What sound cards is everyone using these days? [Archive]

criccio

01-31-2009, 08:32 PM

I have never and will never buy a gimmicky "gaming" soundcard. External USB or S/PDIF DAC's are all you need. Leave surround sound to movies where it belongs. A proper 2.0/2.1 stereo setup can blow the doors off most of those "computer" marketed speaker setups from Klipsch/Logitech aswell as give you accurate positional audio.

howarejew

01-31-2009, 08:39 PM

i really do like the xfi cards. especially the titanium champion series (has the front access panel) but its whopping $200

Fry's had it on sale for $99 last week

pbXassassinX1524

01-31-2009, 08:44 PM

X-Fi Platinum from 3 or so years ago.

Nenu

01-31-2009, 09:10 PM

Auzentech Prelude to Onkyo TX-SR875 via analogue.

Mr. Wolf

01-31-2009, 09:39 PM

Auzen Prelude to Denon AVR-988 via optical & analog :)

rosss

01-31-2009, 10:04 PM

HT Omega Claro Plus

shaolin95

01-31-2009, 10:12 PM

I have 3 active cards (not counting my wife's computer).
MX-300 Vortex2 on my retro PC.
X-Fi Fatal1ty modded on my main pc.
x-fi Prelude on my HTPC.
Ive tried both the sonar d2 and the prelude on the same machine and both were CLEARLY better than the build in sound card...thats an Asus p5k-e.
Of course, you need gear capable of making those differences audible but there is no question about it...the difference is BIG.

Regards

Alai

01-31-2009, 10:38 PM

The same goes for analog out.

Well, you're also using a Platinum which is one of the lower quality cards in terms of DACs.

MrWizard6600

01-31-2009, 10:49 PM

Yeah you know onboards gotten pretty impressive. I'm a very subjective audio listener and I've been told I'm not very good with bass (as In most people go from 20-20k, I go from 40-20k :( ), but 256k mp3, this onboard "Supreme FX II" (I think its just realteks ALC888 but I'll check, and my now year old sennhieser HD515s keep me perfectly happy.

harmattan

01-31-2009, 11:03 PM

Razer Barracuda AC-1. Gives me crystal clear sound through SPDIF and plenty of settings to play with.

Alai

01-31-2009, 11:05 PM

Razer Barracuda AC-1. Gives me crystal clear sound through SPDIF and plenty of settings to play with.

Crystal clear sound into what speakers/headphones? Playing what? Music?

Then again, audio is super relative. If you haven't heard anything that is higher end that you can compare things to, then you can be quite happy with your current setup.

Nenu

01-31-2009, 11:18 PM

Razer Barracuda AC-1. Gives me crystal clear sound through SPDIF and plenty of settings to play with.

The quality of your sound output when using digital out is dependent mostly on your amplifers DAC, not the soundcard itself.

450

01-31-2009, 11:19 PM

E-MU 0404

criccio

01-31-2009, 11:21 PM

The quality of your sound output when using digital out is dependent mostly on your amplifers DAC, not the soundcard itself.

This.

I find it absolutely hilarious that people spend money on a soundcard then use the S/PDIF out...

The S/PDIF OUT on a fancy soundcard is bit-for-bit identical to the S/PDIF out on you're mobo.

If you didn't have a S/PDIF out on you're mobo and thats all you wanted, there are plenty of cheap soundcards that offer one.

450

01-31-2009, 11:26 PM

Criccio- I tohught some mobo's s/pdif actually send out 48khz instead of the ideal 44.1khz? Or is that fixed and/or non-issue nowadays?

kniah

01-31-2009, 11:28 PM

Well, you're also using a Platinum which is one of the lower quality cards in terms of DACs.

I thought the mediocre sound quality was more due to the output opamps then the DAC's...but this can be remedied if you have some decent soldering skills:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/hotrodding-x-fi-laymans-guide-no-56k-226975/

To the OP:
A discrete sound card only matters if you're using analog outputs. Digital will be the same as others have mentioned. Also, you may or may not notice any difference depending on how good your speakers or headphones are. If you're using cheap stuff, you likely won't be able to tell a difference.

dalearyous

01-31-2009, 11:32 PM

im going to be using it with a 5.1 logitech speaker set...i really want optical out because i have a klipsch f3 synergy series surround sound system with my yamaha receiver and i use the computer with my home theater alot. so as long as there is an optical out on the mobo i guess i wouldn't need one

criccio

01-31-2009, 11:36 PM

Criccio- I tohught some mobo's s/pdif actually send out 48khz instead of the ideal 44.1khz? Or is that fixed and/or non-issue nowadays?

Which is ideal is subjective to the media you are playing back. Redbook CD's are 44.1khz while film audio tracks (DD/DTS) is 48khz.

My onboard can output whatever you want, and what I select is reflected on my Pre/Pro's screen.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k215/criccio102286/Untitled-28.jpg

hstuehmeyer2000

01-31-2009, 11:39 PM

Mad Dog Multimedia Entertainer 7.1
Envy24 and Wolfson DAC FTW!

Nenu

01-31-2009, 11:48 PM

I thought the mediocre sound quality was more due to the output opamps then the DAC's...but this can be remedied if you have some decent soldering skills:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/hotrodding-x-fi-laymans-guide-no-56k-226975/

To the OP:
A discrete sound card only matters if you're using analog outputs. Digital will be the same as others have mentioned. Also, you may or may not notice any difference depending on how good your speakers or headphones are. If you're using cheap stuff, you likely won't be able to tell a difference.

The op-amp upgrade can be a helpful way to improve sound quality but...
If you dont have a decent DAC to feed the op-amps, you wont get the full benefit of the upgrade and will still be suffering from the limitations of a cheaper DAC.

ie the X-Fi op-amp upgrade will not make the X-Fi sound as good as the Prelude because you wont be upgrading the X-Fi DAC unless you have exceptional electronics skills.
The Prelude has a pretty good DAC and socketed Op-amps too so they can be changed very easily to match the tonal quality of your system/personal preference.

This is a good upgrade for the X-Fi though, props to you for mentioning it.

Note: the Preludes DAC is not as good as some of the stereo external DACs as some of them are truly amazing, way beyond what you will get in any amplifer unless you spend inordinate amounts of money and choose very wisely.
However, I havent seen a multi channel (more than stereo) external DAC that is better than the Prelude.
You cannot use 3 high quality stereo DACS to get 5.1 from a PC unless you have a very old (not well featured) Creative soundcard that has 3 x SPDIF out for multichannel.

norky

02-01-2009, 01:04 AM

Xonar D2X

Shrimpanzee

02-01-2009, 02:24 AM

I've heard that the HT Omega cards are superior to the X-Fi as far sound quality and customer support goes. They supposedly have far fewer problems than the Creative cards.

CodeRed

02-01-2009, 02:32 AM

Auzentech X-Meridian with LM4562 op-amps. Analog outputs sound great :)

Shrimpanzee

02-01-2009, 02:40 AM

nevermind

Delete

02-01-2009, 03:16 AM

Xonar D2X

+1 for D2X

sculelos

02-01-2009, 11:42 AM

I've heard that the HT Omega cards are superior to the X-Fi as far sound quality and customer support goes. They supposedly have far fewer problems than the Creative cards.

I've heard that as well. Well tomorrow I'll be able to see for myself as I'm getting a HT Omega Clario Halo which will replace my 3 year old X-Fi extreme music card. A built in amp is a definite plus for me since I use headphones all the time except when I want other people to be able to hear stuff.

Auric

02-01-2009, 01:10 PM

The S/PDIF OUT on a fancy soundcard can be bit-for-bit identical to the S/PDIF out on your mobo, if configured properly.

Fixed that for you.

EPS Sniper

02-01-2009, 01:21 PM

I ordered an Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 with some upgraded opamps, but sadly the card is still on backorder, so I'm using an Audigy 2ZS. Once the card comes in it'll get put in along with new opamps and 2 XLR to RCA cables. Here's to hoping :)

shaolin95

02-01-2009, 01:49 PM

Both the Prelude and the Xonar D2 sound fantastic (analog of course) but the thing that made me go with the Prelude is that it features the same high end DAC for all its speakers instead of just the left and right channel like the Xonar.
The center channel is too important for movies so the decision was made right there. Also, the ability to enter distances and angles in the prelude's control panel is very welcome.
Regards

harmattan

02-01-2009, 02:46 PM

The quality of your sound output when using digital out is dependent mostly on your amplifers DAC, not the soundcard itself.

Should have mentioned I'm running it through a modded Zero DAC/amp.

Nenu

02-01-2009, 02:53 PM

Should have mentioned I'm running it through a modded Zero DAC/amp.

No arguments there :D

Shrimpanzee

02-01-2009, 03:46 PM

I've heard that as well. Well tomorrow I'll be able to see for myself as I'm getting a HT Omega Clario Halo which will replace my 3 year old X-Fi extreme music card. A built in amp is a definite plus for me since I use headphones all the time except when I want other people to be able to hear stuff.Let me know how it turns out. :)

TehNomad

02-01-2009, 08:27 PM

I have a Chaintech AV710 modded with blackgate caps. I wish I had some good headphones/speakers to go with them =(

Robscix

02-01-2009, 08:52 PM

Right now I am using a Xonar Essence STX modified.

p997tt

02-01-2009, 09:05 PM

For music: EMU 1212m coaxial out to an external DAC (only used with headphones, see my sig for details)
For games: onboard sound on a P5Q Pro to some cheap TDK speakers

I can't hear sound in games with the EMU (mostly Japanese games like DMC4, Pro Evo Soccer) so I have no choice but to use onboard :(. Good thing is I don't care much about gaming audio.

Auric

02-02-2009, 08:28 AM

On my desktop I use a X-Fi XtremeMusic, at least until Auzentech releases the oft-delayed HomeTheater HD. On my laptop I use a Roland Edirol UA-1EX.

strid3r

02-02-2009, 09:18 AM

Been using a modded E-mu 0404 and modded Audigy 2ZS for a few years now.

Atech

02-02-2009, 09:30 AM

X-Fi Elite Pro on 7.1 speakers.

TheGamerZ

02-02-2009, 09:37 AM

X-Fi Platinum here. Couldn't go without it.

Mert

02-02-2009, 10:51 AM

asus xonar dx. it's much better than the audigy 2 i used to have.

The Phantom

02-02-2009, 11:43 AM

I just upgraded to an Asus Xonar D2X last week from a Audigy 2 on recommendations from [H]ard peeps. I could tell an instant difference between the 2 cards, the Asus is just so much cleaner and better sounding wish I had changed to it long ago. Gaming still is great COD4 sounds awesome. I did a blind A/B testing with the same song on both sound cards and my dad liked the Asus better.

My .02$

Ragenrok

02-02-2009, 12:28 PM

Im using an auzentech prelude and a pair of sennheiser HD555's and love it. Games sound so good and music is awsome ever since I switched to this set-up

mr007

02-02-2009, 07:11 PM

X-Fi Titanium i love it,big upgrade from onboard sound.

Blind Man

02-02-2009, 07:47 PM

x-fi xtreme music.. probably a little cheap for my setup

sculelos

02-02-2009, 08:28 PM

Let me know how it turns out. :) Well I've only been using the HT Omega Clario Halo and I there is definitely a big difference. I'm not sure how to describe it except that it sound a lot more crisp.

Starcrossed

02-02-2009, 09:27 PM

X-Fi Titanium. As much as I dislike Creative, I bought the card so I don't have to deal with all of the BS software and driver problems that other sound card companies have had with gaming. Had them hooked to a pair of Swan M10s, which I should've never bought. The M10's sounded worse than my X-540s, IMHO, for gaming, (not to mention everything else) and I'm sure the audiophiles around here, who remind me of coffee-sipping, snotty, quasi-knowitalls who are dying to be a master of something, will look down on that sentiment; however, having boomy bass for gaming is much nicer than my flat sounding M10's. I can only speak for my pair, of course; maybe other pairs sound more crisp than mine.

DPGX

02-02-2009, 09:38 PM

X-Fi Titanium. However after playing with my friends Xonar D2X tonight I'm ordering one of these too.

Alai

02-03-2009, 12:56 AM

A couple things:

Some people like boomy bass in whatever sound they hear. Often, however, people like accurate sounds (i.e. sounds of a bass drum that sounds like a pedal hit a drum head and not a huge fart). So most people will recommend the more accurate sounding speakers. Boomy bass does NOT equate to crisp sound which is basically what your last couple statements were saying (i.e. you're complaining about lack of boomy bass but also lack of crispiness).

This is why most people who want to listen to music as it was recorded like to listen to home audio systems instead of boomy, sound polluted car audio.

If you like boomy bass, then get it. There's no need to insult people for liking something that should be liked.

X-Fi Titanium. As much as I dislike Creative, I bought the card so I don't have to deal with all of the BS software and driver problems that other sound card companies have had with gaming. Had them hooked to a pair of Swan M10s, which I should've never bought. The M10's sounded worse than my X-540s, IMHO, for gaming, (not to mention everything else) and I'm sure the audiophiles around here, who remind me of coffee-sipping, snotty, quasi-knowitalls who are dying to be a master of something, will look down on that sentiment; however, having boomy bass for gaming is much nicer than my flat sounding M10's. I can only speak for my pair, of course; maybe other pairs sound more crisp than mine.

Jodiuh

02-03-2009, 05:41 AM

I would like to know which card sounds the best in games with regard to positional cues, # of sounds, performance, and overall tonal quality or frequency response and accuracy. Essentially, which card offers the best real world gaming experience.

450

02-03-2009, 06:14 AM

Atech

02-03-2009, 06:17 AM

kraken0698

02-03-2009, 08:22 AM

Asus Xonar Essence STX.

I went from an X-fi Xtrememusic to a Xonar DX to my current Xonar Essence STX. Each card was an upgrade from the previous one. The biggest difference I could tell was going to the Essence. Since I am mainly a headphone user, the built-in amp on this card just blows the others away. The clarity of this sound card with a good pair of cans is amazing.

Kangg

02-03-2009, 08:55 AM

Xi FI Fatality Pro, picked it up dirt cheap.

Jodiuh

02-03-2009, 06:47 PM

Any real X-Fi based card would suit that description.

I'm going to try the vanilla titanium (http://shop1.frys.com/product/5748642;jsessionid=jWLjmP8536U1OJKSi-hjqg**.node3?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG) tonight. It'll be compared to my Supreme FXII on the Maximus, SoundMAX AD1988B.

Night_Hawk-19

02-03-2009, 08:35 PM

Using x-fi champion fatility series over my x-fi elite pro. I wanted to add my Physics card in PCI slot and Creative PCI-E so my case is full with (2) 280 GTX's as well. So I am happy with Creative for now. I didn't go Asus because of PCI-E issue with EVGA 780i FTW.

Jodiuh

02-04-2009, 01:34 AM

I busted my old elite pro and just couldn't justify the price this time. To my ears the vanilla titanium sounds a little brighter than I'd like, but far more detailed than the onboard sound card from the Maximus.

Also, positioning in games feels much improved. I may swing for the Auzentech Prelude here shortly.

Stanley Pain

02-04-2009, 09:47 AM

Auzentech Prelude :)

Tedro

02-04-2009, 06:26 PM

Alien Dac for music, x-fi xtrememusic with upgraded op amps if I play any games.

#1RAGE

02-04-2009, 07:10 PM

Auzentech Prelude. Great card.

Stanley Pain

02-05-2009, 10:18 AM

Auzentech Prelude. Great card.

Agreed, it's pretty much the best thing since the last best card (Aureal Vortex 2) =)

DeathFromBelow

02-05-2009, 10:28 AM

I'm still using the X-Fi Xtreme Music I bought when the X-Fi's first came out.

The X-Fi Titanium is a good card and if your main concern is gaming its probably the best choice.

young wing

02-05-2009, 11:45 AM

I had been using the same Audigy 2Zs from 2003 until a few weeks ago. The card was making my computer restart so I tossed it. Now I use on board 750i optical out. Can't tell any diff.

Nenu

02-05-2009, 11:50 AM

I had been using the same Audigy 2Zs from 2003 until a few weeks ago. The card was making my computer restart so I tossed it. Now I use on board 750i optical out. Can't tell any diff.

Thats cos you are using digital.

Michaelius

02-11-2009, 04:49 PM

I joined club of Xonar DX owners few days ago and wow this thing really makes diffrence compared to onboard realtek from DFI.

benzino_86

02-11-2009, 06:56 PM

Wow, very little HT Omega love. I have the Striker and will work my way up to the Claro Halo at some point.

TheBlueChanell

02-12-2009, 04:24 AM

I got the X-Fi platinum when the X-Fi's first came out. It's always been great to me and I have to admit I've been missing the hell out of it since I moved to my laptop back in August. It's one of the main reasons I'm so excited to get my rig in my sig put together and running. Everything just sounds so bleh on my laptop, I've got all kinds of lossless music and it's all going to waste. :p

Only about 2 more weeks until I'll have my X-Fi and Desktop back. :D

Although, I have been thinking about trying out the Prelude but I'm not sure It'd be worth the cost of upgrading from my Plat.

R3MF

02-12-2009, 07:58 AM

Asus Xonar D2

Bigbacon

02-12-2009, 08:01 AM

X-fi extreme music. It's the oldest peice of hardware in my machine minus the case. wish I had the money to replace it. It is just causing to many issues lately with newer games and hardware, not to mention the SCP with SLI.

43st

02-12-2009, 08:14 AM

Auzen Forte.. just upgraded from the Prelude due to it's digital out limitations. Great card, also with the new X-fi 2 chip.

Nenu

02-12-2009, 08:46 AM

Auzen Forte.. just upgraded from the Prelude due to it's digital out limitations. Great card, also with the new X-fi 2 chip.

What digital out limitations does the Prelude have?

43st

02-12-2009, 09:27 AM

What digital out limitations does the Prelude have?

The digital passes before the chip, so no Alchemy, CMSS, etc. in Vista. I wanted to enjoy the higher quality of the digital out, but I also needed to use Alchemy. If you don't play games it shouldn't matter.

rayz

02-12-2009, 09:34 AM

HT Omega Claro +

Blue Knight

02-12-2009, 12:35 PM

Asus Xonar DX - hoorary for something to stick in the a PCI-E slot.

alg7_munif

02-12-2009, 01:09 PM

Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 Deluxe FTW!!!

nathancipher

02-12-2009, 10:24 PM

m-audio delta 410 and also a fast track USB

rls669

02-13-2009, 08:37 AM

43st

02-13-2009, 11:18 AM

I'll soon be adding a nice vintage audio system to my pc -- Nikko rackmount amp and preamp with a pair of Bose 301s and a pair of 501s. No digital input or surround sound, but I think this setup deserves something better than onboard sound. Suggestions for a card for music and movies?

Sweet setup.. I have a 70's vintage Sherwood / Advent system in our living room.

I'd recommend an external stereo DAC, so it's doing the processing from digital to analog and not a PC based card. You'll get a much better noise floor and something that the amp and speakers can really take advantage of.

siralexu

02-13-2009, 11:19 AM

Auzen X-Fi Prelude

rls669

02-13-2009, 04:19 PM

I'd recommend an external stereo DACAny recommendations for something decent and not too pricey?

43st

02-13-2009, 05:14 PM

Any recommendations for something decent and not too pricey?

That's a bit more difficult, I think you need to search around some. I personally have a upgraded Zero DAC, that was purchased on Ebay from a guy in China. So I got something good, about $170, but I don't really have any options if it breaks down.

The best I can suggest is to do some reading on the AVSforum or Head-fi forum.

frost

02-16-2009, 03:56 AM

Asus Xonar Essence STX

Vercinaigh

02-16-2009, 11:45 AM

Love my Ht Omega Striker, buying the Halo line soon, might get the XT with it..not sure I really need it right now though.

Jodiuh

02-16-2009, 10:13 PM

Auzen Forte.. just upgraded from the Prelude due to it's digital out limitations. Great card, also with the new X-fi 2 chip.
Any mic issues in game? Also, does it sound as good?

I've used the following:

X-Fi Elite Pro
X-Fi Titanium vanilla
X-Fi Fatal1ty eXtremeGamer
X-Fi eXtremeMusic
M-Audio Revolution 5.1

And I'm now on onboard ADI1988b. I choose not to listen to music right now as it's pretty damn screechy and blown out, even w/ an amp. How does the Prelude/Forte sound in comparison to any of those? I'm really thinking I'd dig the Forte due to it's smaller formfactor, AKM opamp, and X-Fi CMSS3D options. I especially dig the PCIe as the Titanium had a "crisper" sound than my Elite Pro which leads me to believe games will not suffer so much from the odd crackle now and then from the older PCI based solutions.

miskari

02-17-2009, 07:55 AM

just got my Asus Xonar D2X, lovin it so far

43st

02-17-2009, 11:48 AM

Any mic issues in game? Also, does it sound as good?

It's a great sounding card and most likely is an upgrade to the Titanium, just based on Auzen's parts quality. I've used both the S/pdif to an external amp/DAC as well as it's internal headphone amp (which is remarkable) to my DT880 headphones. This is my first PCI-e sound card though, so I'm not sure of the line between Auzen's better build quality and the various fixes of the PCI-e X-fi chip.

I don't use loudspeakers so I can't comment on those outputs. I also use an external USB microphone so I mute and disable all the other sound card functions. I did have a bit of noise on the FP microphone channel but it's completely gone if disabled.

Atech

02-17-2009, 12:51 PM

Any mic issues in game? Also, does it sound as good?

I've used the following:

X-Fi Elite Pro
X-Fi Titanium vanilla
X-Fi Fatal1ty eXtremeGamer
X-Fi eXtremeMusic
M-Audio Revolution 5.1

And I'm now on onboard ADI1988b. I choose not to listen to music right now as it's pretty damn screechy and blown out, even w/ an amp. How does the Prelude/Forte sound in comparison to any of those? I'm really thinking I'd dig the Forte due to it's smaller formfactor, AKM opamp, and X-Fi CMSS3D options. I especially dig the PCIe as the Titanium had a "crisper" sound than my Elite Pro which leads me to believe games will not suffer so much from the odd crackle now and then from the older PCI based solutions.

Making NVIDIA's poor PCI implementation to a Creative problem now? :rolleyes:

HydroBudz

02-17-2009, 12:58 PM

Me and my old ass SB Audigy LS. :)

It still sounds great compared to on-board audio.

rekd0514

02-17-2009, 01:38 PM

This thread has some good info and I am inspired to buy a card eventually.

Atech

02-17-2009, 01:43 PM

This thread has some good info and I am inspired to buy a card eventually.

If you own a GPU, then you already know why onboard just don't cut it ;)

Stanley Pain

02-17-2009, 02:16 PM

The digital passes before the chip, so no Alchemy, CMSS, etc. in Vista. I wanted to enjoy the higher quality of the digital out, but I also needed to use Alchemy. If you don't play games it shouldn't matter.

Umm what? This is blatantly wrong, as I'm running Vista and Alchemy, CMSS, EAX, etc all work via digital out when DTSC or DDL are enabled.

43st

02-17-2009, 03:44 PM

Umm what? This is blatantly wrong, as I'm running Vista and Alchemy, CMSS, EAX, etc all work via digital out when DTSC or DDL are enabled.

Not blatantly wrong, I just forgot to add something critical. :( Alchemy, EAX, don't work via digital when sending in STEREO. A small, but very important detail, in my case.

Stanley Pain

02-17-2009, 04:01 PM

Not blatantly wrong, I just forgot to add something critical. :( Alchemy, EAX, don't work via digital when sending in STEREO. A small, but very important detail, in my case.

That makes a lot more sense now :D

lmnopc

02-17-2009, 04:08 PM

M-Audio 2496

criccio

02-17-2009, 04:09 PM

Just ordered a Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 (http://www.audiotrak.net/products/prodigyhd2/) yesterday. Can't wait!

Should make my M200MKII's sing nicely.

Atech

02-17-2009, 04:51 PM

Just ordered a Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 (http://www.audiotrak.net/products/prodigyhd2/) yesterday. Can't wait!

Should make my M200MKII's sing nicely.

Hope you looked into their Vista driver problems...

phide

02-17-2009, 04:54 PM

Just ordered a Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 (http://www.audiotrak.net/products/prodigyhd2/) yesterday. Can't wait!
Why can't more manufacturers use white PCB?

criccio

02-17-2009, 04:56 PM

Hope you looked into their Vista driver problems...

I'm in contact with a few people on Head-Fi that have it working nicely in Vista64 so I'm hopeful. I more or less just want to test and play with it. I always have my trusty Devilsound DAC to fall back on. Still trying to source an Onkyo SE-200 to do the same with.

Alai

02-17-2009, 05:02 PM

criccio

02-17-2009, 05:05 PM

Lol. Did you buy the SE-200 from Head-Fi? The one for $300?

O no. I'm still looking for one. That wasn't me :)

Alai

02-17-2009, 05:14 PM

O no. I'm still looking for one. That wasn't me :)

Ah. Why don't you buy it from him? You can't get it anywhere but from Japan and he picked it up while in Japan.

criccio

02-17-2009, 05:17 PM

Ah. Why don't you buy it from him? You can't get it anywhere but from Japan and he picked it up while in Japan.

Huh, I didn't even know there was one for sale there until you mentioned it. And since you asked If i was the one who bought it I assumed it was already sold. I'll go look now, thanks for the heads up.

Tremulant

02-17-2009, 05:20 PM

E-MU 1212M with an old Audio Alchemy DDE v1.1 dac since one of the channels on the emu decided to die on me. The E-MU dac's seemed more detailed, better imaging, soundstage etc, but is a little anemic in the bass, the Audio Alchemy, although probably at least 16 years old sounds pretty damn good and the bass response really gives the music drive that it was missing before, in the end both are musical in their own way.

EPS Sniper

02-17-2009, 05:32 PM

I'm in contact with a few people on Head-Fi that have it working nicely in Vista64 so I'm hopeful. I more or less just want to test and play with it. I always have my trusty Devilsound DAC to fall back on. Still trying to source an Onkyo SE-200 to do the same with.

I ordered a Prodigy HD2 from FloridaMusicCo, but it's been backordered for a while. I can't wait for mine either and I already have the cables and upgraded opamps ready to go. I haven't heard of any Vista 64 issues at all. I know that a few of the special effects don't work, but that's because QSound didn't license it for 64-bit usage. Other than that I believe there is a BSOD issue with Battlefield 2 and that's it really. The card is supposed to be amazing for stereo usage and for the occasional movie, which is right up my alley. I'll keep everyone posted on my findings as well.

EPS Sniper

02-17-2009, 05:34 PM

Why can't more manufacturers use white PCB?

In some of the marketing materials they mentioned that they used the white PCB so that it looked more "elegant." I love boutique Asian products ;)

Atech

02-17-2009, 05:35 PM

I ordered a Prodigy HD2 from FloridaMusicCo, but it's been backordered for a while. I can't wait for mine either and I already have the cables and upgraded opamps ready to go. I haven't heard of any Vista 64 issues at all. I know that a few of the special effects don't work, but that's because QSound didn't license it for 64-bit usage. Other than that I believe there is a BSOD issue with Battlefield 2 and that's it really. The card is supposed to be amazing for stereo usage and for the occasional movie, which is right up my alley. I'll keep everyone posted on my findings as well.

Look in their support forums ;)

EPS Sniper

02-17-2009, 05:36 PM

Lol. Did you buy the SE-200 from Head-Fi? The one for $300?

The SE-200 is pretty freaking expensive for a sound card IMHO, but man does it look nice. I had no idea that you could only get it from Japan...I thought that you had to order it on the web from a site there and that they'd air ship it. At any rate, if you had the opportunity to audition it I'd take it in a heartbeat.

EPS Sniper

02-17-2009, 05:38 PM

Look in their support forums ;)

I've seen their support forums, but most issues seem to be related to the Prodigy 7.1 more than the Prodigy HD2. When buying a product like this one should be aware that the support site will be less than helpful and regularly updated drivers will be more of a myth than a reality. I know that if you flash the card you can use VIA reference drivers, but you have to know enough Korean to read the instructions on the site :(

Alai

02-17-2009, 06:16 PM

The SE-200 is pretty freaking expensive for a sound card IMHO, but man does it look nice. I had no idea that you could only get it from Japan...I thought that you had to order it on the web from a site there and that they'd air ship it. At any rate, if you had the opportunity to audition it I'd take it in a heartbeat.

You CAN buy it from a website... but it costs like... 15% extra in shipping.

j3ff86

02-17-2009, 06:38 PM

Is the chaintech AV-710 (via envy24) still a good sound card for blu-ray/music/games? I've been using my onboard lately because I had an issue with 5.1 in Valve games. I ask because it's still requested once in a while in trading forums.

yujie

02-17-2009, 10:40 PM

Is the Asus Xonar D2x a worth upgrade from Audigy2? I used it for some gaming and music/movies on a 5.1.

ashmedai

02-17-2009, 10:49 PM

Is the Asus Xonar D2x a worth upgrade from Audigy2? I used it for some gaming and music/movies on a 5.1.

Maybe, but Asus expanded their line again and the new card is supposed to be pretty hot shit itself. There are a number of good options if you want to spend $200 on a new card.

Alai

02-17-2009, 11:43 PM

Is the Asus Xonar D2x a worth upgrade from Audigy2? I used it for some gaming and music/movies on a 5.1.

Not on 5.1 because the D2X doesn't use it's highest quality DAC on the surround outputs. Only the main stereo outputs.

ashmedai

02-17-2009, 11:44 PM

Maybe a receiver then if you have room. More options to look at, anyway.

Jodiuh

02-18-2009, 12:41 AM

Making NVIDIA's poor PCI implementation to a Creative problem now? :rolleyes:
A friend had a 680i that did not crackle w/ his Fatal1ty, however both my DFI Dark P965-S and Abit IP35 Pro would crackle in BF2 and especially in G.R.A.W. 2 when using his Fatal1ty and the Elite Pro. Moving to the Asus Maximus solved the issue. I believe it had something to do w/ the amount of layers used on the PCB.

silverlai3

02-18-2009, 02:22 AM

Not on 5.1 because the D2X doesn't use it's highest quality DAC on the surround outputs. Only the main stereo outputs.

man.. check it out again. It's so not true.
Xona D2X uses 24-bit D-A Converter of Digital Sources:
TI Burr-Brown PCM1796 *4 (123dB SNR, Max. 192kHz/24bit)

So all channels are the same high quality BB1796.
Tell me if you find any other 7.1 card using better DAC out there.