CONCLUSION

   At the time of this review the only other three standalone sound cards we had in the office was the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD and ZxR models and the “original” NU Audio so unfortunately, we didn't have the number of cards we'd like to in order to compare the brand new NU Audio Pro 7.1 card with. I did reach out to Creative to try and get their latest card for that exact purpose but to this date we haven't even heard back from them (and the lack of competition is really no reason to delay our review). With that parenthesis out of the way once again for our tests we used the Edifier S1000DB multimedia speaker set and the Harman Kardon NOVA stereo speaker system and two surround sound systems via the SPDIF digital output (5.1 Crystal Audio speakers - Yamaha Amplifier / 7.1 Tannoy speakers - Yamaha Amplifier). Unfortunately, we don't have enough active/powered speakers based on analog connectors to test the expansion card sufficiently (we did use the above stereo sets as a 4.0 system but that's the only thing we could do) so we focused our review almost entirely on the main NU Audio Pro card. So, the question everyone is probably wondering right now is how the new NU Audio Pro 7.1 compare to the first NU Audio card (difference between both cards and the X-Fi Titanium HD and ZxR models is very noticeable the moment you start playback of any lossless FLAC track so there’s really no need to even get into that) and the answer is that these cards are very similar and for the most part almost identical in terms of audio quality (at least with our speaker systems). Seriously now, when it comes to the digital surround SPDIF output we spend many hours trying to find differences not only in games and lossless audio tracks but also 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray movies without much luck. We did manage to hear some differences (especially with vocals and bass levels) in Hi-Res stereo model while using the Edifier S1000DB, the On2 headphones by Thinksound (sad to see that they had to close their doors) and the triple-driver headphones by 1MORE with quite a few master-grade FLAC tracks but nowhere near to what would justify moving from the NU Audio model to the NU Audio Pro model. Of course, the newly designed cover with the new three-zone RGB lighting system and the backplate could be reasons for some people but in terms of audio quality unless you plan on using the 7.1 analog surround sound expansion card the “regular” NU Audio model sounds just as good.

   EVGA is known for their impeccable after-sales support and so the very first thing they did once they launched the NU Audio Pro 7.1 cards was to create an upgrade program for owners of the first NU Audio card which basically allows you to turn your card in and get the new model by paying the difference (more details here). That being said people who are looking to get the new NU Audio Pro and the 7.1 analog expansion card will have to spend USD299.99 inside the USA (EVGA) and 322Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). EVGA also sells the NU Audio Pro card as a standalone (USD199.99) if you have no need for the analog surround outputs (the 7.1 analog expansion card is also available for USD119.99). This pricing strategy by EVGA certainly helps things so even if you do own the original NU Audio model you may consider moving to the NU Audio Pro for a slightly higher cost. That being said there’s no doubt that the brand new NU Audio Pro card with its 7.1 analog surround sound companion is an impressive product and even though it may not be the best product of its kind on the face of the planet it’s certainly worthy our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Superior Build Quality
- Premium Audio Components (XMOS/ADI/AKM/Nichicon/WIMA/Audio Note UK)
- Impressive Audio Clarity / Detail
- Very Good 3D Positioning Audio
- Future Proof / Customizable (OP-AMP Rolling)
- 10 Mode Three Zone RGB LED
- Nahimic 3D Enhancements
- Upgrade Plan
- Available as Standalone Cards
- 7.1 Analog Surround Sound Outputs
- EMS Shielding Backplate

CONS

- Price (For Some)