Auzen X-Fi Prelude spec

[alg7_munif]

Robscix, a friend of mine on Guru3D got this spec from Auzentech (http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=224275).

Key Components
Creative X-Fi CA20K audio processor
One AKM AK-5394 super high performance 192kHz 24-bit ADC for analog input
Four AKM AK-4396 192kHz 24-bit advanced multi-bit DAC for analog output
64Mbytes of memory for audio processing
High fidelity audio OP-Amps for analog input and output
Front L/R output OP-Amp is replaceable by end-user
Dual mode S/PDIF receiver and transmitter

IO Connectors
One 3.5mm MIC input connector in rear panel
One 3.5mm line input connector in rear panel
One 4-pin AUX connector on board
Four 3.5mm 8 channel line output connectors in rear panel
(FL/FR/C/SW/RL/RR/RSL/RSR)
One S/PDIF combo input connector in rear panel for receiving either coaxial
or optical digital
One S/PDIF combo output connector in rear panel for transmitting either
coaxial or optical digital
16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32,
44.1, 48 and 96kHz
One 10-pin front panel connector on board for MIC input and headphone
support
One 40-pin digital extension header on board to support AD-Link and other
digital functionality

Technical Specifications
24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96kHz sample rate
24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96kHz to analog
7.1 speaker output
24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of stereo digital sources at 192kHz to
stereo output
16-bit to 24-bit recording sampling rates: 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32,
44.1, 48 and 96kHz
ASIO 2.0 support at 16-bit/44.1kHz, 16-bit/48kHz, 24-bit/44.1kHz
24-bit/48kHz and 24-bit/96kHz with direct monitoring.
Enhanced SoundFont support of up to 24-bit resolution
64MB of X-RAM

[Mr. Wolf]

I'm not the best at interpreting specs. In deference to we simpler folk, does all that stuff mean the Prelude is a good or bad sound card?

[Audioguy]

Looks pretty good to me. Using X-fi parts and X-Meridian parts. Says it has 64MB of X-RAM aswell ...hmm Interesting.
That 40 pin Pin Header also has me interested. I am wondeirng if this card is compatible with Creative drive bays or if the company will be making one of their own?

[alg7_munif]

I'm not the best at interpreting specs. In deference to we simpler folk, does all that stuff mean the Prelude is a good or bad sound card?

If it uses the same driver from Creative and have the same problems like the Creative's card...

[bboynitrous]

Is there a release date on this card yet? I'd like to know because I'm looking to pick one up to replace my Audigy 2 ZS. I'm hoping this is worth it. I game a little, but play a lot more music and I don't really want the X-FI

[Audioguy]

Hopefully NEW drivers for the newcard. This is not a Creative brand card so the drivers can't have Creative written all over them I think it will have a new driver. I guess this is the main question alot of people will be asking.

[Cliff Couser]

Hopefully NEW drivers for the newcard. This is not a Creative brand card so the drivers can't have Creative written all over them I think it will have a new driver. I guess this is the main question alot of people will be asking.

yeps.

If they can tweak/re-write some of the ills of the Creative drivers, I think everyone wins.

Again...X-Fi...in my opinion is a great card, saddled with poorly written drivers, especially regardin compatibility of the card with other hardware and/or chipsets.

[Ahriman4891]

So basically we get an X-fi with AKM 4396 DACs. I wonder how it stacks up to my EMU 0404usb in stereo... if this was available 8-9 months ago I probably wouldn't end up with a 2-soundcard setup.

Do you know if PCB design is reference Creative or Auzentech's own?

[Mr. Wolf]

Is there a release date on this card yet? I'd like to know because I'm looking to pick one up to replace my Audigy 2 ZS. I'm hoping this is worth it. I game a little, but play a lot more music and I don't really want the X-FI
It's supposed to be released by the end of May. I plan to get one to replace my Audigy 4... assuming the Prelude meets expectations.

[Audioguy]

Well when C-Media released their reference boards Auzentech developed their own optimized ciruitry. Their XM is nothing like other 8788 cards. I think this will be a new card of Auzen designs. Creative knows they make awsome sounding soundcards.

[H-street]

i know this is probably a really stupid question, but this still supports the DTS and DDL right?

the reason i ask is on auzentechs site we get


Support for Dolby® Digital Live real time encoding for Vista is scheduled for Q4 of this year.


without DDL/DTS would there be much of a reason to get this over an X-Fi?

[Audioguy]

It says they will support Dolby Digital live for sure. I think they may go with DTSc later who knows. The other reason I can see is high quality sound.

[Donnie27]

i know this is probably a really stupid question, but this still supports the DTS and DDL right?

the reason i ask is on auzentechs site we get

without DDL/DTS would there be much of a reason to get this over an X-Fi?

Yes! When using Great Analog out, most folks would suffer a slight downgrade in sound quality when moving to Digital Out for DDL (actually a lot worse) and DTS (somewhat worse). Audiophile Systems not included in that statement. Once the move is made to HDMI, that will not a problem.

I can't wait to get my grubby hands on it since I don't have problems with Creative drivers or etc..................................... Seems like a modified X-FI to me.

[Audioguy]

I read further info to indicate the release date has been pushed up to June. There was also some info about HDMI 1.3 coming aswell. That was said to be rumored aswell. That 40 pin header is also very interesting to me. I have got a feeling you won't be seeing the "rumored" X-fi2....or this is it. Maybe CL is going to be like ATI and Nvidia and just create the chips. That info was also in a few articles I have read.
The market is changing. Rumors are rumors.... But I guess the poll is a bit of a tip off!!

[Donnie27]

One 40-pin digital extension header on board to support AD-Link and other
digital functionality

That's for this. (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=677&product=14711) With an inside adapter and this. (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=677&product=14659) Right out the box.

No more waiting on the X-Tension.

[MixBar]

The AKM4396 DAC is bit little cheaper and more simply than the CS4398 on the X-Fi ELITE pro.

My prognosis. The Prelude does not reach the signal quality of the elite pro.

[alg7_munif]

The AKM4396 DAC is bit little cheaper and more simply than the CS4398 on the X-Fi ELITE pro.

My prognosis. The Prelude does not reach the signal quality of the elite pro.

The same DAC on a different card compared to the Elite Pro (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9232629&&#post9232629)

[Audioguy]

I guess we will have to see as there is a little more to the overall sound quality then just the DAC spec.

[MixBar]

The same DAC on a different card compared to the Elite Pro (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9232629&&#post9232629)

Rubbish. Forums blabla. Signal quality can be measured. Show me only one measuring series in some AK4396 sound card is better than a CS4398 card.

The CS4398 is already better on the paper. In practice also. Therefore also more than the AK4396 costs.

[alg7_munif]

Rubbish. Forums blabla. Signal quality can be measured. Show me only one measuring series in some AK4396 sound card is better than a CS4398 card.

The CS4398 is already better on the paper. In practice also. Therefore also more than the AK4396 costs.

How do you measure the quality? SNR? The ratio of the loudest sound and total silence? How about the sound in between?

[MixBar]

How do you measure the quality? SNR? The ratio of the loudest sound and total silence? How about the sound in between?

We had this discussion already times. A good signal quality is to be given as exactly as possible the original again. In addition e.g. also as high a SNR as possible belongs. Under others. There is not at all subjective at the signal quality. None hear with CD, no warmly none coldly. A soundcard is only a player. That must show 1:1. Nothing else and 1:1 can be measured very simply.

[Audioguy]

There is more to the sound quality of the card then the DAC spec. These specs give you a idea of how the card will sound. Design and the other supporting circuits pay a very big part aswell. This card is gonna sound awsome. The output section is pretty much the same as the XM...

[MixBar]

There is more to the sound quality of the card then the DAC spec.

Yes and that everything with measured, if the signal quality is measured. And nope. A badly measured signal quality cannot become by magic a good signal quality. There are always subjective ears, which hear a good sound quality in a bad signal quality. We can discuss about ears, not about signal quality.

[phide]

A soundcard is only a player. That must show 1:1. Nothing else and 1:1 can be measured very simply.
I agree, though also disagree. If a sound card is considered to be a source, then the card can (and will) will lend coloration, pleasing and unpleasing, to the signal. That is an inevitability of source that outputs via analog as no converter or signal path is capable of perfection. Certain qualities, such as intermodulation distortion and crosstalk, will never be desirable (not as far as I'm concerned, anyway), while harmonic distortion may be pleasing in some manners. The X-Meridian seems to introduce coloration by means of atypically high analog output levels (among other means), and people seem to like it because of that. It "adds" to the signal by detracting, in a sense.

It's my opinion that a pre-amp should color and degrade the signal as minimally as possible, allowing other factors to determine the personality of the overall output, but I don't think it's a hard-and-fast rule.

In any case, I didn't think the Prelude would come close enough to upsetting the Elite Pro in any matter (as Creative really seems to have built a stellar card already), and it doesn't seem that, given the specs, it will even come close to hitting the same quality plateau as the EP. Of course, the advantage of DDL (though I'm not one to willingly jam my six channel signals into a paltry 448kbps) is still pretty tremendous and a first for a card utilizing a Creative chip. What exactly is the word regarding DTS anyway?

My main curiosity here is whether or not Auzentech intends to clean up the surprisingly poor crosstalk characteristics common on all of their cards. I guess we'll see.

[HSE]

At a $200 price tag and only one swappable opamp, potential buyers will have a hard time deciding among a 'superior sound quality' with a Prelude or putting down $30 more (or possibly saving if there's a rebate) and getting an overall 'clean' signal and a lot of I/O options with an Elite.

[AdmiralFlameberg]

yea i know if i didnt had the card i have now and had 200 and find out you could only swap one of the oamps. I would just get a Xmerdian to beable to change all of the oamps.

Its silly to alloud for just one change able oamps. Whats the point other then if you using 2 channel headsets or 2.1 speakers. If you had 5.1 headsets/5.1 speakers then it kills off the point of the changeable Oamps.

It wouldnt be usefull to you if you only able to change your front oamps and not your center and rear. IF you had a muiti speaker setup.

I use 5.1 headset and some times my Z5500 in analog, when i dont feel like crawling under my desk i leave my Z5500 in digital. if i used normal headsets then yea it might be a option for me but i dont. i cant stand 2 channel headsets thats why i dont.

[MixBar]

It wouldnt be usefull to you if you only able to change your front oamps and not your center and rear.

:confused: Usefull? It is a "pimp my soundcard" feature.
Electrically usefull is if the manufacturer soldered tidy opamps.

[Audioguy]

Actually it is nice feature allows you to put in high grade opamps. "Pimp your soundcard"? I think it has more to do with getting the best sound out of your soundcard. You see alot of guys modding their X-fi's aswell now. They just want better sound. It's a nice feature to have in my opinion.

[MixBar]

"Pimp your soundcard"? I think it has more to do with getting the best sound out of your soundcard.

Sockets have always strongly electrically capacitively effects. Very bad characteristic for high signal quality. If you which to reach would like, then you must solder the OpAmp.

The Auzentech cards are "pimp it easy" cards. Pimp it without knowledge of soldering.

[jester1176]

wonder if this will *really* have new drivers or if you'll just have to go through Creative for the drivers...might be like vid. card people have to do right now. sure, you could go through BFG, but its a rebranded package.

[alg7_munif]

I would wait and hear the card myself. We can argue here forever about the theories but for me, I don't believe spec and numbers alone anymore, not after I measured the output of my 2 cards using RMAA and hear the difference myself :rolleyes:

[Audioguy]

Yes, in the end specs are great but they only give a glimpse of what the card may be like. You ears make the final call at least they should. It is really hard to speculate what the card will sound like. I am thinking pretty damn good becasue Auzen makes great sounding cards.
I think it's one of those wait and see situations.:D

[Donnie27]

Sockets have always strongly electrically capacitively effects. Very bad characteristic for high signal quality. If you which to reach would like, then you must solder the OpAmp.

The Auzentech cards are "pimp it easy" cards. Pimp it without knowledge of soldering.

Those few times I do listen to Music on my computer, I want to hear it in stereo. I even listen to my Hotel California DVD-A's 24/192 Stereo track instead of 5.1. Now, as long as that One Opamp is for the main channel, it becomes almost moot. The higher rated DAC and ADCs will also mean better.

Also, keep in mind that many Headphone users will get a very nice improvement with these better or even upgraded better DAC and Opamps. Folks who think Dolby HP is nice are about to be blown away by CMSS3D.

[Donnie27]

wonder if this will *really* have new drivers or if you'll just have to go through Creative for the drivers...might be like vid. card people have to do right now. sure, you could go through BFG, but its a rebranded package.

Tweaked yes, but the drivers work on my rig and I hope like hell they don't change them much at all. I wish Creative would hire the YouP_Pax Guys LOL!

[Donnie27]

At a $200 price tag and only one swappable opamp, potential buyers will have a hard time deciding among a 'superior sound quality' with a Prelude or putting down $30 more (or possibly saving if there's a rebate) and getting an overall 'clean' signal and a lot of I/O options with an Elite.

With Fatal1ty going for about $100 after MIR why should it cost that much?

[HSE]

With Fatal1ty going for about $100 after MIR why should it cost that much?

~$200 is the price most often quoted around. I don't really know if it's correct but if the Prelude is being positioned as an enthusiast/audiophile product it is likely that they will sell it for a price similar to their current flagship.

[Donnie27]

~$200 is the price most often quoted around. I don't really know if it's correct but if the Prelude is being positioned as an enthusiast/audiophile product it is likely that they will sell it for a price similar to their current flagship.

I'd estimate $169 to $199 though I'm just not sure why? They could drop XMeridian to $139 and nevermind that IMHO, it was overpriced. Look at it another way? Both Creative and Auzen seem to be saving the best for their own higher end cards.

[Audioguy]

Seems the info I have been reading says people will be getting HDMI 1.3 for BOTH the X-Meridian and the Prelude. That fact alone is gonna have alot of people lining up for this card.

[peacetilence]

Hmm so this card DOES have digital SPDIF out and no more need to use a front case header anymore like on previous creative cards?


Also does this card have DTS Interactive upconverting? That was the main reason I purchased an auzentech card in the first place. The only reason I would want one of these is to get the creative benefits (EAX) to go along with DTS digitial upconverting over 5.1 channels.

I would be incredibly disappointed in this card if it didn't have DTS interactive. In all honesty it wouldn't be a hell of a lot different from previous creative cards if it didn't have DTS on it. I'd just just keep my X-Meridian instead if that were the case.

[alg7_munif]

We had this discussion already times. A good signal quality is to be given as exactly as possible the original again. In addition e.g. also as high a SNR as possible belongs. Under others. There is not at all subjective at the signal quality. None hear with CD, no warmly none coldly. A soundcard is only a player. That must show 1:1. Nothing else and 1:1 can be measured very simply.

You want 1:1? Then you must use the exact same setup (speakers, amps and etc) like the one used by the recording studio. You won't get an 1:1 result with just an Elite Pro connected to some HT receiver and speakers.

[Audioguy]

@peacetilence, So far they advertised Dolby Digital Live...no word on DTSc. I think it's a popular features though so alot of people may want it. It should have both Coax and Optical on the card itself similar to the X-Meridian. HDMI 1.3 to be coming around aswell...that is a digital connection using 8 channel Discrete audio up to 24/192. This format and connector is much sought after in the PC audio and HTPC world. Although HDMI 1.3 should be available for the X-Meridian aswell.

[corrosive23]

Hopefully NEW drivers for the newcard. This is not a Creative brand card so the drivers can't have Creative written all over them I think it will have a new driver. I guess this is the main question alot of people will be asking.

Why not? nVidia and ATI drivers have their names written all over them.

[phide]

You won't get an 1:1 result with just an Elite Pro connected to some HT receiver and speakers.
I think he meant 1:1 with respect to the original signal (in other words, being able to output to the same capabilities of the source media in terms of dynamic range, SNR and so forth). Of course, it's an absolute impossibility with analog hardware, so I don't see the real relevance.

He is correct though: signal quality is the ability of an analog device to output a signal that matches the source signal as closely as possible. Whether or not that's audibly pleasing or desirable is irrelevant.

[Audioguy]

Looks like HDMI is a reality for the X-Meridian...According to a post on AVS:

This from Auzentech support:

"We are planning to develop the next generation board the 'Auzen X-Tension HDMI 1.3'. It will offer the high quality sound of Dolby-HD and DTS-HD"

This will be compatible with the Prelude aswell...

[peacetilence]

What's DTS-DH. Does that mean my receiver won't understand the DTS signal from this sound card?

[phide]

It'll most likely support native 8-channel PCM output as well, which all HDMI capable devices should be able to use. My guess is that Auzentech will encounter some friction with Microsoft, however, so we'll see.

[Audioguy]

Possibly, HDMI equiped graphics cards are being released. I thought becasue this device is using HDMI that it is following the rules as HDMI is supposed to be "SAFE" for transmission without copying. Is this not the case?

@peacetilence, DTS -HD and Dolby-HD. Are the new Hi-Def offerings from Dolby Labs and DTS.

[peacetilence]

Will it also support standard DTS and DD though? My receiver doesn't support these format I think but only standard DTS.

[phide]

I'm not certain, but I believe most BD and HD-DVD players actually decode TrueHD and DTS-HD into raw PCM streams because so few pres support these formats natively. Any receiver that is HDMI 1.0 compliant should be able to pull in these raw streams without actually requiring decoding capabilities.

[PCMusicGuy]

I'm not certain, but I believe most BD and HD-DVD players actually decode TrueHD and DTS-HD into raw PCM streams because so few pres support these formats natively. Any receiver that is HDMI 1.0 compliant should be able to pull in these raw streams without actually requiring decoding capabilities.

Current HD-DVD players can decode TrueHD up to 5.1. There may be one that can decode certain variations of DTS-HD. None can decode DTS-HD Master Audio as far as I know. BD players are even worse with decoding support.

[peacetilence]

What about regular DTS over SPDIF though? I'm not too concerned about Blu-Ray or HD-DVD I just want DTS 5.1 in games and music.

[morpheus6d9]

any idea when this card is going to be released ?

[Audioguy]

They moved the date to mid June...

[Audioguy]

I read some info I thought you guys may be interested in. It seems there has been a decision on which opamps the card will be using. The only replacable OPAMP on the prelude according to the specs id the front channls. So the Opamps on the Prelude are:

Front channel: LM4562NA

http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM4562.html

Center/Sub: OPA2134
Rears: OPA2134
Sides: OPA2134

http://focus.ti.com/docs/prod/folders/print/opa2134.html

[echn111]

Not sure how to interpret the spec...

Main reason for me to get an X-Fi type card is advanced EAX support for games. But am quite interested in the Auzen for it's music capabilities, and in the case of music I use digital.

Does this card allow me to get full digital 5.1 sound with EAX, so I don't have to keep switching from direct connect to digital when I switch between music and games?

[Audioguy]

Yes it can do that no problem.

[echn111]

Sounds like this might be my next sound card. Currently still using my (680i) motherboard "high quality audio" (which is actually quite decent) because my Xi-Fi Extreme Audio doesn't work well with Vista-64 (probably should have read this forum before buying it)

[covertash]

So is this card supposed to be a hybrid of the great sound quality of the X-Meridian with the gaming effects of X-Fi? I apologize as a lot of the technical jargon is over my head.

I'm looking to upgrade my Audigy 4 to something nicer for games, movies, and music but don't want to mess with the X-Fi's due to incompatibilities with my Asus Nforce 4 board. At the same time, I also didn't want to lose the benefits of EAX for games either, though I have grown tired of stability issues with certain games due to Creative's drivers (which, have not been updated for my card since October 2006).

If this is the card that will offer the best of both worlds I will be looking forward to upgrading this summer. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! :)

[Donnie27]

Sounds like this might be my next sound card. Currently still using my (680i) motherboard "high quality audio" (which is actually quite decent) because my Xi-Fi Extreme Audio doesn't work well with Vista-64 (probably should have read this forum before buying it)

The best the CMedia cards can do is SBLive era EAX2.0=P The Auzentech Prelude will be their real Gaming card. The is sweet for Music and Movies but not you best for Games=P The X-FI Xtreme Audio is not a true X-FI and Shouldn't carry the X-FI tag. It's more like an Audigy SE, shame on Creative for that moment of sliminess:mad:

[Donnie27]

So is this card supposed to be a hybrid of the great sound quality of the X-Meridian with the gaming effects of X-Fi? I apologize as a lot of the technical jargon is over my head.

I'm looking to upgrade my Audigy 4 to something nicer for games, movies, and music but don't want to mess with the X-Fi's due to incompatibilities with my Asus Nforce 4 board. At the same time, I also didn't want to lose the benefits of EAX for games either, though I have grown tired of stability issues with certain games due to Creative's drivers (which, have not been updated for my card since October 2006).

If this is the card that will offer the best of both worlds I will be looking forward to upgrading this summer. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! :)

The hybred card will be the Auzentech Prelude 7.1 look for it?

[Audioguy]

I see the Prelude marketed as a HTPC card with gaming features. The cards Output section seems to be top to bottom X-Meridian. Which was built to be the BEST HTPC card there is to date. They succeded on that one. This card is basically aimed at the same market CL aimed the E-Pro at. People who want the best sound quality and won't sacrfice. The LM4562's used for the front channles seems to be a new "wonder" chip by the reviews people are giving it. I use a full set myself in the X-Meridian. The OPA2134's are also regarded as very good sounding amps. This card is gonna sound better then anything prior for gaming. Should be a great product BUT will come with a price to match. This is not a low end $85 dollar X-fi. It will be worlds beyond it. Your most likley going to see a price tag of $200+ just for the card.

[phide]

What bothers me here is Auzentech's choice to only go with FL/FR op-amps being replaceable. Granted, with a little more know-how, the others will be replaceable, but it makes absolutely no sense to divide the fronts and center/rears/sides (especially the center) from the get-go. I for one think it's absolutely nonsensical given the low cost of these components.

It seems like Auzentech makes some very poor decisions, gets feedback from the community (through whatever means), then decides to change their tune, inevitably delaying the product. Wouldn't it make more sense to make the right decision in the first place?

[Audioguy]

When designing a device plans change. Parts don't meet expecatation or are just not compatible..etc. The OPA2134's are very nice. from personal tests and they are well liked and used in alot of audio gear. The LM 4562' are rather new compared to the 2134 and these are being used by MOST guys who change out there opamps on the X-Meridian and even guys are soldering them inot the X-fi's now to get beter sound from it. These are the ones I use and they are really outstanding from the ones I have tested. I understand what your saying aswell as I am not to keen on the idea of it. If it was down to using the least amount of replacable amps, I agree with guys in another forum saying make the Fronts channels and the Center/sub channel replaceable....these are the MAIN ones in my opinion. These are the first specs aswell. There was some differences between the original X-Purity spec and the finished X-Meridian. -Showing the specs change from the drawing board to the finished product. Let's hope they decide to atleast adopt this idea. fronts and center/Sub. From a design standpoint what would you add or remove if you could, Phide?

[Shakey_Jake33]

I'm considering upgrading from my X-Fi XtremeMusic to this, as while I only have Z-5500's, my PS3 and 360 sound much better than my PC right now (Vista 64-bit).

Some questions though.

1) Will the X-Fi Prelude sound that much better than the X-Fi XtremeMusic, given it's based on the same chipset?

2) Does digital really matter? I really don't mind sticking to 5.1 analogue, it would be a lot easier actually, and logic says to me that as long as you have a decent analogue connection, it'd be just as good. What you think?
Doing digital would be a pain, I'd have to buy 5.1 analogue cables for my DVD player as my digital ports are maxxed out.

3) Given the mess with the Creative drivers right now, are some still prefering the X-Meridian?

Thanks.

[Audioguy]

1/ Yes, there is more to the card then the chipset. The supporting circuitry is very important such as the DAC's and the Opamps. This card should be better then any current X-fi for gaming. If that is what your asking.

2/ Digital is fine DEPENDING on what you connect it to. If your connecting to nice modern gear that has GOOD DAC circuitry then you will prorbably be good to go. If your using some old junk equipment to hook to you might aswell go analog. Case in point is alot of guys with XM's noticed that the card sounds betetr over analog then their receivers using digital. Considering the output section on the Prelude is similar to the X-Meridian It will have killer sound quality.

3/ I know lots of people who went from X-fi's to XM's I guess it depends on what you want in a soundcard.

[Shakey_Jake33]

Primarily music for the most part, though while I don't game too much, I'd still like it to make the cut for gaming when needed. It's not priority though.

To be honest with you, I was all prepared to get the X-M, but I figure I should wait and see how the Prelude compares.

I am really not an audiophile as such, I use the CMSS and Crystalizer on my X-Fi if that tells you anything, but I do like a nice, loud crisp sound like anyone else.

Ideally I'd be using analogue, so the fact that the analogue output on the X-M is well rated is pleasing.

[Audioguy]

I would say wait until the Prelude is released. The XM is still a very hard card to best.
Good luck with your hunt for better sound.

[alg7_munif]

Primarily music for the most part, though while I don't game too much, I'd still like it to make the cut for gaming when needed. It's not priority though.

To be honest with you, I was all prepared to get the X-M, but I figure I should wait and see how the Prelude compares.

I am really not an audiophile as such, I use the CMSS and Crystalizer on my X-Fi if that tells you anything, but I do like a nice, loud crisp sound like anyone else.

Ideally I'd be using analogue, so the fact that the analogue output on the X-M is well rated is pleasing.

To be honest with you, I would just get the XM now because I doubt that the Prelude will be out soon. If you know Auzentech good enough, I think that you would also know about X-Purity and if you know about X-Purity, you would also know how long people have waited for the card but in the end they only got the XM :D Auzentech is always late with their products but I don't think that it is a bad thing. You can wait for the price of their to drop, but don't wait for their new product, just buy what you need now.

[Audioguy]

That's true they don't release anything until the deem it ready for market. You see examples of other companies that release products and you spend the next 6 months to a year patching them...Bad business pratices to me. There are quite a few good cards out these days. You can wait for the Preulde just don't be surprised if it get's pushed up a couple more times.

[Shakey_Jake33]

I think I'd be a bit gutted if the X-Fi Prelude came out and it was much better than the X-Meridian, so I think I'll wait.

On the other hand, if they just use the Creative drivers as-is, we may all be sticking to the X-Meridian anyway, but we'll see. I'd imagine they'll be tweaking the drivers themselves, even if they're based on the Creative ones at heart.

[Audioguy]

That is the question alot of people have, will this card sound better then their current champ?
I guess we will just have to wait and see...

[Sphere]

Just fired off an email to their sales department, asking when I may see availability. I'll post back if they respond.

[Audioguy]

They are most likely getting alot of similar emails regarding release dates. The last reported date from tech support was Mid-End June....This company does not release product until they are ready. If you waited for a X-meridian then you know what I am talking about and if you ever listened to a X-Meridian you really know what I am talking about. Let us know what they say. It has already been pushed up from Mid may...

[Sphere]

Mid/end of June is what was emailed to me today.

[Donnie27]

Mid/end of June is what was emailed to me today.

It should be well worth waiting on;) Hell, I'am.

[Sphere]

I'm looking forward to it :)

[vespr]

Can be pre-ordered in the UK at overclockers now for £130 ($260).

[Audioguy]

Seen that earlier, That pic is NOT the Prelude. It is a X-Meridian 7.1. How do you guys find the price? I figured it would be around $200 given the sound quality and features you get I can see alot of guys paying this price...easily. ETA 06/06/07...We shall see.

[alg7_munif]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=11

According to the link, the card is priced at around the price of X-Fi Fatal1ty, less than the price of Elite Pro.

[Donnie27]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=11

According to the link, the card is priced at around the price of X-Fi Fatal1ty, less than the price of Elite Pro.

That's what I was getting ready to post.

[Audioguy]

@ALG, I will still be interested to see what companies ask for it around here. They don't even have a picture of the card yet but they are taking preoders and saying what it's worth?:rolleyes:

[MonkeyPox]

I'll be purchasing one of these cards myself assuming the pricing is decent.

[Audioguy]

Well I would think it will be $200 and above... The X-Meridian has a street price of $200 when released and it was/is worth every penny.
I have enver heard one owner complain about the price once they have and listned to the card. I think it will be the same with the Prelude.
Auzentech makes awsome soundcards, plain and simple.

[phide]

According to the link, the card is priced at around the price of X-Fi Fatal1ty, less than the price of Elite Pro.
109 pounds is currently about $216 USD.

[Donnie27]

109 pounds is currently about $216 USD.

Launch prices are higher most of the time though, right?

[Audioguy]

109 pounds is currently about $216 USD.

I find it strange these guys are announcing a price but don't even have a pic?
Seem to be getting ahead of themselves..

[phide]

Launch prices are higher most of the time though, right?
Well, prices are always highest at launch, but I don't anyone will be gouging due to demand as they do with video cards. I'd assume everyone will sell it at or near MSRP.

[Donnie27]

Well, prices are always highest at launch, but I don't anyone will be gouging due to demand as they do with video cards. I'd assume everyone will sell it at or near MSRP.

True and I think there will be a mad rush for it!