Entry Level Soundcard: Asus Xonar DG vs. Creative Audigy SE

[Madmick]

Which would you recommend?

Asus Xonar DG ($21 including shipping after rebate)
Specifications Here

Creative Labs Audigy SE ($23 today with $7 coupon code discount)

Price is virtually identical (for 4/11 only). The only difference I see is that the Audigy supports 7.1 and the Xonar only supports 5.1, but I only have two front speakers and a subwoofer, so it's not like I'll reap the difference. Otherwise, sample rate and resolution are identical, so I'm lost to additional differences.

Also, the details page at NewEgg for the Audigy SE doesn't specify Windows 7 as a supported OS, but Creative's page lists a Driver for it, so I'm assuming that info is out of date:
http://support.creative.com/kb/showarticle.aspx?sid=61105

 

[richaron]

The Xonar is part of a newer family, it should have much better software support. It's also putting out much more power ("headphone amp") in case you need it for better headphones.

 

[Prey2big]

I would definately avoid Audigy-chip cards for Windows Vista/Windows 7. There are severe issues with these newer operating systems and those old cards.

When I switched over from win xp to win 7 a few years ago I had to replace my old soundblaster audigy (from 2003) and got an X-Fi Titanium. Now I'm very satisfied.

 

[Madmick]

I grabbed the Xonar. Thanks guys.