use for your cell phone. You can also supply power through an open USB port on your computer or video game console. A third option which I hadn't initially considered was that it's possible to use a portable charging bank to supply power to the Sound Blaster X, at least until the portable charging bank has used up all of it's stored power. I suggest investing in either a usb extension cord with an A Male to A Female connection or an extra long microUSB cord for maximum portability. That way, you can plug the microUSB up to the wall or other power source when you are laying in bed or away from a laptop or other device with a powered USB connection. I've had the device for several weeks and I can honestly say that it works wonders for me, especially for my hearing condition. I have trouble hearing high frequencies and also some of the low end bass frequencies. With the Sound BlasterX G6, I can purchase any pair of IEMs and feel confident that I can have more than enough audible space to increase the volume to my liking. You can also connect the device to your computer to adjust the internal settings and EQ to fine tune the sound to your liking., The unit saves your adjustments and settings, even when you are not connected to that same computer. Overall, this product seems like it was made for me. It has made several pairs of IEMs and over the ear headphones that I own sound vibrant and alive. I would recommend this product to anyone who would like to enhance their audio listening experience.