Audio Boost 3 PRO

Audio Boost 3 PRO

MSI offers a Realtek ALC 1150 based multi-channel audio solution on this motherboard, it further enhances on that IC with improved component selection and a nifty software suite. New Audio Boost 3 PRO comes with a luxurious Hi-Fi ESS 9018K2M DAC, delivering studio-grade audio quality, onboard! This high-end dedicated onboard sound card delivers 120dB SNR 192 kHz/32-bit of purest sound quality via a dedicated 6.3mm stereo headphone out. I have to say, the past generations of integrated audio definitely improved heaps. 

Actually with the X99A Godlike gaming you get two separate DACs at your disposal. An ESS Sabre 124 dBA SNR chip handles the front-out and headphones out channels; and the Realtek ALC1150 (115 dBA SNR) that takes care of analog channels in a 7.1-channel setup.

One remark on that though, see the micro-switch to the left designated as JAUD1 ? The frontpanel audio and the 6.3mm headphone audio can not be used simultaniously. Switch it to the left for front audio output, or switch it to the right for 6.3mm headphone output.There is a 600Ω headphones amplifier chip by TI. Even the other analog channels have amplifier circuits. 

Also included is Nahimic, a sound quality enhancing DSP. All analog jacks feature gold-plating. The base is a 115 dBA SNR CODEC by Realtek (ALC-1150) combined with ground-layer isolation, audio-grade electrolytic capacitors and headphones amps. Signal loss is prevented by Nichicon Muse electrolytic capacitors.

Digital outputs include optical TOSLINK. All analog jacks feature gold-plating. A very impressive audio solution.