Sound card recomendations

K

Kehl

Weaksauce
Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
119
I think my current sound card has finally bit the dust, I get a really high pitched noise unless I disable my mic in windows and havent been able to fix it. I have read a little and shopped around and could use some advice. I play a lot of older games that still use EAX, but my computer is also my main source for playing music when I am not gaming. My only reason for even looking at creative is EAX support... I am really wondering if its worth the hassles since I want vista support. I'm trying to stay around $100, here is what I have looked at so far.

Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium
HT OMEGA STRIKER

Any suggestions on these two or another alternative?

Edit: One other tid bit, I am still using an old set of Cambridge Soundworks FPS2000. It has SPDIF via a digital DIN, but the connector does not resemble anything on the back of the HT Omega Striker. Will I have issues there?
 
Can't go wrong with that X-Fi you linked to, it is a solid card with good Vista drivers and the only one that renders all EAX flavours with 100% accuracy.
EDIT:
As for the digital DIN connector I think the only card that still supports is comes from Auzentech - check out their website, I remember they advertized something like that.
 
Thanks for the info so far. Is there any advantage of using PCI-E over a regular PCI card? I've got 2 of each free if I pull the current sound card so having one over the other is not a concern.

And the more I look at the outputs available, I may be hosed with my current speaker setup when I ugprade sound cards. Maybe I havent listened to anything better, but I have really liked the current quality of my speakers too. But the limitation of a a digital din, even with a converter to a 1/8" mini jack, is frustrating. Everything seems to have gone to an optical or coaxial connection for SPDIF.

Thanks for the tip about the addon card for Auzentech Uncle Jim, but that plus a Prelude would put me in the $200+ range. At that point it becomes a debate if I want to just get a sound card or check out the possibility of making a bigger upgrade to both my sound card and speakers.
 
If I were buying a new sound card right now it would be the Xfi Titanium.
 
darkunitzero said:
just a question but what connections are you planning to use
Click to expand...

That is the new issue I have run into. Apparently if I upgrade my sound card I will have to replace my speakers. I enjoy the enhanced quality using a spdif has provided, but purchasing a sound card, receiver, and speakers is going to be out of my budget since $250-300 will be the max I would really want to spend at this time for both after examining the situation. Plus the size of most receivers and speakers are a little overwhelming for a desk setup.


I had currently looked at Logitech Z-2300 2.1 for a speaker option, but I really need to go listen to them somewhere to see how well they would work for music. That (or another speaker setup) combind with a sound card that down the road will give me an option of upgrading to a receiver that allows for a spdif connection to hopefully improve my overall sound quality.

Replacing a single sound card has become more expensive then planned.
 
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if you're going to do spdif, and you motherboard is capable, then i really dont see the point of spending money on a dedicated sound card.

but if you still want a sound card, go for it; spending is good: be a responsible citizen and contribute towards the economy.
 
Kehl said:
I enjoy the enhanced quality using a spdif has provided, but purchasing a sound card, receiver, and speakers is going to be out of my budget since $250-300 will be the max I would really want to spend at this time for both after examining the situation. Plus the size of most receivers and speakers are a little overwhelming for a desk setup.
Click to expand...

you dont necessarily need a fullblown av receiver. you could go with the well regarded zero dac and a pair of active speakers. I haven't tried them myself, but swan active speakers seem to be highly regarded on this board. I do have the zero dac which i love. I use it with a usb spdif out which is plug and play. No messing with crappy drivers or anything. + it makes a pretty good headphone amp.
 
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FanZ said:
if you're going to do spdif, and you motherboard is capable, then i really dont see the point of spending money on a dedicated sound card.
Click to expand...

My motherboard does not support spdif, that was my first consideration. I may swap over to that a temporary solution.
 
I totally think you should go with the Claro Halo and then tell me how well it works. Ready? 1 2 3 go!
 
I would suggest checking eBay for Auzen Preludes.. i've seen a bid listing review unit go for 70+20 shipping (two bids), and I personally got my Prelude BNIB for 75 after cashback (100 Buy it now + FS, and yes, it's real). I think a majority of the people listing these items mistake them for the lower model 7.1.. which is a winner.

Hot deal.. you just have to be patient ;).
 
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