Audigy, X-Fi, or wait for better Vista sound cards?

[Starrfoxx]

For sound, I'm currently using my ALC833 onboard sound. I'm not overly impressed with it, and I thought the sound from my old Soundblaster Live was better. Unfortunately the card doesn't work on my motherboard. Not exactly sure why. I'm told that the PCI voltage is different. XP Pro sees the card and says it's working, but no sound.

Anyhow, I was looking at "maybe" getting a new sound card (unless anyone has advice on getting my SBLive card to work). I don't have Vista yet, but down the road I would want to upgrade. I don't want to spend a needless amount of money and would like to plan ahead for a future upgrade to Vista. So, I was hoping to get some advice on which option is better. By the way, I use my computer for some games, music, DJ'ing, and recording.

1) Get an inexpensive Audigy card?
2) Get an X-Fi Extremegamer card?
3) Get an X-Fi Fatality Gamer card?
4) Another brand?
5) Continue using my ALC833 chip until the next sound cards come out that are meant for Vista and possibly PCI-E?

Thanks.

[Lyquist]

I notice that you mentioned recording. I would recommend a real recording soundcard like the m-audio audiophile 2496. I happen to have one and it is very good for recording music. You can also run multiple soundcards to accomplish different things. I currently have four soundcards in my system Three PCI cards and my onboard sound. I use the three PCI cards for recording, and the onboard sound for listening to music, internet radio, etc... I used to have an X-Fi and switched to the m-audio stuff because I wanted cards more geared towards recording than the X-Fi. I am also not a gamer at all, so that made the choice easier for me.

If you want a step up from the 2496, I would recommend the M-Audio Delta 66. You have four analog inputs and outputs and you also have digital as well. I don't currently use the digital, but it's nice to know that I could use it if I wanted to. It all depends on how many inputs you need. I would definitely recommend something pro-level for what you are wanting to do. The m-audio stuff is also not that expensive and can be found for a good price on ebay or www.musiciansfriend.com or other on-line music stores. I think I paid $70 shipped for my 2496 on ebay.

[Starrfoxx]

Thanks for the response.

I should clarify that my audio recording wouldn't be professional quality. Some basic stuff that I was able to do nicely with my old SBLive! 5.1 card. I won't be making any records or anything. :-)

ALC833 doesn't do very well with recording. I get a cross between high treble and a bad sampling rate, plus no advanced recording options. I thought maybe I installed the drivers wrong or something, but I reinstalled the drivers and got the same quality. I have both HD Audio and AC'97 hookups from my motherboard, so I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not.

[Lyquist]

Well, you want your recordings to at least sound decent, so maybe a 2496 would be a good investment for you, but it's up to you.