Creative Sound Blaster G8

A versatile and affordable desktop DAC for gamers and audio buffs

- CLIFF JOSEPH

$169.99 From https://us.creative.​com.

Features 2x USB-C, 2x optical, 4x 3.5mm, 1x HDMI; Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC; supports 32-bit/384KHz audio; 52x125x91 mm

THERE ARE PLENTY of portable DACs (digital to analog converters) now available for use with the iPhone and other mobile devices, but sometimes, a larger desktop DAC can provide additional features that are really useful. Creative's Sound Blaster G8 is primarily aimed at gamers, but its most impressive feature — the ability to combine and mix two separate audio sources — will appeal to lots of other people.

The compact and sturdy design of the G8, and the fact that it can draw power from a USB-C port on a notebook, means that you could easily slip it into a backpack or bag and carry it with you. However, its impressive range of connectivity features mean that it will probably work best on your desktop as part of a wider audio system. The back panel houses two USB-C ports, which can support high-res audio up to 32-bit/384KHz, so the G8 can handle the best audio quality available on Apple Music and other streaming services. The first USB-C port can be used both for charging and audio input, while the second is for audio input only, and there are two USB-C cables included as well.